Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Audi A7
Our scoring places the 2018 Audi A7 at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.9/10. The Audi A7 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $59,696–$78,360, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A7 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.7/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Audi A7 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2018 Audi A7 ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $59,696 starting price is about 116% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which A7 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Audi A7 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $6,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Audi A7 (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 04/06/2018 · 18V370000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Audi A7 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Audi A7
Is the 2018 Audi A7 reliable?
We rate the 2018 Audi A7's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A7 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Audi A7 worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2018 Audi A7 cost?
The 2018 Audi A7 starts at $59,696 and ranges up to $78,360 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which A7 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest A7 years we've rated are 2016 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 Audi A7 have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Audi A7 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi A7
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Audi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
2018 model shown