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Audi · Mid-Size · 2010–2018

Audi A7 4G

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.5 / 5.0 · Based on 11 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

605 PS

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin

RS6 tech in Sportback form — the prettier silhouette

Legendary!
Problem Engine

605 PS

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin

10 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi A7 4G is available with 6 engine variants — from 190 to 605 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel· 190–272 PS Engine Change
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2010 2014
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2010 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo · Diesel· 313–320 PS
2010 2014
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner· 310–340 PS Engine Change
2010 2014
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
RS7 · Benziner· 560 PS
2013 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
RS7 Performance · Benziner· 605 PS
2015 2018
Stay Away! 10 weaknesses
S7 · Benziner· 420 PS
2012 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 190–272 PS) comes with 5 different engines: CDUC (2010–2014, Be Careful) und CLAA (2010–2014, Be Careful) und CKNB (2010–2018, Stay Away!) und CZVA (2014–2018, Be Careful) und CRTE (2014–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo (Diesel, 313–320 PS) has the CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner, 310–340 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CGWB (2010–2014, Be Careful) und CTUA (2014–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TFSI V6!

The Audi RS7 (Benziner, 560 PS) has the CWUB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi RS7 Performance (Benziner, 605 PS) has the CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi S7 (Benziner, 420 PS) has the CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Air Suspension Compressor and Bellows Defective

The optional air suspension on the A7 4G is prone to compressor failure and leaking air bellows. Leaking bellows cause the compressor to run continuously until it overheats.

Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one side, 'Air spring: System fault' message, compressor runs continuously
from 120,000 km
High
Multi-Link Axle Wear

TÜV reports note increasing axle and strut deficiencies with mileage. Rubber bushes and control arms wear, especially at the front axle.

Symptoms: Knocking or cracking when steering and over bumps, uneven tyre wear
from 120,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
81 complaints · 2010–2018
Airbags
17 ⚠ 2
Steering
15
Electrical
15 ⚠ 3
Engine
14
Fuel System
10

Top Reported Issues

Airbags (17 complaints)
Steering (15 complaints)
Electrical (15 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 83 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A7 4G (2010–2018) — 77 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CKNB (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Interior.

A7 (CDUC, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start, Camshaft Material Defect (272 hp Variants), Turbocharger Oil Loss / Leaking Oil Lines. Power: 204–211 PS.

A7 (CLAA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Camshaft fracture — material defect, Timing chain elongation, High-pressure pump debris in fuel system. Power: 245 PS.

A7 (CGQB, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Exhaust Manifold Particles Damage High-Pressure Turbo, Camshaft Material Defect (EA897), Timing Chain 1.2 TFSI EA111 — Early Failure. Power: 313–320 PS.

A7 (CKNB, 2010–2018) — Stay Away!: Camshaft fracture from material defect, Timing chain elongation, Turbocharger wear and bearing damage. Power: 190 PS.

A7 (CZVA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Camshaft wear — material defect, Four-chain timing system elongation, EGR valve coking — V6 TDI. Power: 211–218 PS.

A7 (CRTE, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Camshaft Material Defect (CRT/CZV), Timing Chain Stretch — Four Chains, Engine Damage from Low Oil Pressure (EA897evo). Power: 272 PS.

A7 (CGWB, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Internal Supercharger Intercooler Leaking, Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start, Coolant Pump and Thermostat Failure. Power: 310 PS.

A7 (CTGA, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Recall 21H7 — Oil Strainer Turbocharger Supply, Timing Chain Stretch — V8 BiTurbo, High-Pressure Fuel Pump — Wear. Power: 420 PS.

A7 (CWUB, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Recall 21H7 — oil strainer blocks turbo supply, Camshaft wear — head and shaft as a unit, Timing chain stretched — V8 chain drive. Power: 560 PS.

A7 (CTUA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Internal Intercooler Leaking, Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start, Coolant Pump Failure. Power: 333–340 PS.

A7 (CRDB, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger Bearing Failure from Oil Starvation, Recall: Turbocharger Oil Strainer Too Fine, Camshaft Wear-In. Power: 605 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi A7? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi A7 4G have? +
The Audi A7 4G has 77 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi A7 4G? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CGWB (3.0L TFSI V6), CTUA (3.0L TFSI V6), CDUC (3.0L TDI V6), CLAA (3.0L TDI V6), CZVA (3.0L TDI V6), CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CWUB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — stay away!
Which Audi A7 4G engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi A7 4G — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Same V8 as the RS6 C7, but the Sportback roofline makes the RS7 the more elegant statement. Functionally identical, emotionally different — less wagon pragmatism, more GT. On the Autobahn indistinguishable, in the parking lot the head-turner.
Is the Audi A7 4G worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi A7 4G — 3 of 11 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi A7 4G? +
The Audi A7 4G is available with engine variants from 190 to 605 hp. Petrol: CGWB (3.0L TFSI V6), CTUA (3.0L TFSI V6), CWUB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Diesel: CDUC (3.0L TDI V6), CLAA (3.0L TDI V6), CZVA (3.0L TDI V6), CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CKNB (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee