Most common 2016 Audi S7 problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S7 complaints by model year
Best S7 years: 2015, 2017, 2022. Years to avoid: 2016, 2014. Compare all years →
2016 Audi S7 recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
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.
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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).
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2016 Audi S7:
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic.
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds.
What 2016 Audi S7 owners say
Engine & cooling
Carvana sold me a 2016 Audi S7 (VIN [redacted] ) 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 disclosing the odometer issue or branding the title as required under federal law. Play also did disclose the damage that was done to the engine, turbo chargers, or from the car catching on fire. This raises serious concerns about odometer fraud and title washing, and I believe it warrants federal investigation under 49 U.S. Code 32705. I request NHTSA open a case on this matter and audit Carvana's practices relating to odometer disclosures and resale.
The car was driving perfectly fine until last week heading to drop my kids to school and the vehicle stopped on the middle of the street. I had no previous issues or notice. I had multiple warnings on the dashboard and now the car won't crank. I have seen several post with people with this same issue and can't find a clear answer. I had to push the vehicle out of the road with traffic behind
Electrical system
Carvana sold me a 2016 Audi S7 (VIN [redacted] ) 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 disclosing the odometer issue or branding the title as required under federal law. Play also did disclose the damage that was done to the engine, turbo chargers, or from the car catching on fire. This raises serious concerns about odometer fraud and title washing, and I believe it warrants federal investigation under 49 U.S. Code 32705. I request NHTSA open a case on this matter and audit Carvana's practices relating to odometer disclosures and resale.
The car was driving perfectly fine until last week heading to drop my kids to school and the vehicle stopped on the middle of the street. I had no previous issues or notice. I had multiple warnings on the dashboard and now the car won't crank. I have seen several post with people with this same issue and can't find a clear answer. I had to push the vehicle out of the road with traffic behind
Transmission & drivetrain
I have a 2016 Audi S7 that uses the notorious 7-speed DSG transmission. I started to notice some random jerking when I pull the car from the red light a month before the car completely dead on me in April 2021. One time when I was driving on the highway at 70mph it throws a "transmission malfunction" code on my dash and put my car in Limp Mode (only 1,3,5,7 gear available). I also experience gear slipping when putting the car in reverse, when putting the car in reverse, 9/10 times the R gear won't engage at all, and the onetime the R gear will only engage when the gas pedal is pressed way down, resulting in the car shooting backward and potentially putting anyone behind the car in danger. One time I almost got rear-ended when the car suddenly stalled at a crossroad when pulling from a red light, because the car decided to shift in neutral instead of 2nd gear. …
Experienced turbocharger failure when coming to a stop after getting off the interstate after approximate 2.5 hours of driving. Engine died as car slowed down so suspect the turbos failed while driving but Ram air from interstate speeds was adequate to maintain the engine until it slowed down. The extended run time with failed turbos resulted in metal fragments in the oil so after inspection, the engine was replaced under an extended warranty with a used engine. This engine has approximately 58K miles on it and I think the replacement engine had 11K or so on it. This occurred on dec 26th, 2019. This past February, 2021, noted an odd whistle sound from the turbo but no warning lights and slightly sluggish acceleration. …
2016 Audi S7 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 17 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi S7 a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 S7 rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the S7 at the same age. It is one of the S7 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi S7?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 73% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi S7 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Audi S7, the most recent from March 23, 2022 (turbo/supercharger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi S7?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2017 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016 and 2014. See the full Audi S7 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Audi S7 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.