Audi A7 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Audi A7 model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Audi A7 Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 37 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 43
2 recalls · 28 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 34
0 recalls · 13 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 31
Best Audi A7 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Problem score: 2
0 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 3
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 5
Found the right year? Verify that specific A7 with a free VIN report.
Audi A7 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2021 | 6 | 4 | — | — | 22 | Caution |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 12 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 37 | — | — | 43 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 13 | 9 | — | 31 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 9 | 1 | — | 11 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 10 | — | — | 16 | Caution |
| 2012 | 2 | 28 | — | — | 34 | Avoid |
All 15 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Audi A7 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent A7 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade A7 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder A7 models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year A7 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Audi A7 if possible. It has 2 recalls, 37 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 43 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year A7 to buy?+
The 2018 Audi A7 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which A7 has the fewest problems?+
The 2018, 2017, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Audi A7 Research
Check a Specific Audi A7 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →