NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The Gross Axle Weight Rating printed on the certification label is incorrect, which could allow the vehicle to be loaded beyond its safe weight capacity.
This page covers 5 recalls, 38 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Audi Q7.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints filed for the 2013 Audi Q7 center heavily on the fuel/propulsion system and engine, with visibility issues rounding out the top three. Owners frequently report the vehicle entering limp mode, often unexpectedly at highway speeds or during turns, leaving the engine with severely reduced power output. Engine-related complaints describe coolant and oil loss over time, with water pump failure and coolant leaks coming up across multiple reports. A handful of owners also mention burnt valves tied to broader engine failure. On the visibility side, several owners report windshield wiper arm failures, in some cases the arm detaching from the vehicle entirely during rain, leaving the driver with obstructed forward vision. Wiper arms getting stuck in an upright position and subsequently being pulled off by the opposing blade is a specific failure pattern that shows up more than once in this complaint set.
38
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Audi Q7 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fuel pump flange that can crack and leak gasoline, raising the risk of a fire if the fuel contacts an ignition source.
Vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI diesel engine face a separate but significant brake concern. A check valve in the engine can become contaminated and allow engine oil to migrate into the brake booster. Over time, that oil degrades the booster's internal diaphragm until it ruptures, stripping away the power assist that makes the brake pedal easy to press. When that assist is gone, the pedal becomes noticeably harder to push and the stopping distance increases, raising the risk of a crash. This issue appears across two recalls that describe the same underlying defect, meaning prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the problem for all affected vehicles. Owners of TDI-equipped Q7s should confirm their specific vehicle's status. Rounding out the list is a compliance recall involving the certification label: the gross axle weight rating printed on the door jamb sticker is incorrect, which could lead an owner to load the vehicle beyond its actual safe capacity without realizing it.
At a glance
What can fail
The Gross Axle Weight Rating printed on the certification label is incorrect, which could allow the vehicle to be loaded beyond its safe weight capacity.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will apply an overlay label with the correct rear Gross Axle Weight Rating over the existing certification label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange can crack or split, causing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel near heat or sparks could ignite and cause fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange, or replace it if cracks are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange can crack, which may cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace cracked flanges or apply protective film to flanges without cracks, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A contaminated check valve may let engine oil enter the brake booster. Over time, oil degrades the diaphragm inside, causing it to rupture and reducing or eliminating power-assisted braking, making the brake pedal harder to press.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster for oil contamination and replace the vacuum line if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A check valve in the engine may become contaminated with plastic debris, allowing engine oil to leak into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the vacuum line and inspect the brake booster for oil contamination. If contamination is found, additional components will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
