This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi A7 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Audi A7 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 A7 | 3 |
| 2013 A7 (this page) | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Audi A7, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 powertrain 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 bulleitn procides informaiton when tehre is a transmission warning mssage in the instrument cluster; P074100 is stored in the TCM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there is a strong jolt after engine automatically starts in start-stop mode; vehicles with 0BK & 0BL Gearbox.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 dealer in hardeeville, sc and concern…
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 converter was defective. The mechanic was…
While attempting to parallel park, the car jumped without warning and crashed into a brand new hearse in front of a mortuary. Applied the gas pedal once with no response, applied again with a surprise surge of the car and crashed into the hearse causing extensive damage to both vehicles. I have made at least 3 inquiries of the dealer since owning the car concerning the surging. I was given…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Audi A7?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 57,662 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.