FaultScore

Audi S7 engine problems

39 of the 86 complaints filed about the Audi S7 are about the engine — 45% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.

39

Complaints

45%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

1

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2013 S7 16 41.0%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2014 S7 8 20.5%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

2015 S7 1 2.6%
2016 S7 11 28.2%

Median failure at 47,670 miles

2017 S7 2 5.1%

Median failure at 36,000 miles

2020 S7 1 2.6%

What owners said

2016 Audi S7 Maple Heights, OH Fire

ENGINE

Carvana sold me a 2016 Audi S7 (VIN [XXX] ) with what was later discovered to be an odometer discrepancy. I submitted a formal complaint to the Ohio Attorney General, and Carvana subsequently issued a refund. However, after refunding me, I learned that Carvana resold the vehicle at auction without disclosing the odometer issue or branding the title as required under federal law. Play also did disclose the damage that was done to the engine, turbo chargers, or from the car catching on fire. This raises serious concerns about odometer fraud and title washing, and I believe it warrants federal investigation under 49 U.S. Code § 32705. I request NHTSA open a case on this matter and audit Carvana’s practices relating to odometer disclosures and resale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11673598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Audi S7 Santa Maria, CA

ENGINE

The ECU control module Is a known problem with this car by a great amount of owners. It is such a problem that the car part is on back order for weeks at a time. The biggest issue about this is that the car just randomly doesn’t turn on and randomly shuts down on the roads, freeways and even U turns. It can potentially lead to critical injuries

NHTSA complaint #11643934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Audi S7 Tucson, AZ 1 injured

ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? blown turbos with new oil strainer from dealer. They said that they replaced it but who knows if they did. My audi had all those symptoms that pull up for this recall. (EPC light, Low oil light, and no control of the steering wheel. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car lost power and steering control out of the no where, i made a full stop on the freeway at 65mph and had to pull out the road to NOT get hit by upcoming traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took the car to the dealer about a week later, and they had the car for about a month and the only thing they said was its either the starter or a seized engine, because the car doesnt even crank no more. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected at the Audi Dealer here in Tucson AZ. The problem is that they have a horrible service and they only want to take money out of customers pocket. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All warning lights showed up at once, one fallowed by the other. First light was low oil, i checked the MMI and it showed that it was full, Second light was i could REV more than 4k, third one EPC, Four light steering wheel malfunction. This whole thing happened in less than ONE minute until i fully stopped the car, i dont remember if the car shut off or i turned off the engine. I stepped out and i just saw white smoke from the side of the engine, it smelled like electrical burning, i went into the trunk to unplugged the battery and the negative terminal was SUPER HOT i had my fingers burned trying to disconnect the negative wire. PLEASE HELP ME OUT, 4 MONTHS SINCE THIS HAPPEND AND STILL NO ANSWER FROM ANYONE.

NHTSA complaint #11580821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Audi S7 Midland, TX

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11576319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Audi S7 Corona Del Mar, CA

ENGINE

On 10/9/2023, the starter generator failed causing the vehicle to stop and shut down while driving and completely break down. I was not able to move the vehicle or shift it into park. Stall occurred on a freeway entrance (acceleration lane) in the traffic lane without warning. Approximately 20 minutes before this complete failure of the vehicle, the dashboard warning system provided the following warnings in yellow (meaning the car was drivable): (1) electrical system malfunction! Please contact Service; (2) rear spoiler malfunction; (3) traction control malfunction; and (3) Parking aid malfunction. The vehicle also indicated that the collision avoidance system was not operating and the air conditioning system shut down approximately five minutes before the vehicle completely broke down in the traffic lane. I have received the "rear spoiler malfunction" alert 5+ times in the last year; I asked the dealer to check it; and they said there was no record in the onboard computer of the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11549196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 at 61,000 miles Waxhaw, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

The contact owns a 2017 Audi S7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the turbocharger; however, the failure recurred with the engine seizing. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA complaint #11502847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 at 61,000 miles Waxhaw, NC

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Audi S7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the turbocharger; however, the failure recurred with the engine seizing. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA complaint #11502847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 at 80,970 miles Indiana, PA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Audi S7. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) where the turbochargers needed to be replaced from wear and tear from the consequences mentioned in the recall. The dealer diagnosed that the turbocharger itself needed to be replaced, however, it was not covered under the recall. The turbochargers had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,970.

NHTSA complaint #11488813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 at 80,970 miles Indiana, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Audi S7. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) where the turbochargers needed to be replaced from wear and tear from the consequences mentioned in the recall. The dealer diagnosed that the turbocharger itself needed to be replaced, however, it was not covered under the recall. The turbochargers had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,970.

NHTSA complaint #11488813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Audi S7 at 118,000 miles Orange, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Audi S7. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stopped. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking an excessive amount of oil. There was an EPC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA complaint #11466761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Audi S7 Great Falls, VA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11452584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 Denver, CO, CO

ENGINE

Both stock 2013 S7 turbos were blown/damaged at 38k miles due to being starved of oil lubrication from a faulty blocked screen. This is a known issue and has occurred in many Audi S7 and S6 vehicles with the 4.0 twin turbo engine. Audi has upgraded and changed the oil screen design and location in these models due to this problem, however Audi owners suffering this known issue have to pay for repairs on their own dime if the car is past warranty. Repairs were $13k.

NHTSA complaint #11452111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 Oak Park, IL

ENGINE

Due to this oil sceen being clogged, the turbos were starved for oil and subsequently failed. There was no warning for this and oil was changed regularly per the service manual. I was stranded 80 miles from home. The car began running poorly and then would not run at all. There is a service bulletin on the problem but Audi of America has not yet done anything about my repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11435619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 Seattle, WA

ENGINE

While traveling home on the interstate from the airport, my vehicle suddenly started to run very rough and the engine felt like it was going to stall at low idle. I had decreased acceleration capability. No warning lamps illuminated, but it was obvious something was wrong. I limped the car to my local Audi dealership and left it there for an inspection the following morning. I was contacted by a service advisor the next day, who told me one of my turbochargers failed (specifically, he stated the impeller fin had too much play and was rubbing against the walls of the housing) and the other turbocharger would likely fail soon as well. I was shown a video by the technician confirming this was the issue. The service advisor told me there was a technical service bulletin produced by Audi referencing this issue, TSB 2044640/2. That bulletin states "Damage to the turbocharger is rarely directly the result of turbocharger failure." Known causes listed include performance increases by tuned ECM, non-compliance with service intervals, incorrectly fitted oil filter element, poor oil supply of turbocharger, and leaks in intake tract. The vehicle has been serviced regularly and meticulously by the same Audi dealership form which it was originally purchased since it was brand new. It has not had any performance modifications. I feel the factory oil strainer from Audi is deficient and led to the premature failure of the turbocharger and my unsafe experience on the highway. The service advisor stated the turbocharger should have lasted much longer and could not explain why it failed. The replacement cost is approximately $12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11433925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Audi S7 at 70,500 miles Santa Barbara, CA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Audi S7. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

NHTSA complaint #11432336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Audi S7 Saunderstown, RI

ENGINE

The car drove normally at highway speed for approximately 4 hours. Upon leaving the highway and attempting to accelerate onto a secondary road into oncoming traffic, the engine shuttered. The car drove erratically for about a mile with hesitation and shuttering. After stopping at a stop sign at a very busy intersection, the engine failed completely. The Electronic Power Control warning light appeared. The engine would not restart on repeated attempts. After dealing with following traffic for several minutes, a passer by assisted with pushing the car to the side of the road. During this time, the steering and brakes barely worked and I was just able to avoid hitting a parked car due to these disablements. Note that the manual for the car includes very little information about this warning light other than "to have the function corrected as soon as possible" by an Audi dealer. There were no prior warning lights or degradations in performance. This was a catastrophic failure. The car went from performing normally to complete failure in a matter of minutes. During this sequence my wife and I were at risk as well as the drivers who were forced to enter the oncoming traffic lane to go around me and the passer by who assisted. Due to the position of the car, the tow truck operator was also at risk as were passing drivers at the time of the tow. I am told by the Audi Dealer in Rutland, VT that both turbochargers failed. This is apparently due to the clogging of an oil screen which filters oil before entering the turbos. My understanding is that this is known problem to Audi. It is very expensive to access the oil screen to determine if it is clogged. My car has only approximately 48,000 miles on it and it has received all indicated services and oil changes. There are aftermarket solutions to fix this problem which Audi has failed to implement or recommend. I was never made aware of this being a potential problem by Audi or my Audi dealer.

NHTSA complaint #11429704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Audi S7 Norwalk, CT

ENGINE

My turbochargers failed due to oil starvation caused by a clogged oil screen. My vehicle had 71,393 miles on it when the turbos failed and had no prior problems or warning lights. While driving to the dealership for a Passenger Occupant Detection System recall (unrelated issue with no warning lights), my car lost power in traffic as I was pulling off the main road into the parking lot. Luckily I was able to coast most of the way to the service entrance but had to have the car pushed the rest of the way. The electronics still worked, the car would simply not turn over. I was very lucky that I was not on the highway or other major road when I lost power as there was absolutely no warning or signs of trouble: the engine simply stopped. The car has since been repaired by the Audi Raleigh dealership, but they were an absolute nightmare to work with and took forever to diagnose the problem. I believe there is a well know service bulletin related to this issue for this engine, but no recall has been issued. I also believe there is an open NHTSA investigation and I would like to help in any way possible.

NHTSA complaint #11423337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Audi S7 Lincoln, CA

ENGINE

Car only has 29,489 miles and has been serviced at Audi for every 1yr and now has turbo failure at a cost of 12k.

NHTSA complaint #11419693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Audi S7 at 73,131 miles Titusville, FL

ENGINE

INITIALLY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE (I-95) AND COULD FEEL THE CAR RUNNING ROUGH OR MISSING. AFTER I EXITED THE INTERSTATE AND MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY (SR405) THE CAR STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WOULDN'T START AT FIRST AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT FINALLY STARTED BUT WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY A MILE FROM THE HOUSE AND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND LIMP HOME ON SOME BACK ROADS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUDI THE NEXT DAY AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE TO BE A FAILURE OF THE TURBOS. REPAIR TOOK 21 DAYS AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TURBOS AND THE OIL SCREENS.

NHTSA complaint #11413359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Audi S7 at 90,500 miles Rancho Cucamonga, CA

ENGINE

VEHICLE STALLED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. FAILED TO RESTART. TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED BOTH TURBOCHARGERS NEED REPLACEMENT DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW.

NHTSA complaint #11413214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.