2016 Audi S7: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2016 Audi S7 has 15 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, with engine problems dominating the issues. Current data includes 15 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Audi S7 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2016 Audi S7.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2016 Audi S7 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
AUDI S7 2016 has 15 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Engine problems account for 11 complaints, while electrical and transmission issues each have 3. No crash complaints were reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- S7
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 27
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Audi S7 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Audi S7?
The 2016 Audi S7 may be a high-performance luxury sedan, but the complaint data suggests engine problems are a notable risk. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Engine problems are the most common complaint, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical and transmission issues also appear, adding to potential ownership headaches.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who are willing to accept higher maintenance risk for the performance and luxury of the S7, and who can budget for potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free ownership experience or those on a tight budget should avoid this year due to the concentration of engine complaints.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Audi S7
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of oil leaks, unusual noises, or check engine light.
- Check transmission for smooth shifting and any warning messages.
- Test all electrical systems including infotainment, lights, and power accessories.
Before You Close the Deal
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine health.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Audi S7, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Audi S7 shows a low confidence pattern of 11 engine-related complaints out of 15 total, suggesting potential powertrain concerns. Electrical faults and transmission issues each account for 3 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2016 S7 has a low complaint count but a high proportion of engine issues, though data is limited.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, buyers should verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 11 of 15 total complaints, the most frequent issue.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues each have 3 complaints.
- There are 0 crash-related complaints, but confidence is low due to small sample size.
- Engine Problems: 11 complaints suggest potential reliability concerns.
- Electrical Faults: 3 complaints indicate possible wiring or module issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 3 complaints point to potential gearbox or driveline problems.
All 2016 Audi S7 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S7. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S7. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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…
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.
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 "tra…
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 co…
The car drove normally at highway speed for approximately 4 hours. Upon leaving the highway and attempting to accelerate onto a secondary road into oncoming traffic, the engine shuttered. The car drove erratically for about a mile with hesitation and shuttering. After stoppin…
Car only has 29,489 miles and has been serviced at Audi for every 1yr and now has turbo failure at a cost of 12k.
AT 40K MILES, I'VE BEEN NOTICING THE SYMPTOMS OF A DYING MECH UNIT (BANG/JERK TO STOP, SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE), ETC. THOSE SYMPTOMS HAPPENED WHEN I PULL UP FROM STATIONARY, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. CAR WILL ALSO THROW TRANSMISSION ERROR CODE ON DASHBOARD AND PUT IN "LIMP…
EXPERIENCED TURBOCHARGER FAILURE WHEN COMING TO A STOP AFTER GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AFTER APPROXIMATE 2.5 HOURS OF DRIVING. ENGINE DIED AS CAR SLOWED DOWN SO SUSPECT THE TURBOS FAILED WHILE DRIVING BUT RAM AIR FROM INTERSTATE SPEEDS WAS ADEQUATE TO MAINTAIN THE ENGINE UNTIL I…
TURBO FAILURE. FIRST START UP OF THE DAY, VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF AND DIE. TOOK IT TO THE AUDI DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSE WITH TURBO FAILURE.
AT 74000 MILES, THE TURBOCHARGERS FAILED. I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY THOROUGHFARE AND ENGINE QUIT WORKING. COULD NOT DRIVE, OR TURN CAR. I WAS STOPPED.. THANKFULLY POLICE CAME QUICKLY. THIS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR THAT AUDI IS AWARE OF.
AS I WAS PULLING OFF THE INTERSTATE TO USE THE RESTROOM, MY ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. I LOST CONTROL OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR TEMPORARILY AND ENOUGH TO PULL INTO THE GAS …
BOTH TURBOCHARGERS FAILED DUE TO OIL STARVATION AT JUST OVER 45000 MILES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO BE TRANSPORTED DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AS A MAJOR FAILURE.
ACCELERATED FROM A STOP TO ABOUT 20 MPH, WHEN IT WENT INTO 2ND GEAR THE ENGINE REVVED AND SKIPPED INTO 3RD GEAR. WARNING STATED "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. NO REVERSE GEAR. YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING." REVERSE NO LONGER WORKS. ENGINE REVS TO 5000 RPM WHEN DRIVING 20-25 MPH.
BITURBO FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO POWER. I HAD TO MERGE THROUGH TWO LANES TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT POWER. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT SOME HAVE BEEN ON FIRE. NEED TO REPLACE THE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Audi S7.
2016 Audi S7 Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Audi S7. With 2 recalls, buyers should verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Audi S7 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Audi S7 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Audi S7 may be a high-performance luxury sedan, but the complaint data suggests engine problems are a notable risk. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi S7?▾
#1: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (3 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Audi S7?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Audi S7?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Audi S7, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Audi S7 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Audi S7. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. With 2 recalls, buyers should verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Audi S7?▾
The 2016 Audi S7 may be a high-performance luxury sedan, but the complaint data suggests engine problems are a notable risk. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Engine problems are the most common complaint, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical and transmission issues also appear, adding to potential ownership headaches. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi S7 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Audi S7 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.