Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Audi RS7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2016 Audi RS7. Most complaints involve engine (2) and visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Mar 2022
Owner complaints
6
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: turbo

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Engine and engine coolingReported Mar 23, 2022NHTSA 22V178000

Air bags: occupant classification

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jun 4, 2018NHTSA 18V370000

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Audi S7 and 2016-2018 RS7 vehicles. The tire information label on these vehicles incorrectly lists the combined maximum weight as 1146 lbs/520 kg, when the correct combined maximum weight is actually 992 lbs/450 kg. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

EquipmentReported Feb 7, 2018NHTSA 18V096000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2017 – Oct 2022
  1. Engine2
  2. Visibility/wiper1
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Air bags1
  5. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RS7 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20145
20152
20166
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

2 reports
“turbo failure”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2021EngineODI 11433513

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“The front driver and passenger windows started delaminating. Rear side glass is fine. Audi of Van Nuys took pictures. Audi paid for the glass but charged me $1100 for labor.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2022Visibility/wiperODI 11491165

Electrical system

1 report
“AS I WOULD COME DRIVE ON THE CITY ROADS AND COME TO SLOW DOWN TO A STOP OR MAKE A SIGNAL TURN THE AUTO STOP WOULD COME ON BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE STOP AND SHUTS THE CAR OFF WHILE STILL IN MOTION. CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AND I WOULD HAVE TO STOP THE CAR PUT IT IN PARK AND PUSH THE START/STOP BUTTON TO ACTIVATE THE VEHICLE AGAIN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2020Electrical systemODI 11374799
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS 7
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
142518$4,300503
  • RS 7
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    14 city · 25 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Audi RS7 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10344
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 RS7 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi RS7 have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Audi RS7 problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (2), visibility/wiper (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Audi RS7 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Audi RS7 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026