YearToAvoid

2018 Audi A7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

46/100

#8 most-complained of 14 A7 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2018 Audi A7 has a Complaint Index of 46, ranking 8th worst out of 14 model years. It carries 3 complaints and 2 recalls, placing it in the middle of the pack rather than among the years to avoid.

Complaints
3
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 29 hwy

Top 2018 Audi A7 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other2 (67%)
  2. Brakes1 (33%)
  3. Electrical System1 (33%)
  4. Fuel System1 (33%)

What owners report

  • Owners report a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
  • One owner reported the fuel smell was less noticeable during winter months, suggesting a temperature-related fuel system leak.
  • The fuel odor complaint was tied to a fuel rail leak recall at a median mileage of 10,000.
  • Owners report the auto start/stop system causing a noticeable, violent jerk when the engine restarts or when the driver releases the brake.
2018 Audi A7 complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2019May 2020Apr 2024
5 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2019 to Apr 2024; peak Apr 2024 (3).

2018 Audi A7 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

  2. NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

    Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

2018 Audi A7 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
29 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,450
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2018 compared with other A7 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Avoid8515327
2017No verdict311424
2018No verdict463223
2019Avoid10043625
2020No verdict382824

All Audi A7 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Audi A7 reliable?
NHTSA lists only 3 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2018 Audi A7, with a Complaint Index of 46. That ranks 8th worst among the 14 model years with data, putting it in the middle rather than a standout bad year.
What problems does the 2018 Audi A7 have?
The top problem areas reported are Brakes, Electrical System, and Fuel System, each accounting for 33% of complaints. A fuel rail leak was reported around a median of 10,000 miles.
Does the 2018 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Audi A7: one for leaking fuel rails (campaign 19V035000) and one for airbag seat wiring wear (campaign 18V370000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
Which Audi A7 model years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA data, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 are marked Avoid, with 2019 having the highest Complaint Index at 100. The 2018 model year is not flagged as an Avoid year.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.