2013 Audi A7: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2013 Audi A7
On the 2013 Audi A7, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, with 4 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 32,500 miles. Overall it scores 72 out of 100, high risk for a 2013.
High risk for a 2013 — 137th riskiest of the 284 2013 vehicles we can rate. 35 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2013 Audi A7
Owners have reported 15 named failure modes on the 2013 Audi A7, and the three most-reported carry 31% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other electrical problem leads with 4 reports and about 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other steering problem follows with 4 reports, median 55,000 miles.
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure follows with 3 reports, median 15,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (7), steering (4) and body (4).
At what mileage it happens
29 of the reports on the 2013 Audi A7 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 32,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 52% by 50,000 miles and 93% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 21% of the dated reports.
52% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 15. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 7 mention a crash and 1 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.26, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other steering problem at $350–$2,400, ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure at $250–$1,500 and seat belt or retractor failure at $200–$900. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
17% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 4 | 4 | — | 67k | — | 0.5 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 4 | 3 | — | 56k | — | 0.5 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 14k | — | 0.4 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 3 | 3 | — | 20k | — | 0.4 | $200–$900 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 3 | 3 | — | 75 | — | 0.4 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 68k | — | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 2 | 2 | — | 75k | — | 0.2 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 49k | — | 0.2 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 102k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 12k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 1 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 4 | 1 | — | 72k | — | 0.5 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2013 Audi A7 draws about 4.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 84th percentile of complaint rates among 2013 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 8,115 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2013 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
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 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
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.
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure
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 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 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 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
Recalls on the 2013 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2013 Audi A7, affecting an estimated 27,300 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:sensor:occupant classification and fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
139,249 vehicles 2018-06-04- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
48,693 vehicles 2017-12-06- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
28,249 vehicles 2016-09-07- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
21,074 vehicles 2015-12-08- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
26,008 vehicles 2015-01-20- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2013 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2013 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2013 — 137th riskiest of the 284 2013 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 5 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2014 comes out best at 65 and 2019 worst at 82, with 2013 itself at 72.
If the model year is negotiable, 2014 scores lower than 2013 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2012–2018 generation specifically, 2014 is the strongest year at 65 and 2016 the weakest at 73.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2012-2018 generation, 2014 Audi A7 scores best at 65 and 2016 Audi A7 worst at 73.
The limits of complaint data
35 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 35 reports, 29 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 83% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A7?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (4 reports, median 65,000 miles), other steering problem (4 reports, median 55,000 miles) and ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure (3 reports, median 15,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2013 Audi A7 reliable?
It scores 72 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 137th riskiest of the 284 2013 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2013 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Audi A7 is best?
Within the 2012–2018 generation, 2014 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2016 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed