Audi RS7 C7(4G) — Problems & Common Faults

Hot-V design: both turbos sit in the V-angle between the cylinder banks, directly above the exhaust system. This shortens charge pipes and delivers lightning-fast response without noticeable turbo lag, but concentrates heat and oil stress in one place. Audi had to issue recall 21H7 in 2022 for all vehicles built between 2012–2017: an overly fine oil strainer in the turbo oil circuit clogged — total turbo failure in many cases. The sound is muted by engine encapsulation, but has character. The overall performance — 560 PS, eight-speed Tiptronic, quattro — makes the C7-generation flagship the most competent everyday fast car of its era. Always verify recall status before purchase.

• !! Recall 21H7 — oil strainer blocks turbo supply

  The overly fine oil strainer in the oil feed to both turbochargers can become blocked with carbon deposits, cutting off turbo lubrication. KBA recall 21H7 for vehicles up to March 2017 (12,204 in Germany).

  Symptoms: Sudden power loss, misfires, in the worst case complete engine failure without warning
  0–500 $
  Ad Ölsieb 4.0 TFSI079103175G check valverecall 21H7
• !! Camshaft wear — head and shaft as a unit from 150,000 km

  The camshafts are factory-matched to their respective cylinder heads; on wear, the head and camshaft must be replaced as a unit, which significantly increases repair costs.

  Symptoms: Ticking from the valvetrain, rough running, power loss at high rpm
  5,000–15,000 $
  Ad camshaft 4.0 TFSI CWUBcamshaft RS6 C7 V8
• !! Timing chain stretched — V8 chain drive from 160,000 km

  Complex chain drive; idle fluctuations with camshaft synchronisation fault codes may indicate stretched chains or broken guide rails.

  Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, idle fluctuations, camshaft position fault codes (P0017, P0022)
  3,000–8,000 $
  Ad timing chain 4.0 TFSItiming chain Kit V8 EA824chain tensioner CWUB

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses