2013 Audi Q7 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Audi Q7 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and engine and engine cooling. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel pump/filter flange leak with cabin odor.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #17V298000 · Mar 5, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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

Campaign #14V516000 · Aug 26, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: If oil leaks into the brake booster, the brake booster diaphragm may rupture causing a loss of power braking assist, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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

Campaign #23V086000 · Feb 15, 2023

Issue: 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."

Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Audi Q7.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel pump/filter flange leak with cabin odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2026-07

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750638
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554438
2013 AUDI Q7 TDI - CATASTROPHIC HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. SECOND INCIDENT WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MI ON SAME VEHICLE. WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON CITY STREET. CAR BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND LOSING POWER RAPIDLY, GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER BEGAN PULLING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073163

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Windshield wiper arm detachment while driving

VISIBILITY/WIPER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2024-02

WIFE PULLED INTO GARAGE ON A STORMY DAY AND I WAS STANDING ON PASSENGER SIDE WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON. PASSENGER WIPER ARM SNAPPED OFF AND FLEW TOWARD US AND ALMOST STABBED MY 3 YEAR OLD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIPER BLADE, BUT IT WAS THE WHOLE ENTIRE ARM. THE BROKEN END
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11031351
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED'S IN A BLINDING RAINSTORM, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM BROKE AND FLEW OFF THE CAR INTO THE TRAFFIC BEHIND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115568
I WAS DRIVING TODAY ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE WINDSHIELD MECHANISM ON MY 2013 AUDI Q7 SNAPPED IN HALF AND FLEW OFF THE CAR IN HEAVY RAINS. ADDITIONALLY, THE ONLY SIDE AFFECTED BY THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER; THE DRIVER SIDE AND BACK CONTINUE TO WORK
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207298

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Engine oil/coolant consumption and internal failure

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2026-07

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754103
RUMBLING SOUND FROM A COLD START. REPORTED PROBLEM TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY IN APRIL 2015 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL SOUND. NOW ENGINE FAILURE WITH TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONERS. THERE WAS A TSB ISSUED BY AUDI IN MARCH 2015 FOR THIS ISSUE AND YET
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209515
HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, WITHIN A MONTH OF BUYING IT. SAID IT WAS NORMAL, NOW ITS ON A WEEK TO WEEK BASIS WITH PUTTING OIL IN THE CAR AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT COMES ON WHILE MOVING AND STAYS ON UNTIL OIL IS PUT IN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289500

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Loss of power and limp mode while driving

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-12

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706022
MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AT THE SAME TIME INCLUDING TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, ABS, ESP, AIR BAG AND TPMS, WHILE THESE LIGHTS ARE ON VEHICLE HESITATES AND LOOSES COMPLETE POWER, THIS CONDITION HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO TOW THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150057
WITHIN 300 MILES OF THE DIESEL RECALL MODIFICATION THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT 70 MPH AND SLOWLY DRIFTED TO LOWER SPEED. ADDITIONALLY THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT RESPOND TO MANUAL SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR (IT STAYED IN 8TH). AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND TURNING IT OFF A "RESET ACCOURED"
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066133

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Service brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2021-01

I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR GRINDER TO A HALT. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE GRINDING. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HE FOUND A BOLT ON THE GROUND THAT WAS HOLDING THE CALIPER/HUB TOGETHER. MY SPEED WAS AROUND 30 MPH BUT IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT A HIGHER RATE OF
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388544
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI Q7. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993367

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

6 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Audi Q7 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.