2013 Audi Q7

Routine

Owners filed 41 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System11
000
Engine9
000
Visibility/Wiper7
000
Service Brakes3
100
Electrical System2
010
Air Bags2
100
Wheels1
100
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Tires1
000
Steering1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment › Other › Labels23V086000
Filed Feb 15, 202312,100 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

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."

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V298000
Filed May 3, 2017240,487 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling14V516000
Filed Aug 26, 20141,814 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2026CA

On XXX, I was driving northbound on US-101 from [XXX] to [XXX] to pick up a family member for an appointment. The vehicle had been operating normally at freeway speed. As traffic slowed for a construction zone near Summerland, I intentionally reduced speed to approximately 20 mph. At that point, I heard a sudden abnormal rotational mechanical noise from the engine compartment, best described as a flapping or rubbing sound. The noise had not been present earlier during the drive. Within moments, the engine lost power and shut down. The vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic, and power steering assist was lost after the engine stopped. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The engine would not restart. Before this incident, I did not observe any meaningful warning of an impending catastrophic engine failure. I did not observe an engine overheating warning, an oil-pressure warning, or any other dashboard warning indicating an imminent engine seizure. Before purchasing the vehicle, and during my ownership, I used Ross-Tech VCDS (Audi/VW-specific diagnostic software) as part of proactive maintenance and monitoring. Nothing identified an impending catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was transported to an independent European repair facility for inspection. The shop determined that the engine is mechanically seized and advised that the precise initiating cause cannot be determined without engine disassembly. An Audi dealership likewise indicated that addi

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 15, 2026GA

The fuel pump flange repair was a joke on this car. It should've been replaced not just put a black tar like sealant on it. That was an error on Audi's part. The sealant didn't keep it from forming a leak in the stress cracks that were being reported. Mine says all recalls have been completed. I just experienced a very bad fuel leak from the fuel filter/pump flange. I investigated the issue myself and found a black tar like sealant on top of the filter. That didn't stop it from cracking and leaking as was being reported in the first place. I have photos and video of how bad of a leak. Audi should do the right thing and replace every filter that they (sealed). That was not a fix. it was a blind shot at a fix. Audi should have a lawsuit against them for the repairs and wasted fuel that Audi customers have endured!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2026NC

My gas tank started to leak while I was driving putting the my safety and the safety of my entire family at risk. This is know major recall 20Z8 that Audi has never got to fix properly. The recall remedy demonstrably did not prevent the failure it was issued for. This is an active fuel leak with fire risk. I'm requesting Audi cover this repair.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 17, 2026FL

Fuel pump leak

Electrical System
Filed Dec 19, 2025MI

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2025MD

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!

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 13, 2024GA

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 for brake assist recall sometime in 2016 despite new Brake pads were installed. I also noticed that the brake fluid was getting lower sometime July 2023. Looking at the list of recalls - these complaints were not addressed by those 3 recalls reported to NHTSA.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 5, 2024KS

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.

Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2023IL

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 9, 2023215,000 milesMD

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 29, 2023OH

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 - as they put a patch on it. That patch failed. I called Audi customer service and informed them the vehicle was unsafe to drive and they pushed me to go to a dealer and would not confirm if they would replace the part noting that there was not an active recall. Again, Audi said they would not do anything further on the recall since they put the patch on the filter even though the patch failed. The patch is sticky and melting and the failure could be due to heat or not being able to last long. See picture s

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 29, 2022IL

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.

Power Train
Filed Sep 17, 2022FL

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

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 7, 2022TX

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

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 20, 2022CA

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 re-notifying owners of vehicles to have the part replaced after the tape had been installed as the tape was found to be a temporary non lasting band aid to a serious problem. I was never notified of the secondary letter and was told by Audi that my vehicle was not included in the secondary callback for repairs. The fuel leak occurs underneath the rear passenger seat with a thin aluminum cover over the Fuel Filter Flange. When the flange began leaking, it fills up with fuel right under the seat causing a

Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2022IN

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 17, 2021105,000 milesOH

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.

WheelsCrash
Filed May 1, 2020103,000 milesAZ

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.

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 201945,000 milesKY

HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, WITHIN A MONTH OF BUYING IT. SAID IT WAS NORMAL, NOW ITS ON A WEEK TO WEEK BASIS WITH PUTTING OIL IN THE CAR AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT COMES ON WHILE MOVING AND STAYS ON UNTIL OIL IS PUT IN.

Engine
Filed Nov 3, 201998,168 milesCA

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 PURCHASE OF THE CERTIFIED USED CAR IN 2016.

20 of 41 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261100Routine
202516200Routine
20242300Routine
202316300Routine
202218300Routine
202173900Routine
202027510Routine
201961400Routine
2018142300Routine
2017319730Above average
20162100Routine
201544200Routine
201445200Routine
2013 — this page41310Routine
201229400Routine
201123400Routine
201029300Routine
200921310Routine
200833300Routine
200795310Routine

Compare every Q7 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.