2013 Audi A7: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2015 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Recall completed TWICE but manufacturer cannot keep their information updated correctly and claims the recall is open and WILL NOT COMPLETE THE RECALL WORK AT ANY DEALERSHIP!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2025
“An alert when I started my car stated that the steering system had a fault but it was ok to continue driving. Later that evening during my drive home, and about 20 miles from the start of the trip, the car then provided an alert for a steering system failure and to stop driving. The power steering appears to have stopped working - the car could only turn the wheels with great effort.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2021
“I have had four time windshield cracks.. There were no large impacts and it seems that the windshield material is extremely brittle and unsafe. Other vehicles under the same driving route and speed have never had windshield cracks, but my audi has encountered four. This seems like a design/material defect.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · May 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a7. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was unresponsive while in the center position and felt disconnected and unstable while turning. The driver stated that he did not always feel in control of the steering while turn in either direction from the center steering wheel position. The steering wheel seemed to momentarily ceased before responding while turning. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2020
“When starting the car, malfunction indicator light (mil) came on. No odd noises or smells, and the engine was running smooth. The trouble code displayed was 00196a. Drove the car to an audi dealer and they diagnosed the problem as "faulty transmission cooling valve n509, coolant is getting into connector causing an open circuit fault". The dealer stated that this a known problem (technical service bulletin #2033806/9) that sometimes renders the vehicle inoperable, and will possibly be covered for an extended period beyond the warranty. Repairs costed $900+. I'm concerned that if this reoccurs, it could cause the vehicle to shut off in an unsafe manner.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2019
“While stationary and driving, the check engine light appears along with the transmission and epc light which states, "transmission malfunction. Can continue to drive". Drives sluggish and "sputters" above 4000 rpm. My wife (pregnant at the time) was driving when it sputtered and had difficulty exiting our subdivision onto the highway. I took it to the audi dealer in hardeeville, sc and concern was verified as coolant in engine/transmission harness. (see uploads) I've done extensive research to see if this was common and I found a recall on the a8 for a similar problem. Additionally, I was able to find sb-10053889-6593 which outlines the exact issue; so audi is aware of the problem.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“While the car is in motion my car will sometime stop and say breaking engaged while the car is moving. This has happened to me three times. The car will stop in traffic, the windows will roll completely up, the sunroof will close and the radio will turn completely down. No one is walking near my car at the time. This will happen in the process of me driving in the middle of the road. I'm checking to see if there's any recalls or has anyone else experiencing the same issues with their audi a7”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
“Audi a7 in drive, completely stopped with only the brake pressed will jerk violently forward 2-3 feet. First time this happened, I thought I was rear ended. This is a serious safety issue that happens often. Also, while driving, an audible alarm will go off in the car with the hazards rapidly flashing for no reason. There are no warning lights going off on the dash other that the hazard signals. This will last for 5 minutes with the audible alarm and another 5 with just the hazards rapidly going off. I had my girlfriend record a video of it this morning which I can provide.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2017
“Air bag warning light on, cannot reset unless taken to dealer. Wheels were all bent on the inside unknown to buyer since it was out of sight. Car was our of line and the tires and wheels were difficult to balance. Dealer assured the wheels are okay, after $300 fix..”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2017
“Tire failure. No cause, no incident. Sidewall tread block split and all air lost within 5 miles of low air sensor alert in the car. 11,500 miles. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.
How other years compare
Check your exact A7 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Audi A7 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Audi A7. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2013 Audi A7 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.