2016 Audi S7 recalls and problems

The 2016 Audi S7 has 2 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
15
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Audi S7 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Audi S7 recalls

Recall 22V-178: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 23, 2022 · 26,093 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-370: Air Bags

Reported Jun 4, 2018 · 139,249 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2016 Audi S7 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine11
Electrical System3
Power Train3
Vehicle Speed Control1
Steering1
Unknown or Other1
Service Brakes1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,118 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Audi S7 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jul 15, 2025
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 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…
Electrical System · reported Mar 8, 2024
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
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 21, 2022
Submitting an official complaint since there has been a lack of status update or repair resolution. I am concerned that I will have a failure resulting in injury or death since I cannot get this fixed.
Power Train · reported Apr 12, 2022
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…
Engine · reported Feb 17, 2022
The engine died on the New Jersey turnpike going 70 mph. Had to coast to shoulder. Sat on the side of the highway with children in back seat for 45 mins waiting for tow which is extremely dangerous. No warning lights before or after the issue. Had to be towed to dealer. Dealer confirmed turbo system failed.

Other Audi S7 years

Compare all Audi S7 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Audi S7 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Audi S7: 22V-178 (engine and engine cooling), 18V-370 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi S7?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,118 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.