This page covers 6 recalls, 23 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Audi Q7.
18–20 mpg combined
11.8–13.1 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2011 Audi Q7 centers on the visibility and wiper system, which draws the largest share of owner reports. Owners frequently describe the passenger-side windshield wiper arm or blade snapping off without warning during normal rain conditions, sometimes at highway speeds, leaving the windshield partially unprotected mid-drive. The sunroof is also mentioned, with owners reporting the outer glass panel shattering suddenly while driving. On the fuel system side, owners report two distinct issues: high-pressure fuel pump failures that cause the engine to stall abruptly at highway speeds, and fuel filter cap cracks that produce a noticeable gasoline smell around the rear of the vehicle.
23
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Audi Q7 has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple fuel system fire risks: the fuel pump flange can crack and leak fuel, and the fuel injection rail can also develop a separate fuel leak, both near potential ignition sources.
All three fuel-related issues point to the same real-world danger: raw gasoline escaping in the engine bay where heat or a spark can ignite it. One of these recalls applies specifically to vehicles that received an earlier interim repair, where butyl tape was applied to the cracked fuel pump flange as a temporary fix while replacement parts were being made available. That tape may not hold, meaning the original leak risk remains unresolved on those vehicles.
The remaining two recalls both involve the compliance label on vehicles equipped with 21-inch wheels. The label lists a rear axle weight rating that is higher than the actual capacity of the axle, which could lead an owner to load the vehicle beyond what the rear suspension and tires can safely handle. An overloaded rear axle reduces braking ability and steering response, raising the risk of losing control. These two label recalls describe the same incorrect rating and have been filed in multiple jurisdictions, but the underlying problem is one and the same.
At a glance
What can fail
The compliance label on certain vehicles with 21-inch wheels lists an incorrect rear axle weight capacity. The stated limit is higher than the actual safe limit of 1770 kg (3902 lb), which could lead to overloading the rear axle.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Audi will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where a corrected compliance label with the accurate rear axle weight capacity will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Gross Axle Weight Rating printed on the certification label is incorrect, which could allow the vehicle to be loaded beyond its safe weight capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply an overlay label with the correct rear Gross Axle Weight Rating over the existing certification label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange may develop leaks. Earlier repairs used a temporary tape fix while permanent parts were being developed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and apply butyl tape as a permanent repair at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange may crack, causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the flange and replace it if cracked, or clean it and install a protective rubber band if intact.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel injection system's fuel rails and seals may develop a leak, allowing fuel to escape.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rails and seals at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel injection system can leak fuel during certain driving conditions. Leaking fuel near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the fuel rails and fuel injector seals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
