Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTurbocharger failure due to defective oil screen/strainer
Catastrophic failure leading to engine damage, subject of a manufacturer recall and reimbursement program.
- Very frequentHigh cost of repairs and parts
Extremely high parts costs cited (e.g., a single headlight at $13,000 USD).
- RecurrentAlternator/48V mild-hybrid system battery issues
Subject of a recall.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentComplex system repairs (air suspension, rear-wheel steering)
Cited as potential for very high repair bills (thousands of dollars).
- RecurrentHigh brake and rotor costs
Noted as substantially more expensive than smaller Audi S models.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins / tech issues
Concerns raised about electrical system reliability in complex, tech-heavy vehicles.
- IsolatedOil separator failure
Mentioned as a problematic component.
- IsolatedMotor mount failure
Noted as an issue occurring around 79,000 miles.
- IsolatedLeaky turbo seals
Mentioned as a known issue.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Data suggests a strong preference for the supercharged 3.0L V6 in the A7 over the turbocharged V8 in the S7 for its perceived reliability and lack of lag, though this is not a direct S7 comparison. For the C7 S7, the 2014 model year is noted as potentially having sorted turbo issues present in the 2013s. For the C8 S7, no specific trim recommendation is present in the data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M550i, Mercedes-AMG E53, Audi RS7, Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera.
Is the S7 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The vehicle is universally praised for its styling, which is noted to age exceptionally well, its potent performance, and its refined, high-quality interior. However, significant concerns center on reliability and maintenance costs, with a stark generational divide. The C7/C7.5 generation (approx. 2013-2018) with the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is frequently criticized for catastrophic and expensive turbocharger failures linked to a defective oil screen, a problem severe enough to warrant a manufacturer recall. The later C8 generation (2020+) with the 2.9L twin-turbo V6 is viewed as more reliable but still carries high potential repair costs for complex systems like air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and the 48V mild-hybrid system. The consensus indicates deep owner satisfaction with the driving experience and design, but advises extreme caution, thorough pre-purchase inspections, and budgeting for significant maintenance, especially for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a stylish, fast, and practical luxury sportback. Frequently compared directly to the BMW M550i and Mercedes-AMG E53 as peers in the "blend of luxury and speed" segment. The M550i is noted for its potent detuned M5 engine but criticized for dull steering feel. The E53 is praised for superior steering feel, handling, and its electric supercharger technology that eliminates turbo lag, with some owners stating it "blows the Audi out of the water" in driving dynamics. The Audi S7 is often seen as offering more prestige and a more compelling design than the Cadillac CT5-V, but potentially less engaging to drive. It is consistently considered a step below the full M/RS/AMG models (M5, RS7, E63) in raw performance but also in running costs.
Recommended configurations
An extended warranty is very frequently and strongly recommended for any S7, especially if purchased out of factory warranty, due to high potential repair costs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Audi specialist (not a general mechanic) is considered absolutely crucial. For the C7 generation, verifying the completion of the turbo oil screen recall is essential. For any generation, reviewing complete maintenance records is a prerequisite. Some owners advise against buying used turbocharged performance cars like the S7 due to the likelihood of previous hard use.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers who prioritize distinctive styling, strong performance, and luxury refinement and who are financially prepared for above-average maintenance and repair costs. NOT recommended for buyers seeking maximum long-term reliability with minimal unscheduled repairs or those with a tight maintenance budget. Essential to purchase with a warranty (CPO or extended) for peace of mind. Budget for high consumable costs like tires and brakes. Consider independent European specialist shops for routine maintenance to control costs. For the C7 V8, research the turbo screen issue extensively and factor potential turbo replacement ($9,000-$12,000 USD at a dealer, ~$5,000 USD third-party) into the purchase decision.
Remarks
The turbo screen issue for the C7 S7's 4.0T V8 is a defining and well-documented problem. The manufacturer issued multiple screen revisions and a final recall. Many owners performed aftermarket fixes or third-party turbo replacements at a fraction of dealer cost, which complicated reimbursement under the recall. This issue severely impacts the ownership risk profile of the 2013-2018 S7. The C8 generation's powertrain (shared with the S6, RS5, etc.) is generally regarded as more robust, but the vehicle's advanced chassis and electrical systems introduce other high-cost failure points. Owner satisfaction appears tightly coupled to either having a warranty or accepting the financial risk of repairs. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Audi S7 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 10 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 3 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 6 | 2 | steering |
| 2016 | 15 | 2 | engine |
| 2015 | 1 | 3 | engine |
| 2014 | 14 | 4 | engine |
| 2013 | 16 | 3 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices30 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2021 · air bagscampaign 21V159000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge:fuel level float/sensor/sending unitcampaign 22V155000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · electrical systemcampaign 22V861000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
2021 · service brakes, hydraulic:fluidcampaign 23V601000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
2021 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 25V201000
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.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2020 · air bagscampaign 21V159000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
2020 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2020 · electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge:fuel level float/sensor/sending unitcampaign 22V155000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
2020 · electrical systemcampaign 22V861000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
15 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: C8
2.9 TFSI V6 Mild Hybrid quattro
2.9L 6-cylinder · 444 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2025