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Campaign 18V818 Posted November 19, 2018 5,987 units

2007-2012 Audi Q5/Q7 Recall 18V818: Fuel Pump Leak

Recall 18V818 affects 5,987 2007-2012 Audi Q5 and Q7 SUVs for fuel pump flange leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.

Audi is recalling 5,987 2007-2012 Q5 and Q7 SUVs that received an interim fuel pump flange repair under an earlier recall. The butyl tape used in that repair can fail to stop a fuel leak, and a leak near an ignition source increases fire risk; Audi dealers will complete the final repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The fuel pump flange on the 2007-2012 Audi Q5 and Q7 is the fitting at the fuel tank where the pump assembly connects. Its job is to seal that opening so fuel and fuel vapor stay contained while the pump sends gasoline from the tank to the engine.

In the earlier Audi recall, some vehicles had minor cracks in that flange, but no fuel leak. Because replacement parts were limited between December 2016 and April 2017, dealers covered the cracked flange with butyl tape as a temporary protection from outside liquid contamination. Audi later found that replacement parts were available, so these vehicles need a new fuel pump flange instead of the earlier taped repair.

For this recall, there is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to cracks in the flange, so an owner should not rely on a dashboard light or driving feel to confirm whether the vehicle is included.

Who's affected?

Q7 is listed for 2007-2012, while Q5 is listed for 2009-2012; each listed year uses the same fuel pump component.

2012 Audi Q5 fuel system
2007 Audi Q7 fuel system
2008 Audi Q7 fuel system
2009 Audi Q5 fuel system
2010 Audi Q5 fuel system
Units affected5,987
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the fuel pump flange is not sealed, fuel can leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so check your VIN and schedule the repair promptly if included. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2012 Audi Q5 or Q7 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free fuel-pump-flange replacement and butyl-tape installation that addresses fuel leaks at the flange.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V818 when you call.
  4. Avoid ignition sources near the vehicle until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the fuel pump flange and installs butyl tape at the flange area. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. This applies to Audi Q5 and Q7 vehicles that previously received the interim butyl tape repair before replacement parts were ready. If you already paid for a related fuel pump flange repair, Audi provides a reimbursement program under this recall. Ask Audi customer service or the dealer how to submit the claim, and keep your repair paperwork for the reimbursement review.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

November 19, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
December 28, 2018 Owner notification mailed
December 31, 2018 Dealer notification began
December 31, 2018 Dealer notification ended
December 31, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V818?

Recall 18V818 covers 5,987 Audi Q5 and Q7 vehicles that previously received an interim fuel pump flange repair under recall 16V-660. The butyl tape repair does not fully prevent fuel leaks. Audi dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2012 Audi Q5 or 2007-2012 Audi Q7 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 18V818. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the fuel pump flange repair. Reference recall number 18V818 and Audi recall number 20BJ when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is a fuel leak near an ignition source. The prior butyl tape repair does not fully prevent fuel from leaking, and that leak can increase the risk of a fire. If you smell fuel, stop driving and call an Audi dealer for guidance.

What if I bought my Audi Q5 or Q7 used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall number 18V818.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V818000
Audi customer service1-800-253-2834
NHTSA recall #18V818
NHTSA recall # (full)18V818000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →