Audi RS7 User Complaints
The Audi RS7 has seen a lot of happy owners in just two years of its launch in the American market. But as with everything, there are some niggles that the people have to go through. Although not much is known on the NHTSA’s website nor in other unofficial forums, some of the most commonly reported issues include:
Electrical issues:
- Wireless charging pad issues: People have reported the charging pad to heat the phone. These phones enter thermal mode and give out warnings to the driver. The issue is rather widespread and has been communicated to the manufacturer.
- False warning lights: Many RS7 owners have complained of false warning lights popping on the driver’s information display while driving, causing distraction. In some cases, the car had reduced power and entered limp mode without any apparent issue.
- Infotainment issues: A handful of people have claimed the infotainment system on the Audi RS7 to flicker and start hanging. People have also reported lags in the system while also reporting connection issues with smartphones.
- Backup camera issues: A couple of owners have reported the rearview camera in their RS7 blackout when the car is put in Reverse. The display only showed the gridlines but there was no image.
Mechanical issues:
- Start/stop issues: People have complained that the Start/Stop function in the RS7 stalls the car. Complainants state that if there’s a slight incline, the car stalls and shuts off. There have also been some instances where the car accelerated unintentionally. This poses a threat to nearby surroundings.
- Transmission issues: The transmission in the RS7 is reported to be faulty and slip gears at very low mileage. Complainants have reported the car slipping into Neutral while driving, while some claim the gears to slip into gear from Neutral. Apart from this, people have reported jerks from the transmission at low speeds in the city.
- Throttle lag: People complain of throttle lag in the RS7 where the gearbox delays a gear shift by nearly a couple of seconds and then lunges the car forward. Complainants have reported various close-call incidents because of this issue.
Safety features issues:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): The automatic emergency braking system of the car is said to apply spontaneously. This caused the car to lose speed despite having nothing in proximity. The complainants claim that the car “slams on the brakes” which increases the chance of a rear-end collision.
- Cruise control: People have reported the cruise control to automatically accelerate more than the set speed, increasing the chance of losing control. There have been complaints regarding the cruise control decreasing the vehicle’s speed without warning.
Audi RS7 recalls
The Audi RS7 has been in the market for just a couple of years but in these two years it has accumulated 6 recalls, all of which are for the 2021 model year. The high number of recalls for just one model year shows that the launch was rushed and many minor points were missed but the German carmaker ensured no issues were faced by the consumer.
The first recall for the Audi RS7 was made on December 2, 2020, with NHTSA Campaign Number 20V749000. The recall also included cars like the Audi A6 Allroad and the Audi Q7. Detachment of the electrical connector from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors may cause a delay in the restraint system, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers were instructed to replace the sensors, free of charge. The information about the other recalls is given below:
|
S. No.
|
Date
|
NHTSA Campaign Number
|
Affected Component
|
Additional Remarks
|
|
1.
|
December 2, 2020
|
20V749000
|
Electrical System
|
Detachment of the electrical connector from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors may cause a delay in the restraint system, increasing the risk of injury in a crash
|
|
2.
|
March 10, 2021
|
21V159000
|
Airbags
|
Improper manufacture of the score line on the passenger airbag may eject plastic into the cabin, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
3.
|
April 26, 2021
|
21V295000
|
Suspension
|
Breakage of the lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle due to stress corrosion may lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
4.
|
May 12, 2021
|
21V339000
|
Engine
|
Cracks on the surface of the engine cylinder bore may cause engine oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
|
|
5.
|
August 5, 2021
|
21V606000
|
Seatbelts
|
Early deactivation of the rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may prevent proper restraint of the child restraint system, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The affected vehicles also fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection”.
|
|
6.
|
January 26, 2022
|
22V034000
|
Suspension
|
Improper rear axle alignment after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) may cause uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
Model Years
|
Airbags
|
Electrical System
|
Engine
|
Seatbelts
|
Suspension
|
|
2021
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
2022
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
What model year of the Audi RS7 to avoid?
The Audi RS7 is a spectacular choice for people who want to get a perfect mix of performance and practicality. The Sportback entered the market after a three-year hiatus and impressed a lot of people. The initial model year has a rather tumultuous start with 6 recalls as of now. We’d say to wait for the German Sportback to mature and be a more reliable offering than what it already is.
Should you buy the 2022 Audi RS7?
The 2022 Audi RS7 is worth the asking price since it adds in a lot of spice over the A7’s formula. The recall history of the Sportback has been rather colorful which doesn’t show a good image in terms of reliability. Owners have come across small issues and niggles in their new cars as well. Keeping everything in consideration, we’d say to hold on and wait for the next model year to arrive with even more significant improvements made to it for a smooth ownership experience overall.