- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2013 Audi A7 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2013 Audi A7 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (7) and the engine & cooling (5). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 fire. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in June 2018 for the occupant classification. For comparison, the 2012 has 30 and the 2014 has 11.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A7 year, for its age
#193 most complained-about 2013 vehicle
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2013 Audi A7 problems
Share of all 19 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2013 Audi A7 recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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19 complaints about the 2013 Audi A7
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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!
Internal engine oil leak
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A7. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not serviced. The contact took the vehicle to independent mechanic and was informed that the electronic steering unit needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired but the warning light was cleared from the system. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of...
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the diagnostic inquiry. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated on another occasion while driving 5 MPH, the steering assist warning light was illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to local dealer and was waiting to be serviced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a7. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal, without warning. The contact spoke to the manufacturer and was referred to an authorized dealer to have the vehicle serviced. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the catalytic converter was defective. The mechanic was unable to provide the repair for a lack parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer notified the contact that the vehicle...
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needed to be taken to an authorized audi dealer for service. The manufacturer declined to pay for the repairs to the vehicle. The contact stated that the nearest dealer was nearly two hours away and that the vehicle was not able to be serviced at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,338.*Bf*jb
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.
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.
No power steering when starting car. " Steering defective do not drive vehicle" warning on dash.
PODS
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
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..
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 audi a7. While the contact was parking the vehicle in front of a neighbor's home, a "fuel take inoperable see dealer" message appeared. After leaving for work, the contact was notified by his neighbor that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact was informed by the fire department that fuel was spraying from the fuel pump as they were attempting to extinguish and it was caused by a mechanical failure. The...
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vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not inspected by an independent mechanic or dealer to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was notified and provided case number: 171608755. The manufacturer stated that they would send an inspector to determine the cause of the fire. The contact stated that he did not receive notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v646000 (fuel system, gasoline) from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
While rolling to a stop at a left hand turn signal automatic gas saver feature turned vehicle off or defaulted prior to the vehicle coming to a complete halt. Automatic gas saver feature turns engine off at a stop to save idling emissions and fuel consumption. Vehicle froze, brakes were hard, steering locked and car very slowly rolled into vehicle in front. Air bags did not deploy possibly because vehicle was completely off. This happened three times in 22,000 miles only when the automatic gas saver feature is...
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on. The first time no fault message/code was noted due to panic. The second and third times a fault code/message displayed on the dash stating "key not recognized". This could or could not be related. Batteries in key fob are strong/functional. *Tr
While attempting to parallel park, the car jumped without warning and crashed into a brand new hearse in front of a mortuary. Applied the gas pedal once with no response, applied again with a surprise surge of the car and crashed into the hearse causing extensive damage to both vehicles. I have made at least 3 inquiries of the dealer since owning the car concerning the surging. I was given three different answers, ranging from using both feet (brake and gas), faulty rug design, and something to do with the...
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computer/electric system. As I am not an electrician, I didn't understand the reasons. I feel this car is a potential terrible accident to happen and am, frankly, afraid for my lady and myself to drive the car, as much as we really like it. I am convinced that the accident is not the driver's fault, but rests solely with a defect, or bad design, in the system that causes intermittent surging with this car. I would like absolution from insurance liability in this accident, as I don't feel the accident could be avoided due to the intermittent problem with surging. *Tr
In summary, in december, 2013, the referenced 2013 audi a7 received a diagnosis for malfunctioning homelink, malfunctioning electric seat belt tensioner (audi pre-sense), navigation system errors and related items. On may 12, 2014 the vehicle was dropped off at audi orland park, illinois, for such repairs. On may 19, 2014, upon information and belief, homelink electronic module had been replaced. However, upon replacement, a new, systemic problem arose, that is, replacement of the 5f module became required due to...
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risks the 5f module will fail upon reprogramming. As of may 19, 2014, despite replacement of homelink electronic module, no repair had been accomplished. A particularly troubling matter is that the 5f module required programming which, in the past, had caused 5f module failures in other audi vehicles. Thus, one apparently minor failure (in this case, homelink) can lead to systemic failure in various audi models. A systemic failure due to 5f module defective design and defective programming is unsafe and legally unacceptable. *Tr
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
Audi A7: every year compared
All A7 years2013 Audi A7 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi A7 | 19 | 5 | D | |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 111 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Audi Q5 | 92 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 52 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A8 | 50 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A8L | 47 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A5 | 38 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A3 | 20 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2013 Audi Allroad | 13 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2013 Audi A7
Does the 2013 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Audi A7: occupant classification (June 2018); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (December 2017); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (September 2016); occupant classification (December 2015) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A7?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (7), engine & cooling (5), steering (4).
How many complaints has the 2013 Audi A7 had?
19 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 15, 2013 and the latest on May 6, 2025. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2013 Audi A7 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 27 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A7 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A7 years have the most complaints?
2019 (43), 2012 (30), 2013 (19). See every Audi A7 year compared.
What should I do if my 2013 Audi A7 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data