Audi A7 reliability
The Audi A7 fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 15.8% of 10,117 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
14 DVSA recalls for the Audi A7
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Software update for battery control unit
On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.
Fix: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” until the update is applied.
Recalled models: A7 · 72 vehicles
On certain vehicles an incorrect bracket for the side airbag was fitted in the left front seat.
On certain vehicles an incorrect bracket for the side airbag was fitted in the left front seat.
Fix: Replace the side airbag and bracket.
Recalled models: A7 · 5 vehicles
The fuel gauge may not show the drop in fuel level correctly during vehicle operation
The fuel gauge may not show the drop in fuel level correctly during vehicle operation.
Fix: The tank level sender must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A7 · 5,487 vehicles
Engine control units might be fitted with semiconductor components that do not meet specifications
On a small number of vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the engine control units were fitted with semiconductor components which do not meet the specifications.
Fix: The engine control unit must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A7 · 109 vehicles
The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small.
Fix: The oil strainer will be replaced with a revised version with a larger mesh size.
Recalled models: A7 · 4,690 vehicles
Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty
Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.
Recalled models: A7 · 263 vehicles
The front passenger airbag might not inflate fully in the event of an accident
In the event of an accident requiring the vehicle�s front passenger airbag to be activated the airbag might not inflate fully.
Fix: The dash panel must be checked on the affected vehicles and repaired or replaced if required
Recalled models: A7 · 1,298 vehicles
Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator
It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A7 · 34,982 vehicles
The locking mechanism in the hinged towing bracket could be faulty
Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
Recalled models: A7 · 135 vehicles
Fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails
It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).
Fix: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A7 · 2,763 vehicles
The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail
The auxiliary heater element connection in the air conditioner may fail.
Fix: Check the auxiliary heater connector and replace the element if required.
Recalled models: A7 · 4,907 vehicles
Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.
Recalled models: A7 · 2,622 vehicles
Fuel may leak
Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak
Fix: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.
Recalled models: A7 · 1,073 vehicles
Reduction in braking performance
On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A7 · 5,755 vehicles
Checking a Audi A7 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.