2013 Audi Q7 Owner Complaints

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

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

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 pump leak

NHTSA ID

11731915

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

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

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

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.

NHTSA ID

11571639

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11570155

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11556802

Incident

Nov 24, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11554438

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Mileage

215,000 mi

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 showing the patch failing. I replaced the fuel filter and the issue was resolved. It cost $577.98 to fix this issue. Audi refuses to reimburse I am emailing because there is a potential issue with the recall fix on the fuel filter issue on the Audi Q7. My patch failed. I was lucky that no one was injured due to the failure. You may want to review the issue on other recall repairs that did patches and not replacements. I have the part if you would like to review it.

NHTSA ID

11541536

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11495385

Incident

Nov 25, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11484933

Incident

Aug 10, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11478040

Incident

Jul 29, 2022

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 major safety issue considering it is installed on the top of the fuel tank. It was, a part that needed to be corrected immediately, and the Audi dealership left me no other option but to repair it myself. I feel that Audi failed to repair the vehicle correctly when I took it in for the recall repair in November of 2017. The put a band aid on a problem hoping the leak would never occur, but, when the leak occurred they failed to remedy the issue. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11470094

Incident

Jun 10, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11454228

Incident

Feb 21, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11388544

Incident

Jan 11, 2021

Mileage

105,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11322965

Incident

Apr 30, 2020

Mileage

103,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11289500

Incident

Aug 30, 2013

Mileage

45,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11277791

Incident

Nov 1, 2019

Mileage

98,168 mi

PLEASE HELP! STRONG FUEL ODOR LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER, PASSENGER SIDE. NO FAULTS REPORTED WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE. FUEL TANK UNDER VEHICLE SHOWS EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE TOP. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS BRAND NEW, I'M THE FIRST OWNER IN 2013 STRAIGHT FROM AUDI DEALERSHIP. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, AFTER REMOVING BACK PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHEN REMOVING ROUND SILVER FUEL COVER, NOTICED SOME TYPE OF BLACK TAPE OR GOO WAS MELTING ABOVE THE FUEL FILTER. HARD TO DESCRIBE, SEE ATTACHED IMAGES. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE HALFWAY ON, NOT FULLY, I CAN SEE FUEL LEAKING OFF THE TOP, POSSIBLE CRACK THAT WAS COVERED BY BLACK GOO OR TAPE. VEHICLE WILL RUN OUT OF FUEL 2-3 DAYS AFTER FILLING FULL TANK.

NHTSA ID

11258967

Incident

Sep 11, 2019

Mileage

82,140 mi

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 CHILDREN ALL IN CAR SEATS AND I SHUDDER JUST THINKING ABOUT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE WERE IN THE CAR INSTEAD OF ONLY MY HUSBAND. THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED SHORTLY AFTER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT CAUSING MASSIVE WATER DAMAGE. HOWEVER, THE SMOKE AND FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE PORTIONS OF THE BACK SEAT, SIDE PANEL, AND ROOF THAT WERE MELTED. THE OFFICIAL FIRE REPORT SAID THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE INSIDE THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE RIGHT TIRE. IT IS NOTHING BUT THE GRACE OF GOD THAT ALLOWED MY ENTIRE FAMILY TO WALK AWAY FROM THIS INCIDENT UNHARMED. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT A 2013 AUDI WOULD CATCH ON FIRE, I EXPECTED A SAFER AND MORE QUALITY PRODUCT, ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11222274

Incident

Jun 7, 2019

Mileage

60,000 mi

RUMBLING SOUND FROM A COLD START. REPORTED PROBLEM TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY IN APRIL 2015 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL SOUND. NOW ENGINE FAILURE WITH TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONERS. THERE WAS A TSB ISSUED BY AUDI IN MARCH 2015 FOR THIS ISSUE AND YET NOTHING WAS EVER MENTIONED. NOW REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $12,000.

NHTSA ID

11209515

Incident

Apr 24, 2015

Mileage

35,725 mi

I WAS DRIVING TODAY ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE WINDSHIELD MECHANISM ON MY 2013 AUDI Q7 SNAPPED IN HALF AND FLEW OFF THE CAR IN HEAVY RAINS. ADDITIONALLY, THE ONLY SIDE AFFECTED BY THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER; THE DRIVER SIDE AND BACK CONTINUE TO WORK

NHTSA ID

11207298

Incident

May 13, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS PERFORMED POORLY AFTER COMPLETING A US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MANDATED "FIX" OF DIESEL (3.0 LITER TDI, ENGINE CODE CNRB) EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT RELATED TO VW/AUDI EMISSIONS CHEATING. THERE IS NOW SPORADIC LAG IN ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS, OR ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I HAVE PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND THE POWER DELIVERY WAS NON-EXISTENT, FOLLOWED BY, AFTER A 1 SECOND DELAY, RAPID OVER ACCELERATION. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN MANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE REDUCTANT METERING MODULE FAILURE THAT HAS CAUSED DANGEROUS DELAYS AND LAGS IN ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ID

11203177

Incident

Apr 21, 2019

Mileage

82,000 mi