2012-2023 Audi A7 Problems: 12 Known Issues

NHTSA campaign 25V080 / Audi 93AA covers certain 2022 A7 E plug-in hybrid vehicles whose high-voltage battery may overheat, increasing fire risk. This current campaign expands and replaces NHTSA 24V898. Audi uses diagnostic software and available online vehicle data to identify batteries requiring further action. Eligibility and instructions are VIN-specific.

NHTSA campaign 22V861 / Audi 90V2 covers certain 2019-2022 A7 vehicles. Liquid spilled on the rear seat can reach the gateway-control module, interrupt communication among control units and trigger an emergency operating mode that suddenly reduces engine power. Eligibility is VIN-specific.

Audi service action 27BQ covers certain 2019-2020 A7 vehicles in the United States and Canada. A defective starter-alternator may prevent the start/stop system from working and can increase emissions. This is a VIN-specific service action. It does not cover MMI or 12-volt battery faults.

NHTSA campaign 21V159000 covers a passenger front airbag whose cover score line — the engineered tear seam that lets the airbag open through the dashboard — may not have been manufactured correctly. In a crash the airbag can deploy improperly and eject plastic debris into the cabin, injuring the occupant it is meant to protect. Affected vehicles include 2019-2021 A6 sedan and A7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 and S7, and 2021 RS6 Avant and RS7, with model-specific production windows. The A7 window is August 7, 2018 through December 9, 2020. Dealer and owner notification was planned for May 7, 2021.

On certain 2021 Audi A7 vehicles, a software fault can prevent the rearview image from appearing when reverse is selected, sometimes leaving the infotainment main unit inoperative. Recall 22V742 / 91DZ addresses this rear-visibility noncompliance; a missing image increases reversing collision risk. VIN eligibility must be checked rather than inferred from model year alone.

Certain 2012–2013 Audi A7 vehicles are covered by recall 16V646 / 24BZ because the under-hood fuel hose may deteriorate and leak. Fuel near an ignition source creates a fire risk. A separate campaign, 17V781 / 20AR, concerns a fuel-line compression point on certain 2012–2014 A7 vehicles. Ask Audi to check each VIN and campaign history independently; one completed repair does not establish that both actions are complete.

Owners and independent shops call the front bearing in the supercharger "nose cone" the most-reported supercharger wear point on the 3.0T supercharged V6. The A7 shares this engine with the A6, S4/S5 and Q5. The supercharger is a Roots-type unit made by Eaton. It sits in the valley between the cylinder banks and is driven by a belt off the crankshaft. Its front bearing supports the drive shaft and carries constant load from the belt. One shop says wear typically shows up between 100,000 and 160,000 km (about 60,000-100,000 miles). One parts guide gives 80,000-130,000 miles. Early on, a whine or grinding that rises with RPM may only be heard at cold start or under light load. As the bearing wears, the noise becomes constant and louder, and boost and power can drop. If the bearing is left to fail, the supercharger rotors can hit each other. That destroys the supercharger and can send metal debris into the intake. The 2016-2018 A7 uses the updated CREC version of the engine, which adds a magnetic clutch to the supercharger drive. Audi tells technicians that a click when this clutch engages is normal, and that the sound can change as mileage builds. So a clutch noise on its own does not mean the bearing has failed.

All A7 models with direct-injection engines (2.0T, 3.0T supercharged) suffer from severe carbon buildup on intake valves. In direct-injection engines, fuel bypasses the intake valves, leaving them exposed only to oil vapors from the PCV system. These vapors bake onto valve backs as hard carbon deposits over 60,000-100,000 miles. Carbon restricts airflow, causing rough idle, misfires, hesitation, and power loss. In severe cases, carbon prevents valves from seating properly, causing compression loss and valve damage requiring engine replacement. Walnut blasting is the usual fix once heavy deposits are confirmed.

Audi TSB 2039995/2 applies to 2012-2015 A7 vehicles with the 3.0 TFSI engine when a rattle lasts about one to three seconds on the first start of the day. Audi attributes the supported sound to one of the upper timing-chain tensioners and states that this brief condition does not damage the engine. This brief rattle is not a sign that the timing chain is about to jump.

The 3.0T V6 thermostat housing in the C7 A7 develops coolant leaks from the plastic housing and its O-ring seals. The housing sits in the engine valley beneath the supercharger and cracks or warps over thermal cycling. Coolant leaks onto the serpentine belt area and can cause belt slippage or overheating if coolant loss is significant.

The A7 with the 3.0T supercharged V6 (CREC engine, 2016-2018) uses an electromagnetic clutch to engage the supercharger. Over time, the clutch disc wears out or the torsional isolator (damper) fails, creating a loud rattling, grinding, or "bag of marbles" sound from the front of the engine. This is most noticeable on cold starts or under load. A failed clutch prevents the supercharger from engaging, causing significant power loss. A failed isolator damages internal supercharger components, requiring complete supercharger replacement. Oil contamination accelerates wear—if oil becomes contaminated with dirt or debris, it causes premature failure of internal components. AudiWorld forums report failures between 60,000 and 120,000 miles, with repair costs of $1,500-$5,000.

The 2014-2016 A7 3.0 TDI was part of the Volkswagen Group 3.0-liter diesel emissions scandal. These cars contained undisclosed software that reduced NOx aftertreatment during normal driving, and they were covered by the Second Partial Consent Decree between Audi, the EPA, DOJ, CARB and the California Attorney General. EPA and CARB approved an emissions modification specifically for model year 2014-2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5 diesels. The settlement required a recall of affected generation-2 vehicles. For the older generation-1 Touareg and Q7 diesels, Volkswagen had to offer buyback or lease termination and, if approved, an emissions modification alternative. This matters to any used A7 TDI buyer: an unmodified car may not pass emissions inspection in some states and carries a documented compliance history that must be checked.