2013 Audi A4 Allroad Problems
Compared with other Audi A4 Allroad years
More complaints than typical for this model
70/100 1.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.6× that of a typical Audi A4 Allroad year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 24 of its 87 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Notchy or binding steering, loss of power assist (42 complaints, median 40,150 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 87filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,750miles, 72 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the steering: the wheel feels notchy or binds near center, or the power assist drops out and turning suddenly takes real effort, sometimes at speed. Reports appear from very low mileage up past 100,000 miles, on both cold and warm days, and some describe dealers replacing the steering rack or intermediate shaft while others say the behavior could not be reproduced. A second, quieter theme is engine trouble — coolant pump leaks, high oil use, hesitation and occasional major failures.
- Steering
Notchy or binding steering, loss of power assist
- 42 complaints (48%)
- median 40,150 mi at 4.7 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Owners describe a hitch or 'notch' as the wheel passes just either side of center, so small corrections feel like steps rather than smooth movement, and some report the wheel fighting them or needing heavy force to turn at low speed or while parked. Others describe the electric assist dropping out intermittently, the wheel not returning to center after a turn, or a 'dynamic steering fault' message followed by very stiff steering. Complaints mention software updates and steering module work that helped only briefly, dealers replacing the steering rack or intermediate shaft, and in some cases a dealer saying no fault could be reproduced. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 108,000 miles, at all speeds, with several owners noting it appears or worsens in cold weather.
What to check: Drive the car at highway speed and through slow parking-lot turns, feeling for a notch or step just off center and for the wheel returning to center on its own. Ask whether the steering rack, intermediate shaft or any steering software update has already been done, and get any diagnostic codes read.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Drive home with my wife and loss all control of steering it almost got us killed and may be more,car has always been keep in garage and driven very little car has only 24.k miles on it.had aaa to pick it up and take it to dealership ( Audi of dayton).looking on line and doing some checking it looks like I am not the only one,do we wait untill somebody gets killed before a recall is done?”
NHTSA complaint #11088497, filed 2018-04, 24,000 miles“Purchase a Audi a4 2013 in february of 2019. Steering wheel is an ongoing issue with Audi electric power steering rack and needing it to be replaced. Its dangerous to drive because turning takes strength and a handful of effort. It is extremely dangerous to drive to the point where I dont want to risk my life driving the car. After researching the electric power steering rack issue multiple people have it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186907, filed 2019-03, 108,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission hesitation, jerking and delayed engagement
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 43,029 mi at 5.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe the car hesitating or refusing to move when the accelerator is pressed from a stop, then engaging with a jolt, and hard 1-2 shifts or clunking on deceleration with a transmission malfunction warning. Some reports involve a transmission that slipped in every gear with a burnt-fluid smell, others a dealer diagnosis of transmission failure requiring replacement; several owners say they were told the behavior was normal for the car. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 85,000 miles.
What to check: Test from a full stop several times, including a rolling start, and note any delay before the car moves or any jolt on engagement. Ask whether the transmission fluid service has been done and whether any transmission codes are stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I just bought an 2013 Audi a4 on 4/6/17, I drove it for a week and the car started to give me transmission malfunction warning, the car jerks and clunks when going from 1st to 2nd or even when coming to a stop. The car only has 36,000 miles. I believe Audi needs to step up and make this a mandatory recall because there is entirely to many people having the same issues with the mechatronic units on such low mileage Audi's. …”
NHTSA complaint #10971778, filed 2017-04, 36,675 miles“When I back out from my garage the vehicle fails to move forward when the shifter is moved from reverse to drive. I have to apply an excessive amount of pressure to the accelerator to get the car to move forward. When the front wheels engage, the excessive force from increasing the power causes the vehicle to launch forward many times almost uncontrollable with the front tires squealing. It appears the front brakes are engaged and suddenly disengages and then suddenly launches forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #11091493, filed 2018-05, 35,000 miles - Engine
Rough running, hesitation and engine damage
- 11 complaints (13%)
- median 60,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners report the check engine or EPC light coming on with rough idling, loss of power and, in some cases, the car refusing to start. Complaints describe a dealer finding low compression in two cylinders and quoting a new engine, a connecting rod through the block with no cause identified, and a timing chain tensioner failure that damaged the valvetrain. Others mention heavy oil consumption documented by a dealer but no assistance offered. Spread from around 39,000 to about 89,000 miles, with several reports in the 60,000 to 65,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for maintenance records and whether oil consumption has been measured or documented, listen for a rattle on cold start, and check the oil level and condition at the dipstick.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While stopped at an intersection waiting to turn left across traffic, let off brake to accelerate while turning when the engine hesitated. Pressing the gas pedal at this moment resulted in minimal car movement placing my car in the path of oncoming traffic. I pressed the gas pedal more and the car finally over accelerated resulting in some loss of control in the turn. This is not the first time I have noticed engine hesitation from a stop. The same hesitation has occurred at four way stops and stop lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663235, filed 2014-12, 17,584 miles“Oil consumption issue, there is a class action lawsuit on 2.0 Audi's engine that cover 2009 to 2011, mine is a 2013 with same issue though. So obviously issue has not been resolved in further production. I am consuming 1.66 quarts in 600 miles which has been documented by my local Audi dealer. I was told call Audi USA customer support to start claim. I did and was told they understand that my car has an issue but since it did not fall in the years of class action lawsuit they would not be able to assist in any matter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11182785, filed 2019-02, 88,763 miles - Engine
Coolant leaks, water pump and after-run coolant pump
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 83,250 mi at 5.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2019
Complaints describe a coolant warning appearing while driving and a dealer diagnosing a failed water pump, with replacement billed to the owner. Others mention the after-run coolant pump recall, letters telling them to park outside, and long waits for parts with only a temporary fix performed. In a few cases owners say the engine needed replacement after a coolant problem, and one report ties a fractured transmission coolant valve to coolant reaching the control module. Mostly reported between roughly 55,000 and 86,000 miles.
Recall 18V229000Recall 17V002000
What to check: Ask whether the coolant pump recalls have been completed and check for coolant residue, a low coolant level or a sweet smell around the engine bay. Have a shop pressure-test the cooling system before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“You know of the issue I am writing about, as I received a letter from Audi in june 2018 telling me about recall 19n4, the after run coolant pump. The letter said to park outside, not in a garage, until fixed. Kind scary. Will my car burst into flames? Audi did not have the part. I received a second letter in september 2018. Still no part. I received a third letter in january 2019. It is now february 2019 and still no part (although in january they performed a temporary fix recommended by Audi. …”
NHTSA complaint #11180956, filed 2019-02, 55,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Audi a4. While attempting to start the vehicle, it vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission coolant valve fractured, which caused coolant to leak into the electronic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10915572, filed 2016-10, 80,500 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a lot of steering complaints, so a thorough test drive at highway speed and a scan for steering faults matter more than cosmetics. Also ask for recall completion records, especially the coolant pump and airbag campaigns, and check the oil level and transmission behavior before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. 72 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,750 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 893 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Audi A4 Allroad model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 70 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering47 54%
- Engine14 16%
- Electrical system9 10%
- Other or unknown6 6.9%
- Air bags5 5.8%
- Suspension3 3.5%
- Vehicle speed control3 3.5%
- Engine cooling2 2.3%
- Fuel system2 2.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Brakes (1), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Known TSB by Audi for problems with the steering shaft. Turning becomes difficult and happens randomly. Seems to be an electrical issue. Happens when both stationary and in motion. I fear that if this happens at a high rate of speed that I could crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11102653, filed 2018-06, 55,000 milesEngine: “Engine light came on. Car stopped running--was unable to start it. Audi dealership service identified it timing tensioner failure at just 70000 miles. Repair cost estimated at $3100. Recent class action settlement identifies this as a consistent problem with Audi/vw but does not include my VIN. However, this is identical issue as other Audi under recall”
NHTSA complaint #11232160, filed 2019-07, 70,000 milesElectrical system: “I was loading my dogs into the car. The keys were sitting on dash because my hands were full. I had an 8 month old in the car in her car seat. As I closed the last door, the car locked with the keys and the baby inside it. I was in a fairly remote place but was able to get the fire department to get the car open and get the baby out before something tragic occurred. It happened to me once before when I was loading my car and the wind blew the last door shut. Both times the car locked immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10633800, filed 2014-09, 15,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219494, filed 2019-06, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
53% of the 72 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 13,890 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Audi A4 Allroad 2013–2016, Q5 2013–2017, A5 2013–2017 +2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI…
- 17V622000Oct 5, 2017Electrical system › WiringCovers: Audi A4 Allroad 2013–2016, Q5 2013–2016, A5 2013–2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat…
- 17V002000Jan 3, 2017Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Audi A4 Allroad 2013–2016, Q5 2013–2017, A5 2013–2017 +1 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an…
- 14V667000Oct 24, 2014Air bagsCovers: Audi A4 Allroad 2013–2015, S4 2013–2015, Allroad 2013–2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to…
Recall details for the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 893 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11032137Apr 22, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11022664Aug 19, 2025Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11021447Jul 10, 2025Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11018961May 8, 2025Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11017657Apr 18, 2025Other or unknown. This TSB is a label placement guide as required by CARB for remanufactured parts.
- 11017649Apr 15, 2025Body and structure. This service information TSB describes a cosmetic issue after using a car wash.
- 11017621Apr 14, 2025Seats. This TSB provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
- 11016499Mar 27, 2025Other or unknown. Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates
- 11016497Mar 27, 2025Other or unknown. Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates
- 11016561Mar 20, 2025Other or unknown. This TSB is a label placement guide as required by CARB for remanufactured parts.
Other model years of the Audi A4 Allroad
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 30 | — | 1 | — | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 9 | 9,645 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 31 | 12,250 | 5 | — | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 15 | 45,500 | 3 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2015 | 25 | 30,000 | 4 | — | — | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 46 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 87 | 47,750 | 4 | — | — | 70 · More | Rising |
All Audi A4 Allroad model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad?
Owners of this model year most often write about the steering: the wheel feels notchy or binds near center, or the power assist drops out and turning suddenly takes real effort, sometimes at speed. The issues reported most often: Notchy or binding steering, loss of power assist; Transmission hesitation, jerking and delayed engagement; Rough running, hesitation and engine damage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad have?
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 47 complaints (54% of the total), followed by engine with 14.
Has the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad reported?
Among the 72 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,750 miles and the middle half falls between 13,890 and 65,000 miles; 53% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.