Audi A7 Problems by Year

We compared every Audi A7 model year from 2012–2022 using 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 24 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2019, 2012, 2013 and 2016, which drew far more complaints than other A7 years at the same age. The best years are 2017, 2015 and 2022.

11model years
135complaints
24recalls
2019, 2012worst years
2017, 2015best years

Complaints by model year

20122013201420152016201720182019202020212022301911515134326
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A7. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20220−60%6—Few
202161.2×11EngineAverage
20202−50%8ElectricalAverage
2019436.0×6ElectricalAvoid
20183−55%2Fuel SystemGood
20171−82%4BrakeGood
2016151.7×3AirbagCaution
20155−65%3BrakeGood
201411−41%2Fuel SystemGood
2013191.9×5ElectricalCaution
2012302.8×5AirbagAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median A7 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Audi A7 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2019
    4433%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2019
    2921%
  • Steeringworst: 2012
    1813%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2014
    1813%
  • Air bagsworst: 2012
    1713%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2019
    1612%
  • Other / not specified
    1612%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2012
    129%
  • Brakesworst: 2019
    107%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2012
    75%
  • Body & structureworst: 2019
    64%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2019
    54%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2012
    43%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2019
    43%
  • Suspensionworst: 2012
    21%
  • Seatsworst: 2012
    11%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2013
    11%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2013
    11%
  • Lightsworst: 2013
    11%

Latest Audi A7 recalls

Lane departure › Software

NHTSA recall 26V-125 · Mar 4, 2026 · 1,620 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 25V-900 · Dec 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-201 · Mar 31, 2025 · 44,387 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery

NHTSA recall 24V-898 · Nov 27, 2024 · 4,616 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Audi Q5 PHEV and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Charging › Cable/cord › Onboard

NHTSA recall 23V-842 · Dec 13, 2023 · 93,196 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.

All 24 Audi A7 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Audi A7 should you avoid?

2019, 2012, 2013 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other A7 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2019.

What is the best year for the Audi A7?

2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other A7 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2022. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Audi A7 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (44), engine & cooling (29) and steering (18). Electrical complaints peak in the 2019 model year.

How many recalls has the Audi A7 had?

24 recalls across 2012–2022. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi A7 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.