NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints for the 2009 Audi Q7. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (7) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 15–20 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2009-2015 Q7 vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and Part 567, "Certification."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I purchased this vehicle used on 7/14/21 from Audi of Des Moines. Not even 3 days after purchasing, the rear view mirror fell down, the back of the front driver and passenger seats came off, the car had been hail damaged at the dealership but they didn't inspect the entire car so I have to replace the windshield and front license plate plastic grill attachment. However, my biggest concern is the smell of Gasoline after I drive the vehicle, every time. There is a strong odor of gasoline near both rear doors/wheels that can be smelled after stepping out of the vehicle and the engine has been lagging. I have filled the gas tank 3 times and each time used premium gasoline. I can't get any information as to whether or not my specific vehicle has had the 2 fuel recalls checked and/or serviced. I am beyond frustrated and feel like I was sold a lemon. Of course the dealership will not help me because they sold it as is no return policy. Mind you that stated that all they did to it was wash it and clean the inside prior to selling it to me and did not do any kind of thorough inspection.”
“I was driving my 2009 Audi Q7 last June 27,2021 at 5 pm in interstate 5N my speed is 70mph when i heard a beep sound , Air bag and Hood light on flashes in the dash board and i decided to pull over on the shoulder lane when my wife noticed that smoke coming out in front of the engine, i stopped the engine but i can`t pull the key and my set belt locked to where i can`t release it , my wife help me to get out from the set belt and she managed gave forced to her door just to open it , I was able to reached the lever to open the hood where smoke & fire coming out from the engine , I`m trying to control the fire but fire spread out rapidly inside the car and less than a minute fire covered the entire body of Audi Q7. I can send the pictures if needed or upon request...”
“WHILE DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLEW OFF. I ORDERED A NEW PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND IT WORKED FOR A MONTH. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER FROZE DURING USE, CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER TO HIT IT.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,700 | 509 |
| Q7 Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,850 | 555 |
| Q7 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (7), engine (3), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Audi Q7 at 15–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).