Owners have filed 18 complaints
about the 2016 Audi A7 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Audi A7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
33.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Audi A7
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
738.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,713 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
211.1%
Steering
211.1%
Median failure at 90,068 miles
Engine & Cooling
211.1%
Tires
15.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.6%
Body & Structure
15.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,956 mi
Electrical System
15.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,956 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.6%
Median failure at 20,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
562.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
225.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
112.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2017peak 3Dec 2024
Recalls on the 2016 Audi A7
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20190248,631 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a small amount of fuel may leak from one or both fuel rails. Safety Risk: Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the left and right fuel rails replaced.
Recall 20183652,672 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a problem with the passenger occupant detection system can cause illumination of the airbag warning light and the airbag system may not properly classify the front passenger. In the event of a crash, the airbag system may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury to a front passenger. Correction: Dealers will install a passenger occupant detection system repair kit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pembroke, NC
AIR BAGS
When I have a passenger riding with me the passenger airbag cuts on and off the whole time while I’m driving. This is a major safety concern especially when I have passengers all the time. I’m concerned the airbag will not deploy during an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11632572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
ENGINE
Component/System Malfunction: The engine control unit fails, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving. This component is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The sudden shutdown poses severe risks. It happened on local roads and highways at speeds over 65 mph, creating immediate danger. Reproduction and Confirmation: The problem has been reproduced but not resolved by Audi Columbus. Inspection: Inspected multiple times by Audi Columbus, but not by police or insurance. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: No warning lamps or messages before the engine shuts off; the failure is sudden. Detailed Timeline of Incidents: •[XXX]: First incident; the engine shut off on a local road. Paid $1,500 for repairs, but the issue persisted. •[XXX]: Engine shut off again, preventing going to office due to lack of loaner vehicles. •[XXX]: Engine shut off on the highway, causing extreme fear and distress. Vehicle towed to the service center. The engine shut off in a high-crime area. Restarted vehicle message came on, Vehicle towed from work place. Service Center Issues: •Shutdowns prevent work due to no loaners. •Service advisor Ellis declined services without permission and acting like he has no idea why the vehicle is there even though he is the same service advisor dealing with the constant issue. •No effective resolution despite multiple visits. Impact: The repeated issues severely affect my mental health and safety. Request for Resolution: I seek either a replacement vehicle or a full refund. I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect to prevent accidents. Supporting Evidence: I can provide once contacted Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11603833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,036 milesTerrell, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A7. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel stopped operating and the "Do Not Drive Vehicle, Steering Defective" message was displayed. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot where the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer as soon as possible. The contact discovered an unknown Technical Service Bulletin however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electrical power steering failure. The vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 130,036.
NHTSA complaint #11582185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sauk Rapids, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
In five years I have had my windshield chip or crack four times. Replacement is a pain and expensive. It seems the design is far too susceptible to breakage and is unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11574795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas smell while AC/HEATER is on and car is sitting idle. My car is not included in the 2019 safety recall 24DP although it should be.
NHTSA complaint #11559498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
TIRES
Flat tire on highway 255/40 R19 100H. I thought it’s a nail or a sharp object. After further inspection, the tire was ripping from inside out. Please see attached picture. My speed was very low at higher speeds or could have been a complete tire blow out.
NHTSA complaint #11515032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shoreline, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Around 36k miles the vehicle had some dried coolant residue and required coolant topups every 2-3k miles. Two different dealerships performed comprehensive inspections between then and now and did not notify me of any problems. The residue was explained away in a service bulletin stating that it was normal for the water pump to weep some coolant. Now at 44k miles, I brought the car in when I saw dried coolant residue and it seemed to require coolant more frequently. Dealer notified me that the engine water pump has failed and requires replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11478185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have reached a gas station and I am unable to open the fuel filler flap. Apparently this is a known issue to Audi Service departments on Audi’s of this generation not just the A7 model. The problem is apparently intermittent, and apparently worse during winter months. In the next generation vehicle the ful filler flap housing has been redesigned to solve the fuel filler flap not opening problem. Since the car cannot go with our gas, this is clearly a design error, and could leave people stranded mid-winter. Not good here in the North-East.
NHTSA complaint #11460900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,100 milesCedar Rapids, IA
AIR BAGS
1ST PROBLEM MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL GO ON AND OFF SOMETIME WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH NO ONE IS SITTING THERE. 2ND PROBLEM THE WEATHER HERE WAS -30 FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS AND MY CAR STOPPED WORKING ONE MORNING WHEN I TURNED IT ON. MORE PRECISELY STEERING DID NOT WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO VW DEALER AND THEY HAD IT OVER NIGHT FOR ALL ICE TO MELT THEY SAID A BUNCH OF WATER CAME OUT FROM MODULE WHEN THEY UNPLUGGED WIRE HARNES.
NHTSA complaint #11396599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,100 milesCedar Rapids, IA
STEERING
1ST PROBLEM MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL GO ON AND OFF SOMETIME WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH NO ONE IS SITTING THERE. 2ND PROBLEM THE WEATHER HERE WAS -30 FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS AND MY CAR STOPPED WORKING ONE MORNING WHEN I TURNED IT ON. MORE PRECISELY STEERING DID NOT WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO VW DEALER AND THEY HAD IT OVER NIGHT FOR ALL ICE TO MELT THEY SAID A BUNCH OF WATER CAME OUT FROM MODULE WHEN THEY UNPLUGGED WIRE HARNES.
NHTSA complaint #11396599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesKansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN
MY 2016 AUDI A7 WITH 20,000 MILES DEVELOPED AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND AUDIBLE NOISE WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP POSITION AND TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE ACCELERATING. THIS CONDITION WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE KANSAS CITY DEALERSHIP AND AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE HAVE INDICATED THAT THIS BINDING OF THE FRONT QUATRO DRIVE SYSTEM IS NORMAL OPERATION. THIS BINDING AND NOISE ONLY DEVELOPED AFTER ABOUT 20000 MILES AND WAS NOT NORMAL OPERATION WHEN PURCHASED NEW AND UNTIL REACHING THE INDICATED MILEAGE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE DRIVE SYSTEM AT A CRITICAL POINT CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11265377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,956 milesPueblo, COCrash3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GOING STRAIGHT, PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER RUNS RED LIGHT, T BONES A7 (PRESTIGE TRIM) CAUSING NOTICABLE DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HOWEVER AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEANWHILE A7 ALSO HAD IMPACT TO DRIVER SIDE WHICH THE AIRBAGS DID DIPLOY WITH LESS IMPACT THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER TRIM LEVELS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HOWEVER THE PRESTIGE TRIM WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11163138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,713 milesWest Chester, PA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL -RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM AUDI DEALERSHIP THAT MY CAR'S VIN CAME UP THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DROPPED OFF CAR ON JULY 13, 2017. I WAS CALLED BY AUDI DEALERSHIP THAT NO AIRBAGS COULD BE ORDERED SO I PICKED UP THE CAR. TODAY, TUESDAY, OCT 31, 2017, I CALL THE SAME AUDI DEALERSHIP, 1421 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER PA 19382 AND TALKED TO GEORGE IN SERVICE 610-455-2000, AND HE STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS STILL NOT RECEIVED ANY REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #11041644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlottesville, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V293000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (FLOW AUDI IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11011709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southlake, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V293000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (AUDI GRAPEVINE AT 1260 E STATE HWY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051 888-780-7923) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11011002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Schodack, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V293000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (AUDI ALBANY, 737 NEW LOUDON ROAD, LATHAM, NY 12110) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11010021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.