Problems · NHTSA complaints
2012 Audi Q7 problems
Owners filed 29 complaints about the 2012 Audi Q7 with NHTSA between Jun 2016 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (11).
Complaints
29
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Engine8
- Steering4
- Power train3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Suspension1
- Service brakes1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Exterior lighting1
- Structure1
- Wheels1
- Electrical system1
- Seat belts1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
4
2
7
7
1
0
0
1
3
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Fuel/propulsion system
11 reports
“There have been continuous indicators by way of the check engine light repeatedly appearing on my vehicle's dash for a number of years. A different determination was always discovered each time I took my vehicle to the only Audi Certified Dealership in my area. Most recently, I have been told that my vehicle now requires a Fuel System Replacement, High Pressure Fuel Pump, All Components in Fuel Tank, Fuel Rails, Injectors, All Rubber Fuel Lines for a cost of $16,830.50. Coincidentally, I received information by mail from the manufacturer (Audi), indicating there was a Safety Recall 20W9--Fuel Pump Flange for this exact same issue, and that my vehicle had been identified amongst the other reported 143,214 vehicles, as affected. This information was dated October 6, 2016. I immediately contacted my local Audi dealership to schedule an appointment to discuss next step options to resolve this recall issue, and was told then by my assigned Service Technician that the parts were not available at that time to render repairs, but I would be contacted when to bring my vehicle back in. Subsequently, I don't recall ever having that particular issue get resolved because a…”
Engine
8 reports
“Since I bought my vehicle it has been burning oil I am adding oil every two to three days because it burns it and the smells burnt and the light comes on I have to add 3 oil bottles every two to three days It smells burnt and I cannot drive for long periods of times because I am scared something can happen. I have a 2012 audi q7.”
Steering
4 reports
“On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additional serious safety-related defects, including a brake system condition where the brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor when pressure is applied (indicating a braking system…”
Power train
3 reports
“CRANK PULLEY HARD RUBBER CORE OR SO CALLED HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF CAUSING TO LOOSE POWER STEERING AND NOT BE ABLE TO STEER. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A HIGHWAY RAMP AND THANKFULLY OTHER CARS WERE ABLE TO AVOID ME DUE TO THE LOW TRAFFIC AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM HAS SNAPPED OFF DURING HEAVY RAINSTORMS WHILE DRIVING WITHIN NYC'S POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON THE GRAND CENTRAL PARKWAY OF 50 MPH. THE LACK OF VISIBILITY COMPROMISES MY SAFETY AND OTHERS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
2 reports
“PULLING OUT MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A STOP, VEHICLE SUDDENLY HESITATED, POWER TO ENGINE WAS INTERMITTENT AND JERKY, AND ACCELERATION WAS POOR TO NONE. MANY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON (STABILITY, TIRE PRESSURE, ANTI-LOCK, ETC.). STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO SHAKING SLIGHTLY (POWER STEERING MOTOR?). CONDITION CONTINUED FOR ABOUT A MILE WHILE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO HOME. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND ON RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. ON INITIAL CALL TO DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD "THEY DO THAT SOMETIMES; YOU NEED TO TURN OFF/ON TO REBOOT SYSTEM". AFTER TAKING FOR SERVICE FOUR DAYS LATER NO ISSUES WERE FOUND OTHER THAN SOME "MISFIRING" CODES ON DATE OF EVENT. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A SITUATION THEY'VE SEEN AND NO SERVICE BULLETINS EXISTED ON THE BEHAVIOR. AS THE INITIAL PROBLEM CONTINUED UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF/ON IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT THE INITIAL INFORMATION FROM THE DEALERSHIP WAS CORRECT AND THIS IS A COMPUTER CONTROL PROBLEM. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW AND NOT EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE BEFORE. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 60K MILES ON IT. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT A LOSS OF POWER PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IS A VERY SERIOUS FAILURE. IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT "HAPPENS SOMETIMES AND…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.