2013 Audi Q7 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Audi Q7, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1325.0%
- Engine1121.2%
- Visibility815.4%
- Powertrain (other)47.7%
- Electrical35.8%
- Brakes35.8%
- Driver assistance35.8%
- Airbags23.8%
- Steering23.8%
- Exterior lighting11.9%
- Tires & wheels11.9%
- Other / unspecified11.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AT THE SAME TIME INCLUDING TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, ABS, ESP, AIR BAG AND TPMS, WHILE THESE LIGHTS ARE ON VEHICLE HESITATES AND LOOSES COMPLETE POWER, THIS CONDITION HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO TOW THE VAHICLE HOME AND EVENTUALLY TO MY LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP. I FOUND ON LINE TECHNICAL BULLETIN SB-10053894-9766 WHICH DESCRIBES THE EXACT SYMPTHOMS MY VEHICLE IS HAVING, I STROGLY BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL RATHER THEN A TSB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING BETWEEN APPROXIMATELY 70-72 MPH AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER OR BOUNCE. THIS DISTRACTS THE DRIVER AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TWO BLOW OUTS 2 MONTHS APART ON SET OF TIRES. NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. FIRST ONE WAS RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY - THE SECOND BLOW OUT WAS RIGHT REAR TIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. ALL TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW ON JUNE 9TH 2014.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .