2013 Audi A7 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 A7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V370000 (manufacturer code 74D5).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 A7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V781000 (manufacturer code 20AR).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-237-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 A7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V646000 (manufacturer code 24BZ).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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 ai…
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 A7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V823000 (manufacturer code 74D1).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
What could happen: 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 custo…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 A7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V019000 (manufacturer code 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-822-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2013 Audi A7 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (7), Engine (5), Unknown Or Other (4), Steering (4), Transmission / drivetrain (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/06/2025 · Unknown Or Other
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!
04/06/2024 · Engine
Internal engine oil leak
03/16/2022 · Steering
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 ne…
06/29/2021 · Steering
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 th…
05/07/2021 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
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.
04/12/2021 · Steering
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 STEER…
11/30/2020 · Transmission / drivetrain
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 CONV…
12/17/2019 · Transmission / drivetrain
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…