VehicleVerdict

2013 Audi Q7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Audi Q7 sits mid-pack among Q7 years: 49 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 60 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (11), engine (10), and visibility & wipers (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

60

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Q7 years?

Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted403 complaints2007: 134 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 34 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 44 complaints2013: 49 complaints2014: 65 complaints2015: 56 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 403 complaints2018: 175 complaints2019: 81 complaints2020: 30 complaints2021: 112 complaints2022: 26 complaints2023: 26 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 25 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi Q7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1122%
Engine1020%
Visibility & Wipers816%
Electrical System48%
Brakes36%
Transmission36%
Other24%
Airbags24%
Speed Control24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Steering12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2013 Audi Q7 have recalls?

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

23V086000OtherFebruary 15, 2023 · 12,100 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

17V298000Fuel SystemMay 3, 2017 · 240,487 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

14V516000EngineAugust 26, 2014 · 1,814 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, to November 29, 2012 and equipped with a 3.0L TDI engine. In the affected vehicles, a check valve in the engine may become contaminated with plastic debris and allow engine oil to leak into the brake booster.

Consequence

If oil leaks into the brake booster, the brake booster diaphragm may rupture causing a loss of power braking assist, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace a vacuum line, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the brake booster system for oil contamination and, if oil contamination is present, additional components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47L8.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR STALLS AND HAS DIED WHILE DRIVING; TOOK TO DEAL FOR REPAIR THEY CLAIMED BAD FUEL AND EMPTIED AND CLEANED TANK. SAME ISSUE 2 MONTHS LATER AND NOW CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR OVER A MONTH THEY SAY COULD BE BAD FUEL AGAIN (IT'S DIESEL, I HAVE ONLY BOUGHT FUEL AT BP SINCE REPAIR) OR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 1, 2016

“THE CAR BURNS OIL SO MUCH THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY TOP OFF THE OIL EVERY FEW DAYS. THE DEALERSHIP STATES, THE ENGINE IS BIG AND THIS IS NORMAL. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL, AND PERHAPS SOMETHING ELSE IS GOING ON AND COULD IT POSE A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2019

“WIFE PULLED INTO GARAGE ON A STORMY DAY AND I WAS STANDING ON PASSENGER SIDE WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON. PASSENGER WIPER ARM SNAPPED OFF AND FLEW TOWARD US AND ALMOST STABBED MY 3 YEAR OLD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIPER BLADE, BUT IT WAS THE WHOLE ENTIRE ARM. THE BROKEN END WAS SHARPEN LIKE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 23, 2017

“ ON THIS PARTICULAR DAY, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND HE ONLY GOT 2 BLOCKS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BEFORE THE CAR BEGAN TO FILL WITH SMOKE. HE QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN MINUTES THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE! THE FIRE STARTED INSIDE THE CAR NEAR THE RIGHT WHEEL BASE. I HAVE 3 YOUNG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 7, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI Q7. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 18, 2017 · crash

2013 Audi Q7 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi Q7 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q7: 49 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Q7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (11 complaints), engine (10 complaints), visibility & wipers (8 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi Q7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Audi Q7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q7 years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2007, 2021, 2019. The cleanest record among Q7 years belongs to 2026.

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.