VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi A7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A7 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other A7 years?

A7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted72 complaints2007: 2 complaints2009: 1 complaints2012: 48 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 72 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
A7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi A7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags739%
Engine211%
Fuel System211%
Steering211%
Electrical System16%
Body & Structure16%
Tires & Wheels16%
Transmission16%
Visibility & Wipers16%

Does the 2016 Audi A7 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

17V293000AirbagsMay 1, 2017 · 17,694 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have head curtain air bags that may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence

If the head curtain airbag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected head curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 29, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 69R2.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 17, 2018 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 16, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 27, 2020

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 8, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 17, 2018 · crash

2016 Audi A7 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi A7 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 A7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), engine (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi A7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi A7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A7 years to avoid are 2019, 2012, 2013. The cleanest record among A7 years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.