RoadVitals

2009 Audi Q7

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Aug 3, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 15, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Audi Q7, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and visibility categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 698 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine413.3%
  • Visibility310.0%
  • Electrical310.0%
  • Airbags26.7%
  • Brakes26.7%
  • Body & structure26.7%
  • Powertrain (other)26.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; TIRES

Feb 15, 2023
12,100 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number 50G5View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 19, 2018
5,987 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.Manufacturer number 20BJView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Sep 13, 2016
143,214 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.Manufacturer number 20W9View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA11003ClosedEngineering Analysis

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Feb 7, 2011
Closed Mar 27, 2015

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, DIESEL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel systemInterior & seats
Filed Aug 3, 2021

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 ID
11427606
Incident
Jul 16, 2021
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2021
Fire reported2 injuries reported

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 ID
11424332
Incident
Jun 27, 2021
Visibility
Filed Nov 15, 2020

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 ID
11374785
Incident
Sep 17, 2020
Mileage
100,200 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 9, 2020

FUEL LEAKING TOP OF LEFT SIDE FUEL TANK AT FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS

NHTSA ID
11320636
Incident
Apr 7, 2020
Mileage
140,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 17, 2020

CAR BOSE AMPLIFIER RECEIVES WATER FROM PANORAMA ROOF DAMAGING THE ENTIRE PINS SYSTEM, GPS AND BLUETOOTH SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID
11318520
Incident
Jan 7, 2020
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 13, 2019

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 ID
11279902
Incident
Mar 17, 2019
Mileage
124,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Sep 27, 2019

SUNROOF DRAIN LINE CONNECTOR, WATER LEAK ON TOP OF THE RADIO BOSE AMPLIER

NHTSA ID
11258472
Incident
Sep 1, 2019
Fuel system
Filed Jul 26, 2019

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 ID
11234983
Incident
Jul 20, 2019
Mileage
103,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2082615_1

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides inormation when the ATF pipes leak; Q7 with 0C8 gearbox.

TSB_2070568_6

This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool

TSB_2070568_5

This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool

TSB_2070568_4

This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool

TSB_2074857_2

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.

TSB_2075530_2

ENGINE

This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi Q7 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110
2025142053.8
2024130
2023163048.2
2022183061.2
2021699062.6
2020265058.3
2019614054.2
20181413054.0
20173177055.9
2016210
2015442042.1
2014452052.9
2013413060.2
2012294152.7
2011234154.5
2010293145.1
2009Viewing213148.4
2008333047.9
2007953047.8
2006000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.