Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Audi Q7 problems

Owners filed 44 complaints about the 2013 Audi Q7 with NHTSA between Mar 2014 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (14).

Complaints
44
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
60
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Fuel/propulsion system14
  2. Engine11
  3. Visibility/wiper7
  4. Power train4
  5. Electrical system3
  6. Service brakes3
  7. Fuel system, gasoline2
  8. Steering2
  9. Vehicle speed control2
  10. Air bags2
  11. Wheels1
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  13. Tires1
  14. Exterior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20142
20152
20161
20172
20188
20198
20201
20211
20225
20233
20242
20252
20267

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Fuel/propulsion system

14 reports
“The initial recall (17V298) was performed in 2017 and then the problem reoccurred in 2026 (cracked fuel flange) making it dangerous to drive. This was subsequently fixed at an Audi dealership and they have refused to cover it. Under terms of the recall, it states that this should not be charged to the customer however the charge of $1,670.36 was levied against me. I subsequently opened a case (#07770420) with Audi and they said that they were not obligated to perform that identical fix mentioned after 12 months from the first, even if the same problem occurs again. This shows that the defect still exists in these cars (2013 Audi Q7 premium) and is a hazard. I believe that Audi should reimburse me and any other Audi customer since the remedy to the recall was not permanent.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11772664

Engine

11 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2026Steering, Power train, EngineODI 11754103

Visibility/wiper

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2024Visibility/wiperODI 11570155

Power train

4 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2022Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11484933

Electrical system

3 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11706022

Service brakes

3 reports1 crash
“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 -…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2024Unknown or other, Service brakes, EngineODI 11571639
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.