DecodedCars2012 Audi Q7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Premium/Premium Plus, 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro Sport, 4dr SUV Tdi 3.0 Quattro Premium/Premium Pl
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,192–5,567 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Overview
The 2012 Audi Q7 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,192 lb (4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Premium/Premium Plus).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 5% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Q7 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Q7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Premium/Premium Plus | 200.4 in | 78 in | 68.5 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 5,192 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro Sport | 200.4 in | 78 in | 68.5 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 5,412 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV Tdi 3.0 Quattro Premium/Premium Pl | 200.4 in | 78 in | 68.5 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 5,567 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +5% | $4,800 | 509 |
| Q7 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Audi Q7.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi Q7 (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW X6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Acura MDX | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Tires · Feb 15, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V086000 · 12,100 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V818000 · 5,987 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 13, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V660000 · 143,214 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V019000 · 26,008 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2012 Audi Q7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Audi Q7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 11 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Audi Q7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q7 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2024 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2022 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2021 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 75 |
| 2020 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 29 |
| 2019 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 63 |
| 2018 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 144 |
| 2017 Q7 | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 322 |
| 2015 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 46 |
| 2014 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →