Audi A7 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The A7 blends a coupe-like roofline with the practicality of a large liftgate and four doors, plus standard quattro all-wheel drive. First-generation cars (2012-2018) use a smooth supercharged V6 (310 hp, rising to 340 hp) with an 8-speed automatic, and 2014-2016 offered a 38-mpg-highway TDI diesel. The 2019-2025 second generation has a 335-hp turbo V6 mild hybrid, a high-tech dual-touchscreen cabin and, for 2021-2022, a plug-in hybrid. Audi ended the A7 after 2025.

Model years covered: 2012–2025. The A7 went on sale in the U.S. for 2012 and ended after the 2025 model year; there is no 2026 A7 or S7 (the RS7 continues). Audi's new A6 is the successor.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Distinctive fastback styling
Practical liftgate and cargo space
Standard quattro AWD
Smooth powerful V6 engines
High quality interior
Strong highway comfort
Advanced technology second generation
Big depreciation makes used prices attractive

Things to know before you buy

Premium maintenance and repair costs
Large wheels mean costly tires
2016 refresh and 2019 redesign are key dividing lines
TDI models need emissions repair status check
C8 uses 48v mild hybrid and dual clutch
Plug in hybrid only 2021 2022
A7 ends after 2025
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2012–2018)

The first-generation (C7) A7 introduced Audi's five-door Sportback shape in the U.S. All use quattro and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with a 3.0L supercharged V6: 310 hp (2012-2015), 333 hp after the 2016 refresh, 340 hp in the 2017 Competition and every 2018. A 240-hp, 428 lb-ft TDI diesel was offered for 2014-2016.

Buyer takeaway: These are the most affordable A7s. The supercharged V6 and 8-speed automatic are a proven pairing; check for coolant and oil leaks and full service records, and confirm the emissions repair on any TDI. A 2016-2018 adds the refresh styling, LED headlights and more power.

Generation 2 (2019–2025)

The second-generation (C8) A7 brought a 335-hp, 369 lb-ft turbocharged 3.0L V6 with a 48-volt mild hybrid, a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch and quattro, plus a dual-touchscreen cabin and extensive driver aids. A 362-hp 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid was sold for 2021-2022, and a 2024 refresh updated the styling. U.S. sales ended after 2025.

Buyer takeaway: Choose these for modern technology and safety features. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic to check the dual-clutch and mild-hybrid behavior, and confirm remaining warranty coverage.

Audi A7 by model year

2025 Audi A7

The 2025 A7 is the last U.S. A7: Premium Plus makes the former Executive package standard, and there is no 2026 A7 or S7. Audi's new gas-powered A6 takes its place, while the RS7 continues. Parts and service remain available through Audi dealers.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 48v mild hybrid
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Premium plus makes the former executive package standard
Final model year of the A7 and S7 in the US

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 48v mild hybrid system warnings and start stop; S tronic dual clutch low speed behavior; S tronic service records; Exact engine and trim by VIN; MMI infotainment and screens; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Adaptive or air suspension if equipped; Tire wear and wheel condition; Brakes; Maintenance history at audi intervals.

2024 Audi A7

The 2024 A7 gets a mid-cycle styling refresh with a honeycomb grille, revised bumpers and new wheels. It keeps the 335-hp turbo V6, 7-speed S tronic and quattro, in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The RS7 Performance (621 hp) joined the RS7.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 369 lb ft 48v mild hybrid
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Refreshed styling with honeycomb grille
Revised bumpers and new wheel designs
RS7 performance with 621 hp

2023 Audi A7

For 2023 the plug-in hybrid left the U.S. lineup, so every A7 again uses the 335-hp turbo V6. Premium Plus makes adaptive cruise with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring and a top-view camera standard, and Prestige adds Remote Park Assist Plus.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 48v mild hybrid
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Plug in hybrid dropped
Premium plus adds adaptive cruise with lane guidance blind spot and top view camera
Prestige adds remote park assist plus

2022 Audi A7

The 2022 A7 is a light update: the base Premium gains the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.1-inch upper touchscreen, direct tire-pressure monitoring and rear side airbags. It is the last year of the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 48v mild hybrid; 2.0 liter turbo plug in hybrid 362 hp 55 TFSI e
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Premium trim gains 12 3 inch digital cluster and 10 1 inch touchscreen
Rear side airbags standard on premium
Last year of the plug in hybrid

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Plug in hybrid battery and charging if TFSI e; 48v mild hybrid system warnings and start stop; S tronic dual clutch low speed behavior; S tronic service records; Exact engine and trim by VIN; MMI infotainment and screens; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Adaptive or air suspension if equipped; Tire wear and wheel condition; Brakes; Maintenance history at audi intervals.

2021 Audi A7

For 2021 Audi added the A7 55 TFSI e, a plug-in hybrid pairing a 2.0L turbo four with an electric motor for 362 hp and 369 lb-ft; its 14.1-kWh battery gives about 24 miles of EPA electric range. The 335-hp V6 continues. Premium Plus gains adaptive cruise and lane keeping, and the RS7 returned with 591 hp.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 48v mild hybrid; 2.0 liter turbo plug in hybrid 362 hp 55 TFSI e
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

55 TFSI e plug in hybrid added
About 24 miles of EPA electric range on the plug in
Premium plus gains adaptive cruise and lane keeping
RS7 returns with 591 hp

2020 Audi A7

The 2020 A7 keeps the 335-hp turbo V6 and adds equipment: lane departure warning and high-beam assist on Premium, Virtual Cockpit Plus and a heated steering wheel on Premium Plus, and the driver assistance package standard on Prestige. The S7 returned with a 444-hp twin-turbo V6.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 48v mild hybrid
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Premium trim gains lane departure warning and high beam assist
Premium plus gains virtual cockpit plus
Prestige gains driver assistance package as standard
S7 returns with 2 9t V6

2019 Audi A7

The redesigned 2019 A7 has a new turbocharged 3.0L V6 (335 hp, 369 lb-ft) with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro, rated about 22/29 mpg. Inside, Audi's dual-touchscreen MMI replaces the old rotary controller, and HD Matrix LED headlights and a broad set of driver aids are available.

Engines: 3.0 liter turbo TFSI V6 335 hp 369 lb ft 48v mild hybrid
Transmissions: 7 speed s tronic dual clutch
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

All new second generation
48 volt mild hybrid system
Dual touchscreen MMI touch response
Available HD matrix LED headlights
Expanded driver assistance

2018 Audi A7

The 2018 A7 makes the 340-hp, 325 lb-ft supercharged V6 standard on every trim. As the last first-generation car, a well-kept 2018 combines the most power of the C7 A7 with its proven 8-speed automatic, usually at a much lower price than the 2019 redesign.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 340 hp
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

340 hp becomes standard on every A7
Last year of the first generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Cooling system leaks water pump and thermostat; Oil leaks and pcv system; Supercharger and engine noise; Exact engine and trim by VIN; MMI infotainment and screens; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Adaptive or air suspension if equipped; Tire wear and wheel condition; Brakes; Maintenance history at audi intervals.

2017 Audi A7

The 2017 A7 adds a Competition trim with 340 hp, a sport suspension and minor styling changes; other A7s keep the 333-hp supercharged V6. The TDI diesel is no longer offered.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 333 hp; 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 340 hp competition
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

New competition trim with 340 hp and sport suspension

2016 Audi A7

The 2016 refresh brought sharper front and rear styling, standard LED headlights and more power: the supercharged V6 now makes 333 hp. 2016 A7 TDIs were built but held from sale until Audi's emissions repair was approved, so a 2016 TDI should have that repair documented.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 333 hp; 3.0 liter TDI diesel V6 240 hp held from sale
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling
Standard LED headlights
Gas V6 rises to 333 hp
TDI held from sale until emissions repair approved

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; TDI emissions repair status if TDI; Cooling system leaks water pump and thermostat; Oil leaks and pcv system; Supercharger and engine noise; Exact engine and trim by VIN; MMI infotainment and screens; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Adaptive or air suspension if equipped; Tire wear and wheel condition; Brakes; Maintenance history at audi intervals.

2015 Audi A7

The 2015 A7 carries over the 310-hp supercharged V6 and the 240-hp TDI diesel, both with the 8-speed automatic and quattro. As with all 2014-2016 A7 TDIs, confirm the diesel's emissions repair has been done.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 310 hp; 3.0 liter TDI diesel V6 240 hp
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Largely carryover

2014 Audi A7

For 2014 Audi added the A7 TDI, a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 with 240 hp and a strong 428 lb-ft of torque, rated about 24/38 mpg city/highway, alongside the 310-hp supercharged gas V6. All A7 TDIs are part of Audi's 3.0L diesel emissions settlement and should have the approved emissions repair. The 560-hp RS7 also arrived this year.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 310 hp; 3.0 liter TDI diesel V6 240 hp 428 lb ft
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

A7 TDI diesel added
RS7 high performance model arrives

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; TDI emissions repair status if TDI; Diesel DPF and adblue DEF system if TDI; Cooling system leaks water pump and thermostat; Oil leaks and pcv system; Supercharger and engine noise; Exact engine and trim by VIN; MMI infotainment and screens; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Adaptive or air suspension if equipped; Tire wear and wheel condition; Brakes; Maintenance history at audi intervals.

2013 Audi A7

The 2013 A7 carries over the 310-hp supercharged V6, 8-speed automatic and quattro. This is also the first year of the S7, a separate higher-performance model with a 420-hp twin-turbo V8.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 310 hp
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

Largely carryover
S7 performance model arrives with 4 0t V8

2012 Audi A7

The A7 launched for 2012 as Audi's five-door 'Sportback': a sleek, coupe-like fastback built on the A6, with a large liftgate instead of a trunk lid. Every U.S. A7 uses a 310-hp, 325 lb-ft 3.0L supercharged V6 (3.0T), an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic and quattro all-wheel drive, rated about 18/28 mpg city/highway. Trims are Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.

Engines: 3.0 liter supercharged TFSI V6 310 hp
Transmissions: 8 speed tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Quattro all wheel drive
Body style: 5 door sportback liftback

What changed:

All new five door sportback fastback
Standard quattro all wheel drive
Large liftgate instead of a trunk lid

Known issues and what to check

3.0L TDI Diesel Emissions Repair Status (2014–2016)
Every 2014-2016 A7 TDI is covered by the 3.0L diesel emissions settlement. Audi offered an EPA- and CARB-approved Emissions Compliant Repair at no charge, and 2016 TDIs were held from sale until it was approved. A TDI should have that repair performed and documented.
What to do: Ask for proof of the emissions repair and check the VIN with Audi before buying an A7 TDI.
Supercharged 3.0T V6 Cooling and Oil Leaks (2012–2018)
The 2012-2018 supercharged 3.0T V6 is strong and widely used, but as mileage builds it is known for coolant leaks (water pump and thermostat) and oil leaks such as the PCV system and valve-cover gaskets. These are common repairs rather than certain failures.
What to do: Check for coolant and oil leaks, and value cars with documented water-pump or thermostat replacement.
48-Volt Mild Hybrid and S tronic Behavior (2019–2025)
2019-2025 A7s pair the turbo V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (smooth engine stop-start and coasting) and a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch. Check for electrical-system warnings, smooth restarts, and S tronic shift quality, especially at low speed, and confirm the transmission has been serviced on Audi's schedule.
What to do: Test drive in stop-and-go traffic and scan for stored faults before buying.
55 TFSI e Plug-In Hybrid Resolution (2021–2022)
The 2021-2022 A7 55 TFSI e is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0L turbo four, an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery (362 hp, about 24 miles of EPA electric range). It has different maintenance, charging equipment and battery considerations from the V6 cars.
What to do: Confirm the charging cable is included and check how far it drives on electricity before buying a 55 TFSI e.
Direct Injection, Oil, and Premium Ownership Costs (2012–2025)
A7 engines use direct injection, which can build carbon deposits over time, and they are sensitive to on-time oil changes with Audi-approved oil. As a luxury car with large wheels, tires, brakes and repairs cost more than a mainstream sedan's.
What to do: Favor cars with complete Audi-schedule maintenance records and budget for premium tires and service.
A7, S7, RS7, and A6 Disambiguation (2012–2025)
This record covers the A7. The S7 (2013-2018 V8; 2020-2025 twin-turbo V6) and RS7 (2014-2018 and 2021 on) are separate, much faster models with different engines and costs. The A7 is closely related to the A6 sedan, and after 2025 Audi's new A6 replaces it in the U.S.
What to do: Confirm whether the car is an A7, S7 or RS7 before comparing prices or specs.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies; for TDI models, also confirm the emissions repair status.

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Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Audi A7?
What engine does this A7 have?
What is the difference between the A7, S7 and RS7?
Is an A7 TDI safe to buy after the diesel settlement?
What changed in the 2016 refresh and the 2019 redesign?
Does the A7 have a plug-in hybrid?
What should I inspect on a used A7?
What does an A7 cost to maintain?
What replaced the Audi A7?
What recalls should I check by VIN?