VehicleVerdict

2013 Audi S7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2013 Audi S7 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other S7 years?

S7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted22 complaints2013: 19 complaints2014: 20 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 0 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 5 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi S7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1684%
Electrical System15%
Fuel System15%
Suspension15%

Does the 2013 Audi S7 have recalls?

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

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Consequence

Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Consequence

If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

13V450000Fuel SystemSeptember 23, 2013 · 3,594 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FAILURE OF BOTH TURBOS WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A RURAL SECTION OF TOWN. VERY ROUGH IDLE AND SUBSEQUENT STALL OF ENGINE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. UNABLE TO RE-START OR DRIVE WITHOUT KEEPING THE GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO REGULATE SPEED AND NEGOTIATE TRAFFIC. LATER FOUND OUT THE TURBO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 18, 2019

“I HEARD A POP SOUND WHEN ACCELERATING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOSS A LOT OF POWER. I CALLED THE AUDI DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT IN. I LEFT IT WITH THEN AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUE AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I WENT TO PICK IT UP AND THE PROBLEM STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 5, 2017

“Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2013 Audi S7. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller on [XXX]. The contact stated that the seller's advertisement and the odometer indicated that the mileage was 115,000. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer mileage was 220,000. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2025

“J197 module is always falling the car is 26,000 and the suspension goes bad need readapt few times They need to check that module ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 4, 2022

2013 Audi S7 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi S7 reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 S7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), suspension (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi S7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Audi S7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Audi S7 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.