VehicleVerdict

2013 Audi A4 allroad problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median A4 allroad year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 12 A4 allroad years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 45% of all reports (47 of 105), far ahead of engine at 16.

105

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other A4 allroad years?

A4 allroad NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted105 complaints2013: 105 complaints2014: 52 complaints2015: 32 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 48 complaints2018: 16 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 6 complaints
A4 allroad NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A4 allroad years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi A4 allroad problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4745%
Engine1615%
Electrical System1110%
Transmission99%
Airbags55%
Other33%
Speed Control33%
Suspension33%
Fuel System22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Latches & Locks11%
Brakes11%

Does the 2013 Audi A4 allroad have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V229000EngineApril 11, 2018 · 342,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

Consequence

A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

17V622000Electrical SystemOctober 5, 2017 · 216,913 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.

Consequence

The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

17V002000EngineJanuary 3, 2017 · 342,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

Consequence

If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

14V667000AirbagsOctober 24, 2014 · 101,938 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.

Consequence

If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO CENTER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN INTO A CIRCLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AND SIDESWIPED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 29, 2015 · crash

“The contact owned a 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, after starting the vehicle, her friend heard a puff noise coming from under the vehicle. No warning light illuminated however, after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 11, 2025 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO CENTER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN INTO A CIRCLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AND SIDESWIPED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 29, 2015 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE'S RPM WOULD GO UP, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE INCREASED ACCELERATION. STRONG SMELL OF BURNT CLUTCH FLUID. AND SOME SMOKE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE BAY. DRIVING VEHICLE HOME, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED IN EVERY GEAR. VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO GET UP TO SPEED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 5, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO CENTER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN INTO A CIRCLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AND SIDESWIPED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 29, 2015 · crash

2013 Audi A4 allroad — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi A4 allroad reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 12 A4 allroad years. It is one of the A4 allroad years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 A4 allroad problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (47 complaints), engine (16 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi A4 allroad have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Audi A4 allroad. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A4 allroad years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A4 allroad years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2020, 2017, 2015. The cleanest record among A4 allroad years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.