2011 Audi Q7
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Audi Q7. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2011 Audi Q7. Newest first.
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,"…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Driving on a country road with no vehicle in front of me - a loud explosion occurred and realized the front panel of the sunroof had exploded. Luckily, the screen was closed at the time and no large glass fragments fell into the occupants of the vehicle - there were five of us at the time. Arrived…
Driving on a country road with no vehicle in front of me - a loud explosion occurred and realized the front panel of the sunroof had exploded. Luckily, the screen was closed at the time and no large glass fragments fell into the occupants of the vehicle - there were five of us at the time. Arrived at a friend’s house to vacuum out the small slivers of glass pieces that fell through the screen. The outside temperature that day was approximately 80°F. The explosion sounded like gunfire and it was very scary. My [XXX] (Nephew) started crying after the incident because it was very shocking to all of us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Fuel/propulsion system
The Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed suddenly at interstate speed (65-70mph) as I was driving up a hill in 3 lanes of traffic. The car stalled immediately and lost all motive power. I had to limp across 3 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder right away, risking collision from passing…
The Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed suddenly at interstate speed (65-70mph) as I was driving up a hill in 3 lanes of traffic. The car stalled immediately and lost all motive power. I had to limp across 3 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder right away, risking collision from passing vehicles. I could provide the damaged pump for inspection if needed. It's a common failure of the CP4 design, disintegrating and pushing tiny metal shards throughout the fuel system including injectors. The CP4 has been recalled on many vehicles previously. The problem has been diagnosed by the Audi dealership and confirmed the Bosch CP4 pump failed and destroyed the entire fuel system. The car has been dealership maintained since new and had no warning signs of failure, or lights. It was running perfectly prior to this incident. Because of the location of the incident there was a 5 hour delay in roadside assistance, in which my family sat on the side of the road.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The smell of gasoline out side on the left and the right behind driver seat. Please help me. I searched on YouTube alot of car audi brand recall to fix the issue. They said cracked and leaked the cap of filter fuel pump.
- Visibility/wiper
Passenger windshield wiper snapped off. Light rain and also driving at normal interstate speed.
- Visibility/wiper
Driving on a Saturday evening when it started raining. Wipers automatically engaged, suddenly saw passenger side blade warp then snap off and fly off the to the side of the street causing the driver behind me to swerve almost causing an accident. I pulled over immediately, to retrieve the piece to try and determine what happened. Saw that it just snapped off and flew off without any notice.
- Fuel system, diesel
The contact owns a 2011 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic stated that the…
The contact owns a 2011 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic stated that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel tank, and fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by the dealer. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 114,000.
- Visibility/wiper
2 separate occasions now, the passenger-side windshield wipers have broken off. This is apparently a common incident with some Audi vehicles due to poor manufacturing/design. Audi has not implemented a recall. This is a safety concern as the wipers have broken off while I was driving and could hit another vehicle!
- Visibility/wiper
I was driving in the rain with my wipers on, set on low when the passenger side wiper ejected itself and the wiper arm broke near the base. To keep my windshield from being scratched I had to turn my wipers off altogether forcing me to drive in the unsafe condition of poor visibility. There were no signs that the arm was about to break or the wiper was about to come off, they did so very suddenly.
- Service brakes · Steering
Today I heard a thumping sound from my brakes and it caused my brakes to malfunction. And my steering IS also got hardened a bit. IS there a recall campain for my 2011 Q7 car for brake and steering issue? I've found out that 2012 2013 and 2017 models had recalls.
- Seats
Seat back panel for both driver and passenger seats came off due summer temperature. Now electrical panels are exposed if kids just pull off the back panel.
- Unknown or other
After starting engine, around 20 secs warning comes that right rear brake not working, right rear parking light not working. But there IS no issue with brake lights or parking lights. Physical inspection shows it works just fine.
- Visibility/wiper
Passenger side wiper arm has broken 3 times. arm and blade fall off when the wipers are operating in high speed.
- Electrical system
I purchased a new audi Q7 s-line in 2011. Multiple repairs and recalls during and after warranty period. Electrical IS particularly problematic. Changed first sensor door handle in 2014, under warranty. Now, with just over 70,000, all four handles failed, had to replace new battery and all four…
I purchased a new audi Q7 s-line in 2011. Multiple repairs and recalls during and after warranty period. Electrical IS particularly problematic. Changed first sensor door handle in 2014, under warranty. Now, with just over 70,000, all four handles failed, had to replace new battery and all four handles, total cost over $2,500. Clearly a manufacturer defect and if you search you'll find multiple complaints about the problem, so I called audi customer service. The car was always dealer-maintained and repaired, with all records, but they've been "researching my inquiry" for over a month now with no decision. Not what I would have expected of a "premium" car brand. Recommend they issue a tsb
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel pump recall rubber band fix IS inadequate. my model got repaired last year for the recall. this repair IS inadequate and put my family's safety at risk. The gasoline melted the rubber band and leak. we started smelling gasoline inside our vehicle and while the vehicle IS parked in our garage.
- Unknown or other
Possible ignition switch issue: I was driving on the highway at around 70 mph when there was click sound accompanied by loss of power, brakes didn't function properly, steering wheel became increasing hard to maneuver. I was able to bring to a stop by the shoulder. I noticed that the ignition switch had got turned off. I turned the ignition and the car starting working again. very scary!
- Visibility/wiper
The wiper arm broke off from the mounting assembly at the base. conditions were medium rain. Temperature approximately 50 degrees (f). driving at legal highway speed of 55 mph. there was no object collision. it simply snapped, leaving only the driver wiper functional.
- Visibility/wiper
The has been a lot of incident that an audi Q7 right wiper blade can snapped off and can hit another car of person while driving in a highway. I was driving last night and luckily slowed down about to make a turn when all of a sudden my passenger wiper arm just snapped in half. If I was driving…
The has been a lot of incident that an audi Q7 right wiper blade can snapped off and can hit another car of person while driving in a highway. I was driving last night and luckily slowed down about to make a turn when all of a sudden my passenger wiper arm just snapped in half. If I was driving faster at that time, that could have went flying and hit another car behind me. The wiper arm IS metal and the end where it snapped IS sharp. When I search the internet, it seems like this IS a common problem with this model car and audi IS not doing anything about it and waiting for someone to get hurt first. Forum that I found of similar incidents. Https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q7-discussion-112/passenger-side-wiper-arm-broke-completely-off-2895850/
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi Q7. While driving, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor emitting from the front of the vehicle. Upon inspecting under the hood, the contact noticed fuel on several components under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi Q7. While driving, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor emitting from the front of the vehicle. Upon inspecting under the hood, the contact noticed fuel on several components under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel spray derived from a failed or fractured fuel injector. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v019000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall and would not be eligible for a free repair. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Engine
This complaint pertains to audi's adblue (nox) system. The nox sensor failed, when the car IS driving or stationary. the warning alert states the car will not start within 600 miles. The nox sensor must be replace; otherwise, the car will not run due to the software lock out triggered by the…
This complaint pertains to audi's adblue (nox) system. The nox sensor failed, when the car IS driving or stationary. the warning alert states the car will not start within 600 miles. The nox sensor must be replace; otherwise, the car will not run due to the software lock out triggered by the sensor. I am forced to repair the car despite the fact the tdi adblue system never worked properly as advertised by vw/audi. In my view, vw/audi should replace the sensor or vw/audi should offer a reimbursement for any cost related to the tdi adblue system that occurred while the court case IS pending.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
This complaint pertains to audis adblue(nox) system. We recieved a fault on a road trip. It stated car would not turn on within 600 miles. It started to count down. After 3 dealership visits they informed me that the first part to replace IS a nox sensor to the cost of 1300 dollars. I refused as I…
This complaint pertains to audis adblue(nox) system. We recieved a fault on a road trip. It stated car would not turn on within 600 miles. It started to count down. After 3 dealership visits they informed me that the first part to replace IS a nox sensor to the cost of 1300 dollars. I refused as I didn't have that amount. So now I have a car that cant be driven because it wont turn on and comply with federal emissions. I feel that if there IS a part having to do with federal emissions then audi should have to be forced to replace it like they would a catalytic converter. Or not disable the vehicle in case I'm in the middle of nowhere!!!!!! audi should remove that programming, given the fact that in a state of emergency I would appreciate the ability to continue driving for months or years(if need be) if the country IS lacking infrastructure. Another scenario would be if I decide to drive all the way to the southern tip of south america. I would hate for my car to be stranded because of a not so critical issue.
- Tires · Wheels
Tires purchased from liberty tire and brake on 05/01/14 were manufactured between 2008-2009 with only 3-9 months of warranty left. On our way home from our family vacation from the fl keys on 07/06/14 one tire separated and all four tires were off balance. We purchased four new tires to continue…
Tires purchased from liberty tire and brake on 05/01/14 were manufactured between 2008-2009 with only 3-9 months of warranty left. On our way home from our family vacation from the fl keys on 07/06/14 one tire separated and all four tires were off balance. We purchased four new tires to continue our 500 mile journey home. Due to limited trunk space with luggage and our children in the backseat we were only able to bring the damaged tire back with us which nexen will refund us. However we would also like a refund for the other three tires manufacture in 2008-2009 who have been sold to us without the age disclosure by liberty tire & brake. The retailer has been very little help in resolving this issue and we have since reported him to the bbb, consumer protection, and sent a letter of demand from our military legal assistance office here in ft. Stewart, ga. We are reporting this per our telephone conversation with ref. # [xxx] any help would be greatly appreciated. If you need any additional information or purchase receipts please feel free to contact us. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi Q7. While driving approximately 40 mph, the temperature gauge suddenly began to fluctuate from high to low and then back to normal. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,700.
- Air bags
I and four children between the ages of 2 and 9 were driving a 2011 audi Q7 on a right lane of a street. We had a green light and another driver in a honda minivan from the opposite side of the street made a left turn in front of us without yielding and though I hit the brake immediately, I was not…
I and four children between the ages of 2 and 9 were driving a 2011 audi Q7 on a right lane of a street. We had a green light and another driver in a honda minivan from the opposite side of the street made a left turn in front of us without yielding and though I hit the brake immediately, I was not able to avoid crashing head on into the other car on the passenger side of the van. I am told that my audi IS probably totaled but we are waiting to hear the official results. We were all wearing seatbelts but the airbags on my audi never deployed. We all hit our head backwards. I have a sprained knee and pain on my neck, shoulders and back; one child seated on the front passenger seat, age 9, has chest and waist pain, another child, age 6, seated behind the driver seat, had a concussion and pain on his head and right front shoulder; another 9 year old, seated in the middle back seat, had a cut in his nose and was bleeding, not sure what caused it and also has a neck and back pain; a 2 year old had some cuts and bruises on both sides of the neck caused by the seat belt and had pain on the back of the neck. We were all transported to the hospital in an ambulance and treated. The burning question everyone had was "how come the airbags never deploy?". When we asked audi, we were told it happens even in the worst accidents as long as the sensor does not sense danger. Our car's front crumbled inwards and it IS being considered to be totaled, if that IS not danger, I don't know what more should have happened to us for the sensor to sense danger. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009937This bulletin provides additional information pertaining to continued noises/vibrations in tight bends - Q7 and A8 vehicle models.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007311This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007230This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002957This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11002955This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11002950This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
Every Audi Q7 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.