2013 Audi Q7: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2013 Audi Q7
On the 2013 Audi Q7, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 7 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 75,000 miles. Overall it scores 65 out of 100, high risk for a 2013.
High risk for a 2013 — 255th riskiest of the 284 2013 vehicles we can rate. 54 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 24 named failure modes on the 2013 Audi Q7, and the three most-reported carry 26% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other engine problem leads with 7 reports and about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 4 reports, median 95,000 miles.
Oil leak follows with 3 reports.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (15), fuel (8) and glass (6).
When these failures get reported
29 of the reports on the 2013 Audi Q7 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 75,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 17% by 50,000 miles, 72% by 100,000 miles and 97% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 100,000 and 110,000 miles, which alone holds 24% of the dated reports.
10% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
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 24. 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 further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. 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
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 2 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 4.43, 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 engine problem at $300–$4,000, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, oil leak at $250–$2,200 and fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
37% 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 engine problem | engine | 7 | 3 | — | 98k | — | 0.2 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 4 | 2 | — | 96k | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 3 | 2 | — | 149k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 3 | 3 | — | 74k | — | 0.1 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 3 | 2 | — | 83k | — | 0.1 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 3 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 3 | — | 70k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 60k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 2 | 2 | — | 75k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 1 | — | 82k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 36k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 45k | — | 0.0 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Backup camera failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 105k | — | 0.0 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 1 | 1 | — | 11k | — | 0.0 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 105k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 15 | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 3 | 1 | — | 103k | — | 0.1 | — | 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 Q7 draws about 1.8 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 79th 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 30,060 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 engine problem
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" and the car operated normally for another 300 miles. The car again lost power and the transmission did not respond to manual shift to a lower gear. The car was taken to audi and they "cleaned" the erg valve. The loss of power and lack of transmission accrued again at about 300 ,450 and 600 miles past the event of audi working on the ergt. All of these events have taken place at interstate speeds and when the car is being operated on trips in excess of 300 miles
Other powertrain problem
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" and the car operated normally for another 300 miles. The car again lost power and the transmission did not respond to manual shift to a lower gear. The car was taken to audi and they "cleaned" the erg valve. The loss of power and lack of transmission accrued again at about 300 ,450 and 600 miles past the event of audi working on the ergt. All of these events have taken place at interstate speeds and when the car is being operated on trips in excess of 300 miles
Recalls on the 2013 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2013 Audi Q7, affecting an estimated 33,602 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 tires, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump and service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/p. 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.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
TIRES
12,100 vehicles 2023-02-15- Defect
- 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."
- Consequence
- An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
240,487 vehicles 2017-05-03- Defect
- 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.
- 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 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1,814 vehicles 2014-08-26- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
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
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2013 — 255th 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 17 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2011 comes out best at 60 and 2023 worst at 80, with 2013 itself at 65.
If the model year is negotiable, 2011 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 2012–2016 generation specifically, 2012 is the strongest year at 63 and 2015 the weakest at 67.
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 2012-2016 generation, 2012 Audi Q7 scores best at 63 and 2015 Audi Q7 worst at 67.
Where these figures stop being useful
54 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 54 reports, 29 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 54% 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".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
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 Q7?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (7 reports, median 100,000 miles), other powertrain problem (4 reports, median 95,000 miles) and oil leak (3 reports). 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 Q7 reliable?
It scores 65 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 255th 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 Q7 is best?
Within the 2012–2016 generation, 2012 scores best at 63 out of 100 and 2015 worst at 67. 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