In the European service world, Audi fuel-system failures land on our lifts with regularity. 96 complaints across 16 year-model entries (2005–2021) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 2 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $1,200; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Check the fuel pump access cover for prior work. A vehicle on this list that already had a pump replacement is a vehicle to consider — the work is done.
ProblemsByVin AUDI / FUEL SYSTEM
16 model-year entries · 2005–2021
Audi fuel system problems
96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Audi vehicles for fuel system issues. 20 active recall campaigns. See fuel system across all makes →
Complaints
96
Recalls
20
Year-models
16
Avg fix
$1,200
2crashes
3injuries
Worst-affected Audi model-years for fuel system Top 16 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2010 Audi A3
16 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 moderate
2015 Audi A3
15 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2005 Audi A4
9 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2010 Audi Q7
8 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 moderate
2011 Audi Q5
7 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 moderate
2014 Audi Q7
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2021 Audi Q8
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2016 Audi A3
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2011 Audi A3
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2007 Audi Q7
4 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 moderate
2006 Audi A3
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2020 Audi Q8
3 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2016 Audi A6
3 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2010 Audi Q5
3 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 severe
2008 Audi A4
3 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2008 Audi Q7
3 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,200 moderate
Active recalls — Audi fuel system 12 on file
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw connections and replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. The one affected vehicle was repaired. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23HD. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 26, 2025.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A damaged fuel tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cap on the fuel tank heat shield bracket, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BX.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
Common questions
How many Audi fuel system complaints are on file with NHTSA?
96 complaints across 16 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. 20 active recall campaigns cover fuel system issues across the Audi lineup.
Which Audi model has the most fuel system complaints?
The 2010 Audi A3 leads with 16 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 A3 (15) and 2005 A4 (9).
What does it cost to fix Audi fuel system problems?
Independent shops average $1,200 for fuel system repairs across the Audi lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Audi fuel system recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover fuel system on Audi vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Audi.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.