RoadVitals

2013 Audi Q7

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 15, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
60 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 43 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Audi Q7, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and visibility categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,233 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V086000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; TIRES

Feb 15, 2023
12,100 units potentially affected
The 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."
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 50G5View on NHTSA.gov
17V298000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

May 3, 2017
240,487 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 20Z8View on NHTSA.gov
14V516000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Aug 26, 2014
1,814 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 47L8View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 43
Fuel system
Filed Sep 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q7. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside the vehicle that became stronger over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the recall repair had been completed on May 14, 2018. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ID
11766078
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
Mileage
156,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 22, 2026

About 3 weeks ago I started to slightly smell gas around my car. As I drove it the smell started getting worse and I noticed what looks like a gas leak leaking from under the drivers side back door area under my car. So I took it to Meadlins Auto Care to be diagnosed and they said that the lower intank fuel pump needs to be replaced and that the car is very dangerous to drive because of the gas fumes leaking inside and outside of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11766029
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2026

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 additional manufacturer-level diagnostic procedures would be required. A case was created, and Audi declined assistance. I am submitting this complaint because the engine failed suddenly during normal operation without a meaningful advance warning, resulting in an immediate loss of propulsion in traffic. I believe this type of unexpected catastrophic engine failure presents a potential safety concern if it occurs while the vehicle is being operated on a public roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID
11754103
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jul 15, 2026

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!

NHTSA ID
11750638
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jul 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11750107
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Apr 17, 2026

Fuel pump leak

NHTSA ID
11731915
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 19, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11706022
Incident
Jul 17, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2025

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!

NHTSA ID
11687287
Incident
Apr 29, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2074436_3

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

TSB_2069078_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

TSB_2069904_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.

TSB_2075120_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.

TSB_2072304_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.

TSB_20741717_15

VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi Q7 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026110—
2025162052.6
2024230—
2023163048.1
2022183060.2
2021749061.7
2020285062.2
2019624054.9
20181423053.8
20173197055.6
2016210—
2015442040.1
2014452050.7
2013Viewing433060.9
2012294152.7
2011234149.2
2010293145.1
2009213148.4
2008333047.9
2007953047.8
2006000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.