VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi RS 7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi RS 7 — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other RS 7 years?

RS 7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted7 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
RS 7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RS 7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi RS 7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Airbags117%
Electrical System117%
Other117%
Visibility & Wipers117%

Does the 2016 Audi RS 7 have recalls?

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

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

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.

18V096000OtherFebruary 7, 2018 · 3,543 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Audi S7 and 2016-2018 RS7 vehicles. The tire information label on these vehicles incorrectly lists the combined maximum weight as 1146 lbs/520 kg, when the correct combined maximum weight is actually 992 lbs/450 kg. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44N9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“IT HASN'T HAPPENED YET, BUT MY CONCERN IS GROWING AS AUDI HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. PER AUDI TSB 2044640 AND BENTLEY TSB 20520851 VOLKSWAGON GROUP IS AWARE OF TURBOS FAILING ON THEIR 4.0T ENGINES. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE OIL SCREEN RUNNING TO THE TURBOCHARGER'S (CLOGGING), AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 7, 2019

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI RS7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI MEMPHIS, 1825 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2018

“AS I WOULD COME DRIVE ON THE CITY ROADS AND COME TO SLOW DOWN TO A STOP OR MAKE A SIGNAL TURN THE AUTO STOP WOULD COME ON BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE STOP AND SHUTS THE CAR OFF WHILE STILL IN MOTION. CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AND I WOULD HAVE TO STOP THE CAR PUT IT IN PARK AND PUSH THE START/STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 4, 2020

“CPSC: 2016 AUDI RS7 QUATTRO - ISSUE WITH THE SEATBELTS IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS. THEY WOULD NOT PLUG INTO AND STAY FULLY CLICKED IN - THEY WOULD GO IN BUT NOT LOCK - HAD TO PUSH REALLY HARD HAD TO PUSH REALLY HARD AND THEY FINALLY LATCHED, BUT THEN COULDN'T GET IT TO RELEASE. THIS OCCURRED ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 9, 2016

“The front driver and passenger windows started delaminating. Rear side glass is fine. Audi of Van Nuys took pictures. Audi paid for the glass but charged me $1100 for labor. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 1, 2021

2016 Audi RS 7 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi RS 7 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Audi RS 7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi RS 7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Audi RS 7 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.