2016 Audi S7: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2015 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The car was driving perfectly fine until last week heading to drop my kids to school and the vehicle stopped on the middle of the street. I had no previous issues or notice. I had multiple warnings on the dashboard and now the car won't crank. I have seen several post with people with this same issue and can't find a clear answer. I had to push the vehicle out of the road with traffic behind”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“Submitting an official complaint since there has been a lack of status update or repair resolution. I am concerned that I will have a failure resulting in injury or death since I cannot get this fixed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2022
“The engine died on the New Jersey turnpike going 70 mph. Had to coast to shoulder. Sat on the side of the highway with children in back seat for 45 mins waiting for tow which is extremely dangerous. No warning lights before or after the issue. Had to be towed to dealer. Dealer confirmed turbo system failed.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2021
Show 6 more owner reports
“At 40k miles, I've been noticing the symptoms of a dying mech unit (bang/jerk to stop, shifting from drive to reverse), etc. Those symptoms happened when I pull up from stationary, put the car in reverse. Car will also throw transmission error code on dashboard and put in "limp mode" from time to time. Since it was out of warranty, audi quoted me $5800 to replace the entire mechatronic unit. Many threads on the audi forum confirm the issue was due to quality control on audi's part, and audi refused to issue a callback or pay for the expense for out-of-warranty cars with faluty 7-speed dsg transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2021
“At 74000 miles, the turbochargers failed. I was in traffic on a busy thoroughfare and engine quit working. Could not drive, or turn car. I was stopped.. Thankfully police came quickly. This a known problem with this model car that audi is aware of.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Both turbochargers failed due to oil starvation at just over 45000 miles. This happened while driving and required the vehicle to be transported directly to the dealer as a major failure.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“Turbo failure. First start up of the day, vehicle would cut off and die. Took it to the audi dealer and it was diagnose with turbo failure.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2020
“Accelerated from a stop to about 20 mph, when it went into 2nd gear the engine revved and skipped into 3rd gear. Warning stated "transmission malfunction. No reverse gear. You can continue driving." reverse no longer works. Engine revs to 5000 rpm when driving 20-25 mph.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2020
“Biturbo failure caused engine to turn off without warning at highway speeds. No power. I had to merge through two lanes to the shoulder without power. Car would not restart. I was told by the dealer that this is a known problem and that some have been on fire. Need to replace the turbo. Internet says at least $14,000.00, though I am covered under warranty.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S7 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi S7 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Audi S7. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2016 Audi S7 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.