AUDI Q7 · model year

2013 AUDI Q7

48 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013AUDIQ7 carries 48 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, 60 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 Q7 is engine with 10 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (9) and visibility/wiper (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2013 Q7. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

48
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
60
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

48 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
VISIBILITY/WIPER7
SERVICE BRAKES3
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
AIR BAGS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
TIRES1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
WHEELS1
STEERING1

Recalls (3)

14V51600026/08/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 engin

23V08600015/02/2023

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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 Vehic

17V29800003/05/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Recent Complaints

20251219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Limp mode. started shortly after my purchase in May 2024. On highway and would go into limp mode, almost got hit and caused danger to other traffic. thought it was fixed and it happened again. went to pull out and make a left hand turn and had no rpms again, limp mode. Almost got t-boned. multiple electric issues. drivers side light. windows not wanting to work at times.

20251219VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Limp mode. started shortly after my purchase in May 2024. On highway and would go into limp mode, almost got hit and caused danger to other traffic. thought it was fixed and it happened again. went to pull out and make a left hand turn and had no rpms again, limp mode. Almost got t-boned. multiple electric issues. drivers side light. windows not wanting to work at times.

20251219ENGINE

Limp mode. started shortly after my purchase in May 2024. On highway and would go into limp mode, almost got hit and caused danger to other traffic. thought it was fixed and it happened again. went to pull out and make a left hand turn and had no rpms again, limp mode. Almost got t-boned. multiple electric issues. drivers side light. windows not wanting to work at times.

20250915ENGINE

Lights on dash were flashing in cluster which made it look like it was low tire pressure. I had a portable air pump which showed tires were fine. The vehicle went into some kind of limp mode which prevented the vehicle from driving the speed limit. It was taken to Auto service center. The diagnosis was Engine failure due to a burnt valve. It's been confirmed through the dealership, mechanics and consumers that is a common problem with this particular make and model vehicle. This engine failure left me on the side of the road and not feeling safe at all while being approximately 3 hours from my home. As an Audi owner I'm was so disappointed to be told that I needed a new motor even though it still runs in limp mode. This vehicle has less than 150k miles. It was the best European vehicle I ever owned until it wasn't. Bad call and poor quality control Audi!

20240213SERVICE BRAKES

Lately, I have been adding coolant to my car - 2013 Audi Q& TDI and Motor Oil for unknown reasons why it was happening. It started last year, 2023. I thought it was a normal thing that the oil level and coolant level kept on getting depleted. Comparing with my other car, i.e. a 2016 Toyota Avalon, I never encountered these problems My Audi car was serviced sometime 2018 and apparently all gaskets of the engine were replaced after I complained about severe leaking of oil inside my car garage. Until I went online to get if there were similar complaints of other users of this car were reported. My friend's car of same Audi model was also experiencing the same issue. I was also observing a similar gas smell inside my Audi car, whenever I start the engine and my air vent is not closed for couple of months. When I had it serviced to check my vent filter, the mechanic also noticed that there was leaking oil near the filter housing. The brake power is so low despite having it serviced

20240213ENGINE

Lately, I have been adding coolant to my car - 2013 Audi Q& TDI and Motor Oil for unknown reasons why it was happening. It started last year, 2023. I thought it was a normal thing that the oil level and coolant level kept on getting depleted. Comparing with my other car, i.e. a 2016 Toyota Avalon, I never encountered these problems My Audi car was serviced sometime 2018 and apparently all gaskets of the engine were replaced after I complained about severe leaking of oil inside my car garage. Until I went online to get if there were similar complaints of other users of this car were reported. My friend's car of same Audi model was also experiencing the same issue. I was also observing a similar gas smell inside my Audi car, whenever I start the engine and my air vent is not closed for couple of months. When I had it serviced to check my vent filter, the mechanic also noticed that there was leaking oil near the filter housing. The brake power is so low despite having it serviced

20240213UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Lately, I have been adding coolant to my car - 2013 Audi Q& TDI and Motor Oil for unknown reasons why it was happening. It started last year, 2023. I thought it was a normal thing that the oil level and coolant level kept on getting depleted. Comparing with my other car, i.e. a 2016 Toyota Avalon, I never encountered these problems My Audi car was serviced sometime 2018 and apparently all gaskets of the engine were replaced after I complained about severe leaking of oil inside my car garage. Until I went online to get if there were similar complaints of other users of this car were reported. My friend's car of same Audi model was also experiencing the same issue. I was also observing a similar gas smell inside my Audi car, whenever I start the engine and my air vent is not closed for couple of months. When I had it serviced to check my vent filter, the mechanic also noticed that there was leaking oil near the filter housing. The brake power is so low despite having it serviced

20240205VISIBILITY/WIPER

1. Entire Passenger windshield wiper arm flew off of car during a rain storm on the highway. Needed replaced. This caused me to have obstructed vision. No warning lights or symptoms before it happened. 2. Passenger windshield wiper got stuck straight up, caught by driver wiper and pulled off. Needed replaced again. Obstructed vision, not able to use wipers until I was able to pull over and correct it.

20231125ENGINE

coolant leaks is a major concern and I have been asked by local INDY on water pump replacement to be done. Its costing me around 1500$. With so common issues, i think Audi should recall and substitute on their own case rather than every customer paying it.

20231109FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of fuel forming a puddle on the driveway. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

Mileage: 215,000

20230829FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have an Audi Q7. Yesterday you could smell gas in the car and my 6 year old said he had a headache. I got in the car today and did not smell gas. Due to safety concerns, I immediately bought took the car to Dandini's in Westerville, Ohio. This autoshop only services Audi and VWs and their repair staff is certified in Audi and has worked at Audi dealerships. When I got to the dealership the inside of the car had a strong odor of gasoline. When we went back to the car 10 minutes later it still had a strong odor of gasoline when you opened the door. He quickly diagnosed the problem as a fuel filter issue. He said it was under a recall. The recall number is 16V-660 and may have been expanded. He called Audi and Audi said they could either replace the faulty fuel filter or put a patch on the faulty part. On my vehicle, they performed the recall by putting a patch on the fuel filter. They said they had no responsibility to replace the fuel filter - even though the patch failed -

20221129CrashAIR BAGS

On expressway, rear-ended and pushed into car in front too, so hit on both ends and no airbags deployed in the Audi Q7. Four vehicles were involved and the other three cars all had airbags deploy. Both front passengers hit their heads. Driver has whiplash and passenger has forehead skin abrasion. The car was always serviced by Audi only and was not on the airbag recall list. It apparently should be on the list, something is defective and owners have a false sense of assumed security in this car.

20220917POWER TRAIN

First thing is fuel smell in cabin very dangerous for me as well as any passengers Next is transmission there is no way telling how much fluid is in the vehicle that should be monitored by the consumer they have a right to know Front & rear axles seem to get worn quickly must be a problem in the drivetrain somewhere

20220917FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

First thing is fuel smell in cabin very dangerous for me as well as any passengers Next is transmission there is no way telling how much fluid is in the vehicle that should be monitored by the consumer they have a right to know Front & rear axles seem to get worn quickly must be a problem in the drivetrain somewhere

20220807FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

top of fuel pump has crack causing fuel to leaks when in use.

20220620FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I had the Fuel Filter flange crack and leak fuel into an area where an electronic plug exists. This leak was part of NHTSA recall #17V298 from 2017. I took my vehicle into the dealer and had it inspected per the letter sent to me. The dealers repair included placing a rubberized butyl tape over the flange that they claimed would prevent it from ever developing a leak of fuel. When I discovered the fuel leak and found it was leaking at the flange (Thru the butyl tape) I phoned the dealer who would not take the car in for inspection for five days (their earliest appointment). I have one vehicle and being without one for five days was not a viable option for me. I purchased the part from the Audi dealership and replaced it myself correcting the fuel leak. I phoned Audi North America to file for re-imbursement of the 340 dollars I paid for the part and it was rejected as they claimed they had repaired my vehicle under the recall. I was able to locate on the internet where Audi was

20220226STEERING

Steering wheel intermittently gets really HARD to turn. Like a total loss of power steering assist. This only usually lasts a moment or two, then functions as normal. Always while driving, but not always while navigating a turn. Might only happen once or twice a week... Really frightening. Dealer has performed numerous repairs, including even a new Rack (at my expense) It doesn't happen again for a while, and then it does the same thing again.

20210117SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR GRINDER TO A HALT. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE GRINDING. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HE FOUND A BOLT ON THE GROUND THAT WAS HOLDING THE CALIPER/HUB TOGETHER. MY SPEED WAS AROUND 30 MPH BUT IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN TROUBLE BECAUSE THE CAR WOLD NOT MOVE. MY BRAKES WERE JUST REPLACED 3 MONTHS BEFORE. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC THE HOUSING FOR THE BOLT THREADS WERE STRIPPED. THE BOLT HOLDS THE CALIPER AND HUB. A MACHINIST IS NOW TRYING TO RETHREAD IT. IT WILL BE A WEEK TOMORROW WITHOUT AS HE FIXES ANOTHER BOLT HOUSING IN THE HUB THE SAYS IS STRIPPED ALSO. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ON A CAR LIKE THIS. THIS IS MY 2ND Q7-- SAME CAR ALMOST EXACTLY EXCEPT IT WAS A 2009 AND IT HAD 110000 MILES ON IT WHEN I SOLD IT AND HAD NO O PROBLEMS WITH IT.

Mileage: 105,000

20200501CrashWHEELS

APRIL 30,2020. I WAS USING A "NEW" JACK THAT WAS SUPPLIED WITH THE CAR. THE JACK WAS ON A FLAT CONCRETE SURFACE IN MY GARAGE. THE JACK FAILED AND BROKE, DUMPING THE SUV ON ITS FRONT RIGHT SIDE, FROM WHICH THE WHEEL HAD BEEN REMOVED. BEFORE USING THE JACK, AN AUDI SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE DIDN'T LIKE TO USE THE JACKS, BECAUSE THEY WERE KNOWN, WITHIN AUDI, TO FAIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER, HAVING MORE EXPERIENCE THAN I, JACKED THE CAR UP, USING THE JACK THAT WAS SOLD WITH THE CAR. THE RT. FT WHEEL WAS REMOVED AND PUT IN THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WHILE UNATTENDED FOR 5 MINUTES, DURING THE TRANSFER, THE JACK GAVE OUT. AFTERWARD, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE ROTARY JACK WOULD NOT LIFT OR DESCEND. VERY UPSETTING TO REALIZE THAT AUDI HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS IN THAT MY SUV WAS ONE THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE DIESEL OMISSION ISSUES. WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER OF AN AUDI FRANCHISE ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, IT IS REPREHENSIBLE CONDUCT.

Mileage: 103,000

20200501CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

APRIL 30,2020. I WAS USING A "NEW" JACK THAT WAS SUPPLIED WITH THE CAR. THE JACK WAS ON A FLAT CONCRETE SURFACE IN MY GARAGE. THE JACK FAILED AND BROKE, DUMPING THE SUV ON ITS FRONT RIGHT SIDE, FROM WHICH THE WHEEL HAD BEEN REMOVED. BEFORE USING THE JACK, AN AUDI SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE DIDN'T LIKE TO USE THE JACKS, BECAUSE THEY WERE KNOWN, WITHIN AUDI, TO FAIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER, HAVING MORE EXPERIENCE THAN I, JACKED THE CAR UP, USING THE JACK THAT WAS SOLD WITH THE CAR. THE RT. FT WHEEL WAS REMOVED AND PUT IN THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WHILE UNATTENDED FOR 5 MINUTES, DURING THE TRANSFER, THE JACK GAVE OUT. AFTERWARD, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE ROTARY JACK WOULD NOT LIFT OR DESCEND. VERY UPSETTING TO REALIZE THAT AUDI HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS IN THAT MY SUV WAS ONE THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE DIESEL OMISSION ISSUES. WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER OF AN AUDI FRANCHISE ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, IT IS REPREHENSIBLE CONDUCT.

Mileage: 103,000

Compare 2013AUDIQ7 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 AUDI Q7 have?
The 2013 AUDI Q7 has 48 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fires, 60 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 AUDI Q7?
The 2013 AUDI Q7 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 AUDI Q7?
Yes, the 2013 AUDI Q7 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 AUDI Q7?
The most-complained component for the 2013 AUDI Q7 is ENGINE with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2013 AUDI Q7 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 AUDI Q7 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.