2018 Audi A7 Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 8 A7 years we score.

Owner complaints: 3
Per 10,000 cars: 7.0; 4,269 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.42×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 1; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2017 A7 2019 A7 →

Should You Buy the 2018 Audi A7?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2018 Audi A7 is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 8 A7 years we score.

It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2017 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 81
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
2 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

None stand out.

How the 2018 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	0.41×	−10
Everyday problems	0.44×	−4
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.69×	−5
Score		81

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2018 A7. If it were exactly average, its 4,269 cars would draw about 3.2 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.

Reported Once (3)

Show the 3 problems reported once

Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Start-stop system: vibration or shudder
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking

How the 2018 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 This year	Excellent	81	0.42×	7.0	3	–
2017	Good	76	0.57×	11.4	6	Turbocharger: stalling
2016	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

2018 Audi A7 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2018 Audi A7. The most recent was issued in January 2019: “Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

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.

2018 Audi A7 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2018 Audi A7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the 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-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-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)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 A7, from its three recalls and two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

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

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

Ask an Audi Dealer

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

AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

Ask the Seller

Ask for the service records, especially oil 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.