2013 Audi Q7: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

On XXX, I was driving northbound on US-101 from [XXX] to [XXX] to pick up a family member for an appointment. The vehicle had been operating normally at freeway speed. As traffic slowed for a construction zone near Summerland, I intentionally reduced speed to approximately 20 mph. At that point, I heard a sudden abnormal rotational mechanical noise from the engine compartment, best described as a flapping or rubbing sound. The noise had not been present earlier during the drive. Within moments, the engine lost power and shut down. The vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic, and power steering assist was lost after the engine stopped. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The engine would not restart. Before this incident, I did not observe any meaningful warning of an impending catastrophic engine failure. I did not observe an engine overheating warning, an oil-pressure warning, or any other dashboard warning indicating an imminent engine seizure. Before purchasing the vehicle, and during my ownership, I used Ross-Tech VCDS (Audi/VW-specific diagnostic software) as part of proactive maintenance and monitoring. Nothing identified an impending catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was transported to an independent European repair facility for inspection. The shop determined that the engine is mechanically seized and advised that the precise initiating cause cannot be determined without engine disassembly. An Audi dealership likewise indicated that additional manufacturer-level diagnostic procedures would be required. A case was created, and Audi declined assistance. I am submitting this complaint because the engine failed suddenly during normal operation without a meaningful advance warning, resulting in an immediate loss of propulsion in traffic. I believe this type of unexpected catastrophic engine failure presents a potential safety concern if it occurs while the vehicle is being operated on a public roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

Filed Feb 26, 2022 · Steering · IN

Steering wheel intermittently gets really HARD to turn. Like a total loss of power steering assist. This only usually lasts a moment or two, then functions as normal. Always while driving, but not always while navigating a turn. Might only happen once or twice a week... Really frightening. Dealer has performed numerous repairs, including even a new Rack (at my expense) It doesn't happen again for a while, and then it does the same thing again.

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Fuel system · 69,000 miles · CA

2013 audi q7 tdi - catastrophic high pressure fuel pump failure. Second incident within approximately 20,000 mi on same vehicle. Was driving approximately 30 MPH on city street. Car began shaking violently and losing power rapidly, glow plug light came on. Driver began pulling over to the side of the street but vehicle stalled before safely on shoulder. Attempted to restart engine after approximately 1 minute. Car would not start and had to be towed to dealer. The first incident occurred at approximately 50,000 mi. The entire fuel system except tank was replaced including high pressure fuel pump (hpfp), fuel lines, fuel filter, common rail, fuel injectors. Repair was covered by audi. Second incident happened at approximately 69,000 mi. Exact same behavior experienced by the car. Car shook, glow plug light came on, lost power rapidly, and stalled. Engine would not restart and had to be towed to the dealer. The vehicle is currently at the audi dealer. Audi has requested a fuel sample and we are waiting for audi to determine if they will cover the repair.

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

2013 audi q7 tdi - catastrophic high pressure fuel pump failure. Was driving approximately 30 MPH on city street. Car began shaking violently and losing power rapidly, glow plug light came on. Driver began pulling over to the side of the street but vehicle stalled before safely on shoulder. Attempted to restart engine after approximately 1 minute. Car would not start and had to be towed to dealer. First incident happened at approximately 50,000 mi. Car shook, glow plug light came on, lost power rapidly, and stalled. Engine would not restart and had to be towed to the dealer. The entire fuel system except tank was replaced including high pressure fuel pump (hpfp), fuel lines, fuel filter, common rail, fuel injectors. Repair was covered by audi.

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 109,000 miles · AL

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