2013 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 7th of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 43
- Per 10,000 cars
- 30.3
- 14,196 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.81×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 14
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2013 Audi Q7?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Audi Q7 is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is windshield wipers, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (7 of 43 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel pump and fumes in the cabin. 14 of the 43 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and emissions system. For comparison, the 2012 scores 75 and the 2014 scores 72.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-12 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 73
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart7 complaints
- Fuel pump: a leak5 complaints
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)3 complaints
How the 2013 Q7 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.72× | −15 |
| Everyday problems | 1.0× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.70× | −5 |
| Score | 73 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2013 Q7. If it were exactly average, its 14,196 cars would draw about 3.8 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 43 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Audi Q7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 43.
Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (16%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
5 complaints (12%)
A leak and a failure.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (7%)
A bad smell.
Fuel filter: a leak
3 complaints (7%)
A leak and a bad smell. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (5%)
Loss of braking and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (5%)
A leak.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (5%)
Burning or using oil.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (5%)
A leak.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (5%)
Problems that come and go.
High-pressure fuel pump: stalling
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode.
Reported Once (19)
Show the 19 problems reported once
- Brake calipers: parts breaking or coming apart
- Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
- Several warning lights at once
- Diesel emissions system: hesitation
- CV axles: early wear
- Engine: a loss of power
- Engine failure: stalling
- Engine oil leak
- Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Electrical system (part not stated): a fire
- Power windows or regulator: works on and off
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Steering: sticking or stiffness
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Timing chain or camshaft: failure or loss of drive
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Valve train: reduced power or limp mode
- Wheel bearings: damage
How the 2013 Audi Q7 Compares With Other Years
The other Q7 years of the 1st generation, 2007 to 2015, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Excellent | 81 | 0.44× | 14.8 | 2 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 72 | 0.73× | 25.8 | 2 | Fuel leak |
| 2013 This year | Good | 73 | 0.81× | 30.3 | 3 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2012 | Good | 75 | 0.66× | 31.5 | 4 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 | Good | 73 | 0.82× | 25.8 | 4 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2010 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 47.5 | 3 | High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2009 | Good | 76 | 0.64× | 24.1 | 3 | Engine: stalling |
| 2008 | Good | 79 | 0.47× | 20.0 | 3 | Fuel leak |
| 2007 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 37.7 | 3 | Screen and audio: stopped working |
2013 Audi Q7 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2013 Audi Q7. The most recent was issued in February 2023: “Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V086000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 31% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V298000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 3, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Loss of Brake Assist Due to Booster Contamination
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.
NHTSA 14V516000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 26, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2013 Audi Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2013 Audi Q7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and emissions system. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-12
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- The problem:
- Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2.1 SUVs, engine code CNRB, fixed under the emissions recall. A 2017 version of the bulletin names the 2013 to 2015 Q7. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-02
Bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- The problem:
- Under the emissions recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels waited for an approved fix. Their new car warranty could run out before the fix was ready.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs defects in materials or workmanship as the new car warranty would, with the same exclusions, such as tires and wear items.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2 diesels in the emissions recall whose new car warranty ran out, with no other coverage. Owners who opted out of the class action settlement do not qualify. For Gen 2.1 Q7s it ended November 6, 2017.
- Coverage:
- From January 31, 2017, or the end of the new car warranty if later, until an emissions fix is approved or denied.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-03
Crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
- The problem:
- The crankcase ventilation valve can fail. It causes a whistling noise in the engine bay and turns on the check engine light.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the crankcase ventilation valve for free if it diagnoses the valve as faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2013 to 2016 Audis with a 3.0 or 4.0 gasoline engine. Cars with a branded title, such as salvage, flood, rebuilt, fleet or lemon law buyback, or bought from a junkyard or body shop, are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2013 Q7, from its three recalls, four Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567 NHTSA 23V086000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 17V298000
- Loss of Brake Assist Due to Booster Contamination NHTSA 14V516000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-17-12: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- AWA-17-02: bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- AWA-19-03: crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
On the Test Drive
- Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Windshield wipers
- Fuel pump
- Fumes in the cabin
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next