2018 Audi A7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2018 Audi A7 has a complaint index of 47 with 3 complaints and 2 recalls, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years. That puts it in the middle of the pack, well below the higher-complaint 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 model years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #9 of 16 A7 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Audi A7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other2 (67%)
- Brakes1 (33%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Fuel System1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
- One owner noted the fuel smell was less noticeable during winter months.
- A separate owner described a violent jerk from the auto start/stop system when the engine restarts or when releasing the brake.
2018 Audi A7 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi A7 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 3 complaints and a complaint index of 47 for the 2018 Audi A7, ranking 9th worst among 16 model years. It does not carry an Avoid or Caution verdict based on this data.
- Does the 2018 Audi A7 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Audi A7: one for leaking fuel rails and one for airbag seat wear (PODS system). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2018 Audi A7?
- Brakes is listed as the top problem area, tied with Electrical System and Fuel System, each accounting for 33% of complaints.
- How does the 2018 Audi A7 compare to the 2019 model?
- The 2019 A7 has a complaint index of 100 with 43 complaints and an Avoid verdict, much higher than the 2018 model's index of 47 with 3 complaints.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Audi A7?
- EPA rates the 2018 Audi A7 at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,450.