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2013 Audi A4 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Audi A4 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 111owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 26%fail the UK MOT
111 complaints, against an average of 43 for the other 11 Audi A4 model years.
Every Audi A4 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Audi A4?
The components named most often in the 111 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Audi A4 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 111 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2013 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Audi A4 as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2013 Audi A4 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAStop-drive TAKATA PSAN
Risk: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
UK DVSAReplacing TAKATA driver airbag
Risk: On imported Audi vehicles previously used in a warm climate zone and fitted with TAKATA driver airbag manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may cause small metal parts to become dislodged from the housing and potentially injure the driver or a passenger.
Fix: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the gas generator in the airbag unit on the driver side of the vehicle.
UK DVSARisk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump
Risk: On affected vehicles moisture may enter the electronic components and cause overheating and failure of the additional coolant pump. localised smoulder damage cannot be ruled out and in individual cases may cause vehicle to catch fire.
Fix: The additional coolant pump must be replaced and in addition a software update of the engine control unit must be carried out
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.
UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat
Risk: Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
UK DVSAAir bags may not inflate correctly
Risk: On affected vehicles the front air bags may not inflate correctly in the event of an accident and not be able to perform their function
Fix: Reprogramme the airbag control unit with new software
UK DVSAReduction in braking performance
Risk: On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause…The driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe handheld control unit for throttle and brake may develop a fracture in a welded joint in the relay mechanism.If this damage occurs this may lead to impaired functioning or even failure of the brake and gas control via the manual control device.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, fuel can leak onto the engine fuel rail.Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThere is a possibility that, in rare cases, the front airbags may not deploy as intended in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that, in isolated cases, oil arrives into the brake force amplifier through the vacuum hoses.This can lead to damage of the amplifier membrane and consequently to reduction of brake force, which could lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Audi A4 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Audi A4 owners report?
12 of the 111 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
After run collant pump caught fire and damaged the engine wiring harness. I reported it to progressive insurance and they came and inspected it at a body shop. They concluded it was due to an open recall on the vehicle so insurance refuses to cover it. Had car towed to Audi dealership and they reported it to Audi USA. They came back and told me that because of the mileage and year of the vehicle that they wouldn't cover it.
The contact owned a 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, after starting the vehicle, her friend heard a puff noise coming from under the vehicle. No warning light illuminated however, after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control illuminated. In addition, the contact's friend lifted the hood of the vehicle, and he noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire was extinguished by the contact and her friend. A fire department arrived at the scene however the…
Excessive abnormal corrosion of rear subframe.
Component that failed is a/an electric coolant pump for turbo. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety was compromised due to increased risk of fire. Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Audi Service Department. Yes the vehicle has been inspected by Manufacturers local service department. Yes, the check engine light and ECU light were illuminated on the dash of vehicle 3 weeks before car was taken in for service.
The contact owned a 2013 Audi A4. The contact stated that his grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed when he heard a loud unidentified sound coming from the engine compartment. Suddenly, white smoke and flames were emerging from the engine compartment. The vehicle was successfully pulled to the side of the road by the contact's grandson. After the grandson managed to exit the vehicle, a short while later the vehicle caught fire. A bystander came over and assisted in extinguishing the fire. No one was injured during the incident. The fire department arrived and extinguished the remaining…
August of 2021. It was raining out and I drove through a puddle and my electric steering shut down. This has been a known defect for at least 10 years with Audi and NHTSA has done NOTHING about it.
2013 Audi A4 with a 2.0 turbo engine approximately 62.5K miles and up to date with all services. I was driving on the highway at highway speeds when the engine suddenly started to misfire with a partial loss of power making the car difficult to steer. At that time the check engine light was not illuminated. I was able to get off the highway and drive home about 2 miles away from when the misfires first occurred. The police did not get involved as I was able to return home. The following week the car was towed to my mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder 3 had a problem. At that time the…
Coolent migration from the coolant valve through the wire into the connection to ecu. This caused corrosion which in turn caused an unsafe driving condition by shutting the throttle pedal control to the engine off. This has been recalled on many other models and is quite prevalent in the a4 with manual transmission as mine is.
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A4 The contact stated that while driving between 50-60m mph when driving in the dark on an unfamiliar road when they missed a turn and ended up crashing into a pole on the side of the road. As a result, the vehicle flipped few times. The vehicle ended up coming to a stop. No airbags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed but had not been deemed totaled officially as of yet. The contact stated that the vehicle suffered severe damage. There were no injuries. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING UNDER THE REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI DOMINION (21105 IH-10 W, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78257) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE REAR SEAT WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED; WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE'S RPM WOULD GO UP, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE INCREASED ACCELERATION. STRONG SMELL OF BURNT CLUTCH FLUID. AND SOME SMOKE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE BAY. DRIVING VEHICLE HOME, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED IN EVERY GEAR. VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO GET UP TO SPEED AND RPM WOULD RISE AND FALL WITH THE PRESS/DEPRESS OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE HAS 80K MILES, NEVER ABUSED AND HAS ALL RECALLS COMPLETED.
WHEN THE VEHICLE AS AT A STOP OR MOVING FORWARD VERY SLOWLY AND THE GAS PEDAL (ACCELERATOR) IS DEPRESSED THE TRANSMISSION (WHICH IS IN DRIVE) DOES NOT ENGAGE - THE ENGINE WILL SIMPLY REV AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE TRANSMISSION WILL ULTIMATELY ENGAGE WITH A RATHER SEVERE JOLT. THIS PRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE UPON COMMAND. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THIS HAS PUT ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IN ONE INSTANCE, A CAR WAS STALLED AHEAD OF ME ON A VERY BUSY FREEWAY. I STOPPED MY CAR ABOUT 15 FEET BEHIND THE STALLED…
2013 Audi A4: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Audi A4 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi A4; the most common categories were steering (57, 51.4%), engine (20, 18%), electrical system (11, 9.9%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A4?
Across 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are steering (51.4% of complaints), engine (18% of complaints), electrical system (9.9% of complaints), power train (8.1% of complaints), air bags (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Audi A4 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Audi A4. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Audi A4 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 111 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A4 (5.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Epc light illuminated, rough idling, loss of power, car will not turn on. 2017 it did the same thing, found electrical fault near gas tank (could have blown up). audi fix at goodwill. compression of engine was never checked." (NHTSA complaint 11193795, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Audi A4?
6 of the 111 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A4 (5.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Component that failed is a/an electric coolant pump for turbo. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety was compromised due to increased risk of fire. Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Audi Service Department." (NHTSA complaint 11617050, September 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2013 Audi A4 have rust or paint problems?
6 of the 111 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A4 (5.4%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Coolent migration from the coolant valve through the wire into the connection to ecu. This caused corrosion which in turn caused an unsafe driving condition by shutting the throttle pedal control to the engine off." (NHTSA complaint 11423863, July 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Audi A4 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
4 of the 111 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A4 (3.6%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Epc light illuminated, rough idling, loss of power, car will not turn on. 2017 it did the same thing, found electrical fault near gas tank (could have blown up). audi fix at goodwill. compression of engine was never checked." (NHTSA complaint 11193795, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own A4
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.