what are the common problems with this car?

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Accepted Answer

The **2016 Audi RS7** is a phenomenal performance machine, but like any high-performance luxury car with a complex twin-turbo V8, it has some known issues to watch for. Here are the most common problems:

## 🔧 **Engine & Turbo Issues**

**1. Turbocharger Oil Supply Strainer (Recall)**
The most significant issue: The **turbocharger oil supply strainer can become clogged**, starving the turbo bearings of lubrication and causing premature failure. This prompted an **NHTSA investigation** and subsequent **recall (22V-178000)** affecting 2014-2017 RS7s. Make sure this recall has been performed on any RS7 you're considering.

**2. Carbon Buildup**
The direct-injection 4.0L V8 is prone to **carbon buildup on intake valves**, which can cause rough idle, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. walnut shell blasting is the typical fix ($800-$1,200).

**3. Oil Leaks**
Owners report **oil leaks from various seals** as these cars age. I noticed the listing mentions the dealer resealed the valve cover gasket at 53,676 miles—good sign they addressed this proactively.

**4. Variable Intake Actuators**
The variable intake manifold actuators can fail, causing a **limp mode that limits RPM to around 4,000**. This is often accompanied by fault codes for intake manifold runner control.

## ⚙️ **Transmission & Driveline**

**8-Speed Tiptronic**
- Occasional reports of **harsh shifting** or **transmission fluid leaks**
- The adaptive transmission can learn bad habits if driven aggressively without proper warm-up

## 🔌 **Electrical & Tech**

**MMI System**
- Infotainment glitches and screen failures aren't uncommon
- Backup camera and parking sensor issues

**48V Systems** (on some variants)
- Battery and charging system issues have been reported

## 🚗 **Suspension & Other**

- **Air suspension leaks** are less common on RS7 than A7/S7, but the **Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)** system adds complexity
- **Rear seat belt retractor issues** were subject to a separate recall for child restraint securing

## 💡 **The Good News**

The 2016 model is considered one of the **better years** for the C7 RS7. Most issues are manageable with:

- Regular oil changes with **proper spec oil** (5W-40 synthetic)
- **Carbon cleaning every 40k-60k miles**
- Ensuring all **recalls are complete**
- Pre-purchase inspection focusing on **turbo operation** and **leak-down test**

At **58,650 miles**, this particular RS7 is at an age where carbon buildup and minor leaks are the main concerns. The clean Carfax and dealer service history are encouraging signs.

**Can I help you find similar RS7s to compare, or do you have questions about anything specific on this car?**

Lot 12781: 2016 Audi RS7 Prestige

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Lot 12781: 2016 Audi RS7 Prestige

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