2016 Audi A7: common problems and reliability
· C7One of the weaker A7 years.
15 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 A7?The 2016 Audi A7 has 15 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag timing chain tensioner wear requiring replacement (typically 75k-120k+ miles).
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Audi A7 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A7 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the A7?
Across the 9 A7 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 43 (2019). With 15 complaints, the 2016 A7 sits about the same as the model's median of 14.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 A7
fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Campaign 19V035000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 18V370000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 17V293000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have head curtain air bags that may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
What owners report on the C7 A7
Owners overwhelmingly describe the 3.0T supercharged V6 as one of the most reliable engines Audi has built, with multiple reports of trouble-free operation well past 100k miles and one at 208k.
- RecurrentTiming chain tensioner wear requiring replacement (typically 75k-120k+ miles)
- RecurrentPCV valve failure
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat housing leaks
- RecurrentCarbon buildup on direct injection engines
- RecurrentMotor mounts leaking
Owner insights for the C7 A7. Read the full C7 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A7 listings typically run $13,998–$27,393 across 2012 to 2024 model years.
Other A7 model years
Compare every A7 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A7 against its rivals
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