Research · Midsize Cars

2017 Audi S7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2017 Audi S7. Most complaints involve steering (2) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2022
Owner complaints
6
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2017 – Sep 2026
  1. Steering2
  2. Electrical system2
  3. Engine2
  4. Suspension1
  5. Power train1
  6. Lane departure1
  7. Forward collision avoidance1
  8. Service brakes1
  9. Visibility1

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 S7 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201316
201414
20151
201615
20176
20203
20213
20220
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

2 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? blown turbos with new oil strainer from dealer. They said that they replaced it but who knows if they did. My audi had all those symptoms that pull up for this recall. (EPC light, Low oil light, and no control of the steering wheel. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car lost power and steering control out of the no where, i made a full stop on the freeway at 65mph and had to pull out the road to NOT get hit by upcoming traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took the car to the dealer about a week later, and they had the car for about a month and the only thing they said was its either the starter or a seized engine, because the car doesnt even crank no more. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected at the Audi Dealer here in Tucson AZ. The problem is that they have a horrible service and they only want to take money out of customers pocket. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2024Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11580821

Electrical system

2 reports
“I was driving on the freeway all of the sudden the dashboard has all lights up, I stepped out of the Vehicle to see what was going on and I starter to smell like a burning electric component, I went into the battery to disconnect and the Negative terminal was SUPER HOT to the point it burned my hand. I took it to the dealer and they said it's the starter, I looked into forums and there's hundreds of people with the same issue. I looked for an open bolting or recall and it just mentions 2018 and my car 2017 has the same engine same chassis”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2024Electrical systemODI 11566547

Engine

2 reports
“WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN THE CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED RUNNING, STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. CAUSED BY BOTH TURBOCHARGERS GOING OUT AT THE SAME TIME. 36,000 MILES A FEW MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. APPARENTLY THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE AUDI'S AND AUDI HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR ANYTHING ACCORDING TO THE AUDI DEALER. $11,000 REPAIR. VERY SCARY WHEN POWER LOST AND REMAINED OFF.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2021Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11397877
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 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 (AM-S7)
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 Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S7
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172721$3,800427
  • S7
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 27 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 2017 Audi S7 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 11366
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

2017 S7 questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Audi S7 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 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 2017 Audi S7 problems?

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

What MPG does the 2017 Audi S7 get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Audi S7 at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026