This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi A4 engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Audi A4 have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 86,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 A4 | 40 |
| 2010 A4 | 43 |
| 2011 A4 | 14 |
| 2012 A4 | 11 |
| 2013 A4 (this page) | 17 |
| 2014 A4 | 22 |
| 2015 A4 | 17 |
| 2016 A4 | 7 |
| 2017 A4 | 19 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 17 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Audi A4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct engine fires—one while parked at startup, another during highway driving—with white smoke and flames destroying the engines completely. Both vehicles were total losses; neither fire was reported to Audi at the time.
Excessive oil consumption is a recurring theme: one owner documented 1.66 quarts per 600 miles at a dealership, requiring weekly top-ups; another was quoted $9,000 for piston replacement. While a class-action lawsuit covers 2009–2011 models, Audi refuses to extend coverage to this 2013 model year despite the identical engine and documented issue.
Timing chain problems appear in multiple forms. One owner experienced the chain "jumping" during normal driving, causing sudden engine shutdown. Two others hit timing chain tensioner failure at 70,000 and 114,000 miles respectively; one was denied coverage because his VIN wasn't included in the class-action settlement, despite the settlement explicitly addressing that same defect.
Cooling system and pump failures plague the cluster. Multiple owners report delayed recall repairs—some waiting five months with no parts available. One received notices to park outside (not in a garage) due to fire risk from a faulty after-run coolant pump. A fractured transmission coolant valve allowed coolant into the electronic control module at 80,500 miles.
A connecting rod penetrated the engine block at 39,600 miles; Audi could not determine cause despite adequate oil level. Engine power loss and complete shutdown occur at relatively low mileage across multiple vehicles.
Same Audi A4 engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or leaks oil at a rate far exceeding normal wear. Owner reports 1.66 quarts per 600 miles documented by Audi dealer. Related to piston or ring wear; some owners cite class-action litigation covering 2009–2011 models, though issue persists in 2013 model year.
When: Reported at various mileages; one owner noted issue immediately after purchase in 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil level drop requiring frequent top-ups; No visible leaks at times
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cited diagnosis of piston replacement at cost of approximately $9,000; Audi has declined coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles despite similar engine in earlier model years covered under class action.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class Action Lawsuit (2009–2011 model years); extended warranty offered in some cases; Audi customer support denies assistance for 2013 model year despite documented issue.
Engine fire
Engine compartment ignites while vehicle is parked or in motion, destroying engine and vehicle. Two documented fires at approximately 0 and 127,000 miles respectively. One fire broke out immediately upon engine start while parked; another during highway driving at undisclosed speed.
When: One at idle (parked); one at 127,000 miles during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Puff noise from under vehicle; White smoke and flames from engine compartment; Electronic power control light illuminated (at least one instance); Loud unidentified sound from engine compartment before fire
Codes mentioned: Electronic power control indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles deemed total loss by insurance; engines destroyed; no repairs possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in either case.
After-run coolant pump failure (NHTSA Campaign 18V229000, 19N4)
Electric coolant pump for turbo overheats after engine shutdown, creating fire risk. Audi issued recalls with instruction to park vehicles outside (not in garage). Multiple owners report extended delays in parts availability spanning months despite recall notification.
When: Recall issued June 2018; parts unavailable as of February 2019 in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; ECU light illumination; No active failure reported by owner if recall repair completed
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000, NHTSA Campaign 19N4
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix applied in January 2019 per Audi recommendation; permanent repair parts on backorder; warranty extended by Audi in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 (after-run coolant pump); temporary repair offered; permanent parts delayed; extended warranty applied.
Water pump failure
Coolant pump fails unexpectedly, triggering coolant leak warning. Occurs at relatively low mileage (98,400 miles).
When: At 98,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak warning indicator while driving at 15 mph
Codes mentioned: Coolant leak warning
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required; dealer refused to cover repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 referenced; manufacturer refused reimbursement.
Timing chain tensioner failure
Timing chain tensioner degrades or fails, allowing timing chain to skip teeth and lose synchronization with crankshaft, causing severe engine damage. Occurs at relatively low mileage (70,000–114,000 miles). Owner notes similar issue subject to class-action litigation but VIN not included in settlement.
When: At 70,000 miles; at 114,000 miles (reported as 114 km in one narrative, likely transcription error)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Loss of power when accelerating; Sudden engine shutdown; Vehicle unable to start
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Timing tensioner replacement estimated at $3,100; class-action settlement identified as addressing identical issue but owner's VIN not included.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class-action settlement covers similar issue in other model years/VINs; does not cover all affected vehicles.
Timing chain jump / skip
Timing chain loses synchronization with camshaft/crankshaft during normal driving, causing sudden loss of engine power and inability to restart. Related to broader class-action litigation over timing system defects.
When: While driving near home; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine puttering; Loss of power; Sudden engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain 'jumped' requiring engine rebuild or replacement; subject of second class-action lawsuit against Audi.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class-action lawsuit (second iteration) filed; owner states Audi did not adequately address issue from first lawsuit.
Transmission coolant valve fracture
Transmission coolant valve cracks or fractures, allowing coolant to leak into electronic control module (ECM), potentially causing electrical system failure or fire risk.
When: At 80,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal vibration on engine start; Check engine warning indicator
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed for diagnosis; repair not completed per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Connecting rod failure / engine block penetration
Connecting rod breaks and penetrates engine block, causing complete engine failure at very low mileage. Occurs shortly after routine oil change.
When: At 39,600 miles (oil change performed at 37,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving 65 mph on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; estimated cost $4,000 for engine plus $4,000 labor before taxes. Cause of failure unable to be determined by Audi despite sufficient oil level.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cause unable to be determined by Audi; no coverage mentioned.
Engine power loss at high load
Engine loses power when driver accelerates, merges onto highway, or climbs ramps. Diagnosis indicates fourth-cylinder misfire or failure; mechanic recommends engine rebuild or replacement.
When: At 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Loss of power during highway merging; Loss of power climbing ramps
Repairs/costs cited: Fourth-cylinder malfunction; mechanic recommends engine rebuild or full replacement despite only 87,000 miles.
Software/coolant system issue requiring update
Engine and coolant system malfunction detected during routine maintenance at 86,000 miles. Software update applied per recall campaign; specific failure mode not detailed.
When: At 86,000 miles during scheduled maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant issue detected by dealer
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 17V002000
Repairs/costs cited: Software update applied in May 2018.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V002000 (engine and engine cooling); software update remedy applied.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/2022 and the very next day took it back and informed them that it was leaking oil. It was repaired and from that point on it was telling me to add a quart of oil once every week. Was diagnosed by the Audi dealership of the pistons needing to be replaced and that my car fell under the lawsuit that has yet to be settled. Was told I could spend the 9k to fix the car…
Tl* 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…
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…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Audi A4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Audi A4?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 88,763 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 88,763. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Audi/A4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.