Vehicle report
2013 Audi Q7
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Audi Q7, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2013 Audi Q7 has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is not rated. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
3
Open recalls
15
Complaints
Not Rated
Overall safety
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2013 Audi Q7 recalls (3)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
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 COOLING
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.
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
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.
2013 Audi Q7 safety ratings
Not Rated
Overall
Not Rated
Front
Not Rated
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2013 Audi Q7 owner complaints (15)
- STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
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 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
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
Fuel pump leak
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
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
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!
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
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
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
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
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
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.
- AIR BAGS
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,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
top of fuel pump has crack causing fuel to leaks when in use.
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Checking a used Audi Q7 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2013 Q7 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Q7's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2013 Audi Q7 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Audi Q7, or browse more Audi models.
2013 Audi Q7 — questions and answers
Does the 2013 Audi Q7 have any recalls?+
Our check found 3 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2013 Audi Q7. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2013 Audi Q7 have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi Q7 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2013 Audi Q7 safe?+
The 2013 Audi Q7 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of not rated. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2013 Audi Q7 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Audi free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Audi dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.