How Reliable is the Audi A7?

The 3 Most Common A7 Problems

We've pulled together a list of the most widespread problems that A7 owners have to deal with.

Busted Timing Chains

Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

Start-Stop Defects

There are multiple problems with Audi's start-stop technology that outweigh the modest fuel efficiency gains. Owners complain that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times and cause the accelerat The …

Cheating Diesel Emissions

Audi was caught cheating on its diesel emissions with defeat devices. Twice. It started with the widespread dieselgate story for 2.0L 4-cylinder engines and was followed with a lesser known cheat for vehicles with the ZF 8-speed transmiss…

What A7 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

2012 A7 steering defective warning 1 (100%)
2013 A7 premature tire wear 1 (100%)
2017 A7 brakes make a squealing noise 1 (100%)
2019 A7 mmi screen failures 1 (100%)
2014 A7 engine surges 1 (100%)

Worst Topics

Engine 5 (100%)
Steering 1 (20%)
Airbags & Seat Belts 1 (20%)
Wheels 1 (20%)
Fuel System 1 (20%)

Worst Years

2012 3 (100%)
2013 2 (67%)
2014 2 (67%)
2015 2 (67%)
2017 1 (33%)

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

A7 Generations

Generations are groups of model years where few, if any, changes were made to the vehicle which means their model years tend to break in similar ways. The A7 has 2 generations available in North American markets.

2nd Generation A7 (2018–2020)

PainRank^™: 0.28
Complaints: 1
Reliability: 10th out of 66

1st Generation A7 (2012–2017)

PainRank^™: 1.23
Complaints: 10
Reliability: 22nd out of 66

By the Numbers

11 complaints
Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.
1,665 service bulletins
Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.
9 recall campaigns
Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

The Latest A7 News

Canada Joins the Lawsuit Party Against Audi's Defective Start-Stop System

Posted on: September 6, 2020
Source: carcomplaints.com

For the third time in three months Audi has been sued for failing to do something about their dangerous start-stop defects. It's almost as if owners don't appreciate suddenly losing access to their power steering and brakes while slowing do … continue reading

Another Audi Start-Stop Lawsuit Says the Technology Causes Dangerous Acceleration Delays

Posted on: August 26, 2020
Source: carcomplaints.com

An Audi Start-Stop system class action lawsuit alleges the systems cause the engines to hesitate, lag and fail to immediately activate when drivers try to accelerate from full or rolling stops. … continue reading

Defects in Audi's Start-Stop Technology Make it Dangerous to Drive

Posted on: July 13, 2020
Source: carcomplaints.com

A new lawsuit says there are some timing concerning timing with how Audi's start-stop technology engages and disengages certain safety systems. … continue reading

Judge's Decision May Open to the Door to New Diesel-Scandal Claims

Posted on: October 8, 2018
Source: vwproblems.com

When Volkswagen agreed to a multi-district settlement for selling polluting engines marketed as clean diesel, it did so knowing it’d have to pay billions of dollars to customers that owned or leased an affected vehicle when the news about t … continue reading

VW Wants to Settle Lawsuits Concerning Audi Timing Chains and Tensioners

Posted on: May 18, 2018
Source: carcomplaints.com

There appears to be a settlement on the horizon for Audi owners who have either had or are concerned about timing chain damage. From CarComplaints.com:

"The proposed settlement includes all consumers who purchased or leased certain 20 … continue reading

Does Audi's Start-Stop Technology Allow Vehicles to Accidentally Roll Away?

Posted on: August 17, 2017
Source: carcomplaints.com

An Audi Start-Stop system lawsuit alleges the feature causes vehicles to unintentionally roll away because of a defect in the Start-Stop systems. … continue reading

Former Audi Manager Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Regulators and Customers

Posted on: July 9, 2017
Source: carcomplaints.com

Giovanni Pamio, a former Audi manager, has been charged by the Justice Department for alleged conspiracy to defraud US regulators and customers. … continue reading

See All A7 News