VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Audi A72012–2026
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Audi A7
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Audi A7 Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 39 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 recalls · 28 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
1 recall · 13 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 1 past investigation into the A7 became recall.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 25, 2026.
Audi A7 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 57 | 32 | 48 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 57 | 47 | 54 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 57 | 60 | 58 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 57 | 70 | 62 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 51 | 77 | 60 | Good |
| 2021 | 7 | 5 | — | — | 32 | 80 | 49 | Caution |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 47 | 79 | 58 | Good |
| 2019 | 3 | 39 | — | — | 32 | 75 | 47 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 57 | 69 | 61 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 51 | 62 | 55 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 13 | 9 | — | 32 | 55 | 40 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 52 | 48 | 51 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 9 | 1 | — | 48 | 42 | 46 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 10 | — | — | 38 | 37 | 38 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 28 | — | — | 32 | 33 | 32 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Audi A7 Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the A7 compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2023 (Buyer Score 62).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 55).
Pre-2013
Older A7 models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year A7 to buy?+
The 2018 Audi A7 scores highest on our Buyer Score (61/100) — combining a reliability score of 57/100 with a value score of 69/100. It has 1 recall and 2 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which A7 years have the most problems?+
The 2019, 2012, 2016 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2019 A7 leads with 3 recalls and 39 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common A7 problems?+
The most frequently reported Audi A7 issues involve: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.