2016 Audi A7 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 5th of 8 A7 years we score.

Owner complaints: 36; 5 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 27.1; 11,431 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.96×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 14; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2015 A7 2017 A7 →

Should You Buy the 2016 Audi A7?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi A7 is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 8 A7 years we score.

The most reported problem is the turbocharger, mostly stalling (11 of 36 complaints). Owners also complain about the dual-clutch transmission and engine failure. 14 of the 36 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers six warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2015 scores 73 and the 2017 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-02 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
6 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Turbocharger: stalling11 complaints
Dual-clutch transmission: reduced power or limp mode2 complaints
Engine failure2 complaints

How the 2016 A7 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.0×	−11
Everyday problems	0.86×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.66×	−7
Recalls	0.89×	−6
Score		72

What Owners Report

We read all 36 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Turbocharger: stalling
11 complaints (31%)
Stalling, a loss of power and a failure. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (6%)
Reduced power or limp mode.
Engine failure
2 complaints (6%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
2 complaints (6%)
Problems that come and go.
Steering: stopped working
2 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.

Reported Once (15)

Show the 15 problems reported once

Cooling system: a leak
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Fire (cause not stated)
Side window glass: damage
Seat belts: not closing or latching
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Stall (cause not stated)
Start-stop system: stalling
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission: slipping
Transmission fluid leak
Vibration (cause not stated)
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2016 Audi A7 Compares With Other Years

The other A7 years of the 1st generation, 2012 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Avoid	57	3.1×	74.9	6	Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive
2018	Excellent	81	0.42×	7.0	3	–
2017	Good	76	0.57×	11.4	6	Turbocharger: stalling
2016 This year	Good	72	0.96×	27.1	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2015	Good	73	0.78×	19.2	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2014	Caution	69	1.1×	32.0	5	Turbocharger: parts breaking or coming apart
2013	Caution	66	1.4×	42.7	7	Turbocharger: stalling
2012	Good	73	0.75×	23.8	5	Cooling system: a leak

See every A7 year

2016 Audi A7 Recalls

Five recalls cover the 2016 Audi A7. The most recent was issued in March 2022: “Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer
Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V178000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 23, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Information on Tire Label/FMVSS 110
If the operator were to load the vehicle based on information on the tire information label, they could overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V096000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 7, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Head Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment/FMVSS 226
If the head curtain airbag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger has an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V293000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 1, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2016 Audi A7 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has six warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi A7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, emissions system and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-02
Bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
The problem:
Under the emissions recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels waited for an approved fix. Their new car warranty could run out before the fix was ready.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs defects in materials or workmanship as the new car warranty would, with the same exclusions, such as tires and wear items.
Who qualifies:
3.0 TDI Gen 2 diesels in the emissions recall whose new car warranty ran out, with no other coverage. Owners who opted out of the class action settlement do not qualify. For Gen 2.1 Q7s it ended November 6, 2017.
Coverage:
From January 31, 2017, or the end of the new car warranty if later, until an emissions fix is approved or denied.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-01
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
The problem:
Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
Who qualifies:
3.0 TDI Gen 2 A6, A7, A8 and Q5, engine codes CPNA or CPNB, fixed under the emissions recall. No model years are named. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-03
Crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
The problem:
The crankcase ventilation valve can fail. It causes a whistling noise in the engine bay and turns on the check engine light.
The fix:
An Audi dealer replaces the crankcase ventilation valve for free if it diagnoses the valve as faulty.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2013 to 2016 Audis with a 3.0 or 4.0 gasoline engine. Cars with a branded title, such as salvage, flood, rebuilt, fleet or lemon law buyback, or bought from a junkyard or body shop, are excluded.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-05
Rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
The problem:
The rear oxygen sensor on the 4.0 TFSI engine can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed rear oxygen sensor, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2016 to 2018 S6, S7, RS7, A8 and S8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-02
4.0 engine turbo failure
The problem:
The turbo on the 4.0 engine can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2013 to 2017 Audis with the 4.0 turbo engine. The bulletin names no model. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2016 Audi A7 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2016 Audi A7. One led to a recall and one other has closed.

Engine stalling after turbocharger failure
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into sudden engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Owners said turbochargers failed when a clogged oil strainer cut off oil. The strainer is hard to reach for service. NHTSA and Audi had about 824 reports of these stalls. NHTSA upgraded it to an engineering analysis.
NHTSA PE21009 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Mar 29, 2021 to May 27, 2022
Turbocharger failures from a clogged oil strainer
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked into engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Audi filed recall 22V-178 to replace the oil strainer with a larger mesh one. Cars built since 2017 with that strainer had no reported turbo failures from oil starvation. NHTSA closed the analysis, citing the recall.
NHTSA EA22001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 4, 2022 to May 26, 2023

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 A7, from its five recalls, six Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer NHTSA 22V178000
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA 18V370000
Incorrect Information on Tire Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA 18V096000
Head Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment/FMVSS 226 NHTSA 17V293000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-17-02: bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
AWA-18-01: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
AWA-19-03: crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-22-02: 4.0 engine turbo failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Listen for whistling and watch for reduced-power warnings.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Turbocharger
Dual-clutch transmission
Engine failure
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A7 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.