VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi S7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi S7 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other S7 years?

S7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted22 complaints2013: 19 complaints2014: 20 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 0 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 5 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi S7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1150%
Electrical System314%
Transmission314%
Speed Control15%
Steering15%
Other15%
Fuel System15%
Brakes15%

Does the 2016 Audi S7 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 19, 2023 · fire

“AT 40K MILES, I'VE BEEN NOTICING THE SYMPTOMS OF A DYING MECH UNIT (BANG/JERK TO STOP, SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE), ETC. THOSE SYMPTOMS HAPPENED WHEN I PULL UP FROM STATIONARY, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. CAR WILL ALSO THROW TRANSMISSION ERROR CODE ON DASHBOARD AND PUT IN "LIMP MODE" FROM TIME TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 10, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 2023 · fire

“AS I WAS PULLING OFF THE INTERSTATE TO USE THE RESTROOM, MY ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. I LOST CONTROL OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR TEMPORARILY AND ENOUGH TO PULL INTO THE GAS STATION RIGHT OFF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 4, 2021

“ACCELERATED FROM A STOP TO ABOUT 20 MPH, WHEN IT WENT INTO 2ND GEAR THE ENGINE REVVED AND SKIPPED INTO 3RD GEAR. WARNING STATED "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. NO REVERSE GEAR. YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING." REVERSE NO LONGER WORKS. ENGINE REVS TO 5000 RPM WHEN DRIVING 20-25 MPH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 13, 2020

2016 Audi S7 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi S7 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 S7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi S7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi S7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Audi S7 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.