Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 15 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
21 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeats
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 licen…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11427606
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2021
EngineFireInjury
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 ke…
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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...
NHTSA ODI #11424332
100,200 miles · Nov 15, 2020
Visibility/wiper
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.
NHTSA ODI #11374785
140,000 miles · Apr 9, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL LEAKING TOP OF LEFT SIDE FUEL TANK AT FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS
NHTSA ODI #11320636
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2020
Electrical System
CAR BOSE AMPLIFIER RECEIVES WATER FROM PANORAMA ROOF DAMAGING THE ENTIRE PINS SYSTEM, GPS AND BLUETOOTH SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #11318520
124,000 miles · Nov 13, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I HAVE A 2009 AUDI Q7 DIESEL BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP MARCH 2019 AFTER IT HAD BEEN SOLD TO THE PUBLIC ONCE AUDI DID EMISSIONS RECALLS , AFTER I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE HAD ISSUES WITH IT 10 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT I TOOK IT BACK DEALERSHIP WANTS TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HELPING ME EVEN THOUGH IT STILL HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 4 Y…
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I HAVE A 2009 AUDI Q7 DIESEL BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP MARCH 2019 AFTER IT HAD BEEN SOLD TO THE PUBLIC ONCE AUDI DID EMISSIONS RECALLS , AFTER I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE HAD ISSUES WITH IT 10 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT I TOOK IT BACK DEALERSHIP WANTS TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HELPING ME EVEN THOUGH IT STILL HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 4 YEARS MORE FROM THE MANUFACTURER, I HAVE A FLASHING GLOWPLUG AND LIMP MODE VEHICLE THAT WHEN DRIVING IT AND GLOW PLUG GOES ON WHILE I AM ON THE ROAD VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN FROM GOING 65MPH TO APPROXIMATELY UNDER 15MPH IN JUST SECONDS ENGINE LOSES POWER AND ITS A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE ON THE FREEWAY . AUDI DEALER CLAIMS I HAVE FUEL CONTAMINATION BUT WHEN ASKED TO PROVE TO ME THIS THROUGH FUEL BEING SENT TO THE LAB THEY HAVE NO SUCH LAB RESULTS . THEY JUST CLAIM I HAD THIS IN ORDER NOT TO HONOR MY WARRANTY WHICH IS VERY FISHY SINCE I BOUGHT VEHICLE ONCE THEY SOLD IT OUT TO THE PUBLIC AFTER RECALL HAD BEEN SUPPOSIVELY FIXED FOR EMISSIONS. I HAD FUEL PUMPS REPLACED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS AND INJECTORS AS WELL ALL PAID OUT OF POCKET VEHICLE STILL STATES CODE POO88 AND CODE P0087 CHANGED FUEL FILTER ALSO AND NOW CATALYC CONVERTER CODE IS ON ALSO I FEEL THEY NEED TO HONOR MY WARRANTY SINCE FUEL WAS NEVER TESTED THROUGH A LAB AND ITS JUST BY WORD OF MOUTH THAT THEY CLAIM I HAD CONTAMINATION . VEHICLE STILL BEING WORKED ON BUT ALL COSTS OUT ARE OUT OF MY POCKET EVENTHOUGH MY WARRANTY BOOKLET FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATES I SHOULD BE COVERED FOR FUEL RAILS, PUMPS, CATALYC CONVERTE ETC..
NHTSA ODI #11279902
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2019
Electrical SystemStructure
SUNROOF DRAIN LINE CONNECTOR, WATER LEAK ON TOP OF THE RADIO BOSE AMPLIER
NHTSA ODI #11258472
103,000 miles · Jul 26, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN THE ENCLOSED GARAGE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS KEPT. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND DISCOVERED SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE PRESSURIZED FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK (LEFT SIDE, BENEATH SECOND ROW REAR SEAT) DEVELOPS CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC AND EMITS A FINE SPRAY OF FUEL. I REMOVED THE S…
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NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN THE ENCLOSED GARAGE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS KEPT. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND DISCOVERED SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE PRESSURIZED FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK (LEFT SIDE, BENEATH SECOND ROW REAR SEAT) DEVELOPS CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC AND EMITS A FINE SPRAY OF FUEL. I REMOVED THE SECOND ROW SEAT AND DISCOVERED A POOL OF LIQUID GASOLINE ON TOP OF THE PRESSURIZED FUEL FILTER. AUDI HAS AN EXISTING RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V660000, WHICH MERELY "INSTALLS A BUTYL RUBBER BAND TO PROTECT THE PUMP" AND WHICH I HAVE ALREADY HAD PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A DIFFERENT ISSUE IN THAT THE FUEL FILTER ITSELF DEVELOPS CRACKS AND FISSURES THAT ALLOW PRESSURIZED FUEL TO ESCAPE. IN THE PICTURE YOU CAN SEE THAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR APPEARS TO BE IMMERSED IN LIQUID GASOLINE.
NHTSA ODI #11234983
5 miles · Feb 19, 2019
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
THE PASSANGER WIPER ARM SNAPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS DURING HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11181065
90,000 miles · Nov 20, 2017
Power Train
WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER. A WARNING ON THE DASH SHOWS "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION" AND THE VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. ONCE OVER SO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED OFF, AND THEN RESTARTED. ONCE RESTARTED, NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE VISIBLE AND THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS NORMAL. …
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WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER. A WARNING ON THE DASH SHOWS "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION" AND THE VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. ONCE OVER SO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED OFF, AND THEN RESTARTED. ONCE RESTARTED, NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE VISIBLE AND THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS NORMAL. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS RATHER THEN WINTER AND IS SPORADIC. SOMETIMES IT WON'T HAPPEN FOR A MONTH. OTHER TIMES IT WILL HAPPEN 3 TIMES IN THE SAME TRIP. IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRY AND GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN HIGH TRAFFIC TRAVELING 60+MPH. INTERNET SEARCHES ON ISSUES WITH AUDI GEARBOX MALFUNCTIONS SHOWS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN DONE.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct rear GAWR on top of the existing safety certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50G5.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:labels
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."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct rear GAWR on top of the existing safety certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50G5.
Tires
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."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct rear GAWR on top of the existing safety certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50G5.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Diesel
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
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