Audi RS7 Performance
Performance variant of the 4.0 TFSI with 605 PS — same Hot-V architecture as CWUB, sharper mapping, larger turbos, freer exhaust flow. Recall 21H7 (oil strainer in the turbo oil circuit) affects the CRDB just as it does the CWUB — essential to verify it has been completed before purchase. Noticeably more direct throttle response and more aggressive character in Dynamic mode compared to the base CWUB. Sport differential and lowered suspension standard. The C7 Performance is considered the sweet spot of the range: no OPF, no mild hybrid, sharpest tune — owners who then drive the C8 reportedly miss the sharper throttle response and the unfiltered V8 sound.
RS6 tech in Sportback form — the prettier silhouette
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.
Engine Weaknesses 10
Both turbochargers can fail simultaneously if the oil strainer clogs and interrupts bearing lubrication. Primarily affects 2012–2017 model years before the recall; even brief oil starvation causes total failure.
Symptoms: Loud whistling or screeching from the engine bay, power loss, engine stalling under high load
The oil strainer in the turbocharger oil circuit is too fine-mesh and clogs with soot and oil deposits. This leads to insufficient turbo bearing lubrication and can cause engine failure. Recall 21H7.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, engine failure while driving, no prior warning from indicator lights
The camshafts on the 4.0 TFSI wear in because they are factory-matched to specific cylinder heads and deteriorate with insufficient oil supply. Replacement often requires cylinder head overhaul.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from the valve train, engine roughness, uneven idle, camshaft fault codes
The electric water pump (079121014M) on the 4.0 TFSI can fail suddenly. Correct cooling after high-performance driving is essential; failure risks overheating damage on a hot engine.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning, overheating indication shortly after full-load operation, coolant loss, no heating at low temperatures
The 4.0-litre V8 TFSI uses multiple timing chain sets that stretch with high mileage and long oil change intervals. Chain rattle on cold start is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Rattling or scraping on cold start, camshaft position faults, rough idle
On the 445 kW Performance model the extreme thermal load leads to premature wear of the crankcase ventilation. Oil mist in the intake increases oil consumption and promotes intake valve deposits.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, blue smoke under load, oil film inside intercooler, rough idle
The RS6 Performance at 445 kW generates extreme temperatures in the hot-V. Ignition coils (079905110N) and spark plugs are particularly vulnerable; a failed coil risks engine damage from uncontrolled combustion.
Symptoms: Misfire warning, heavy stumbling at full load, engine check light, ECU limiting to 4,000 rpm
The high-pressure fuel pump on the 4.0 TFSI operates continuously near maximum pressure. At high mileages the HPFP may no longer build the required fuel pressure. Oil change intervals and fuel quality are critical.
Symptoms: Engine stumble on cold start, power loss at high load, engine check light with low fuel pressure fault code
The 4.0 TFSI shows noticeably elevated oil consumption with spirited driving and age due to piston ring and valve stem seal wear. Typically 0.5–1 litre/5,000 km above 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, occasional slight blue smoke when blipping throttle after a long idle
The engine mounts on the 445 kW Performance model wear prematurely due to massive torque impulses. Symptoms can appear from 50,000 km; renewal is labour-intensive and requires engine lifting.
Symptoms: Noticeable vibrations in the cabin under acceleration, audible clunking during load changes, visible engine movement when blipping throttle
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.
3.0 TDI models produced March–Dec. 2012: oil can enter the brake servo via vacuum lines and damage its membrane.
The S-Tronic DL501 dual-clutch gearbox suffers from premature clutch wear in frequent stop-start traffic. Regular gearbox oil changes every 60,000 km are necessary.
TÜV reports note increasing axle and strut deficiencies with mileage. Rubber bushes and control arms wear, especially at the front axle.
The 12V vehicle battery is a primary issue on the A7 4G. The complex electrical system drains the battery quickly, especially on short runs and in winter.
Door panels and B/C-pillar trim develop creaking and rattling over time. Known issue on the A6/A7 4G.
Reports & Tests
81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2018). Most reported: Airbags (17), Steering (15), Electrical (15).