2013 Audi S7: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2015 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2013 Audi S7. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller on [XXX]. The contact stated that the seller's advertisement and the odometer indicated that the mileage was 115,000. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer mileage was 220,000. The vehicle was serviced at an Audi of Charlotte in Mathew, NC on 02/27/2025, and the odometer reported 220,897. In addition, in April 2025, the Charlotte, NC Department of Motor Vehicles reported that the odometer mileage was 223,000. The seller was contacted, but declined to communicate with the contact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“The contact owns a 2013 Audi S7. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) where the turbochargers needed to be replaced from wear and tear from the consequences mentioned in the recall. The dealer diagnosed that the turbocharger itself needed to be replaced, however, it was not covered under the recall. The turbochargers had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,970.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2022
“J197 module is always falling the car is 26,000 and the suspension goes bad need readapt few times They need to check that module”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Both stock 2013 S7 turbos were blown/damaged at 38k miles due to being starved of oil lubrication from a faulty blocked screen. This is a known issue and has occurred in many Audi S7 and S6 vehicles with the 4.0 twin turbo engine. Audi has upgraded and changed the oil screen design and location in these models due to this problem, however Audi owners suffering this known issue have to pay for repairs on their own dime if the car is past warranty. Repairs were $13k.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2022
“Due to this oil sceen being clogged, the turbos were starved for oil and subsequently failed. There was no warning for this and oil was changed regularly per the service manual. I was stranded 80 miles from home. The car began running poorly and then would not run at all. There is a service bulletin on the problem but Audi of America has not yet done anything about my repairs.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2021
“Initially I was driving on the interstate (I-95) and could feel the car running rough or missing. After I exited the interstate and merged onto the highway (sr405) the car stalled at a traffic light. Wouldn't start at first and after several attempts it finally started but was running really rough. Luckily I was only a mile from the house and was able to get off the highway and limp home on some back roads. I had the car towed to audi the next day and they diagnosed the issue to be a failure of the turbos. Repair took 21 days and they had to replace the turbos and the oil screens.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“The contact owns a 2017 Audi S7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the turbocharger; however, the failure recurred with the engine seizing. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2020
“I exited the highway, merged onto a 4 lane highway, and moved to the center lane to turn left. The engine shut off and when restarting would shut off again after a couple of seconds. This made it nearly impossible to turn left off the highway. There were multiple vehicles approaching at 50 mph. After having the car towed to the dealer I was informed that the turbos failed at 69,000 miles. I checked online and found many people with the same 4.0 twin turbo engine had this failure. My opinion is this failure is premature, dangerous, and should be recalled.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2020
“With 68033 miles on my audi s7 the turbos failed and required to be replaced. The first indication of the problem was when the engine shutdown in traffic and I had a hard time starting it while stopped in a busy city traffic lane. It took 3 attempts to get the engine started but it idled very roughly almost quit running again. I was able to limp the car home, but was not sure of the engine would quit again if I let it idle.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2019
“Blown turbos resulted in catastrophic engine failure. I had to pay labor of $10,500 and warranty paid for new engine. Happened at approximately 72,000 miles. Vehicle in gear with foot on brake at a fast food drive through.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact S7 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2013 Audi S7 reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Audi S7. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 Audi S7 have open recalls?
3 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.