2012-2018 Audi A6, A7, S6, S7 & RS7 Steering Wheel: A Guide to Swaps, Airbags, and Common Faults

Steering Wheel Variants for the C7 Platform

Audi offered several steering wheel styles for the A6, A7, and their high-performance S and RS variants between 2012 and 2018. Understanding which wheel your car has is the first step in any repair or upgrade. The primary styles include:

• 4-Spoke Standard Wheel: Commonly found on base and Premium Plus A6 and A7 models, this wheel prioritizes comfort. It can be optioned with heating.
• 3-Spoke "Sport" Round Wheel: A common upgrade included in sport packages, this wheel has a sportier design, thicker grip, and typically includes paddle shifters. It is available with or without a heating function.
• 3-Spoke "Super Sport" Flat-Bottom Wheel: The most desirable style, this wheel was standard on S6, S7, and RS7 models and optional on A6/A7 S-Line vehicles. It features a distinctive flat bottom, perforated leather or Alcantara, and prominent S or RS badging. Generally, flat-bottom wheels from this era did not come with a heating function, though some later models or special editions may be exceptions.

Symptoms of a Failing Steering Wheel

Failures of the steering wheel itself are typically related to wear and tear or electronic glitches in the integrated controls.

Common Failure Symptoms:

• Worn or Peeling Leather/Alcantara: The most common issue is cosmetic wear from high mileage and hand oils, leading to a shiny, smooth surface on the leather or matting of the Alcantara.
• Malfunctioning Buttons: Volume, track selection, or navigation buttons may become intermittent or stop working entirely. This is often caused by a failure in the button control module or, more commonly, the clock spring (also called a ribbon cable) behind the steering wheel.
• Heated Steering Wheel Inoperative: If your car is equipped with a heated wheel, it may fail to warm up or only heat in certain spots. This points to a burnt-out heating element within the wheel or a problem with the control module. Some owners report weak heating performance even when new.
• Sticky or Damaged Buttons: Spills or improper cleaning can cause buttons to become sticky. Physical damage to the plastic trim or buttons can also occur.

Issues Often Mistaken for a Bad Steering Wheel

Several serious steering-related issues on this platform are not caused by the steering wheel itself. It's important to distinguish these to avoid a misdiagnosis.

• "Steering defective! Do not drive vehicle!" Warning: This message, often appearing with a yellow or red steering icon and sometimes preventing the car from starting, is typically caused by a failure of the electronic steering column lock or the main power steering rack, not the wheel.
• Complete Loss of Power Assist: If the steering becomes extremely heavy and difficult to turn, the fault lies with the electronic power steering rack located low in the front of the car, not the steering wheel.
• Clunking Noises or Vibration When Turning: Noises or vibrations felt through the wheel are almost always caused by suspension components like worn control arm bushings, not the steering wheel itself.

Buying a Used Steering Wheel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Purchasing a used OEM steering wheel is a great way to restore your interior or upgrade to a sportier style. Follow these steps to ensure you get the right part.

Step 1: Verify Compatibility

The most important rule is that the airbag must match the steering wheel.

• A round airbag is required for a 3-spoke or 4-spoke round wheel.
• A shaped airbag is required for a 3-spoke flat-bottom wheel.

Furthermore, there may be an important split between model years. Some sources indicate that airbags differ between pre-facelift (2012-2015) and facelift (2016-2018) models, especially when upgrading. To be safe, always try to purchase a steering wheel and airbag that came from the same vehicle or are confirmed to be a matched set for your specific model year.

Step 2: Physical Inspection

When buying a used wheel, carefully inspect the following:

• Leather/Alcantara Condition: Look for deep scratches, tears, or excessive shininess on leather. For Alcantara, check for heavy matting or fraying.
• Button and Trim Condition: Check for peeling soft-touch coating on buttons and deep scratches on the plastic or aluminum trim.
• Connectors: Ensure the wiring harnesses and plastic connectors on the back of the wheel are intact with no broken clips or frayed wires.
• Paddle Shifters: If equipped, check that the paddles have a solid, tactile click and are not loose or damaged.

Step 3: Why Used OEM is the Best Choice

While many aftermarket carbon fiber and custom-wrapped steering wheels are available, there are strong reasons to stick with a genuine used OEM part. The steering wheel's internal frame is a critical safety structure designed to deform in a specific way during a collision. Aftermarket wheels may not have undergone the same rigorous safety testing. A quality used OEM wheel provides factory-grade safety and fitment at a significant savings over a new part.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

While there are no major recalls specifically for the steering wheel on these models, a critical safety recall involving the airbag system is relevant.

• NHTSA Campaign 18V378000 (Audi Recall 74D5): This recall affects all 2012-2018 A6, A7, S6, S7, and RS7 models. The issue is a faulty Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) mat in the front passenger seat. This can cause the system to fail to detect a passenger, preventing the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. Before working on any part of the airbag system, it is wise to have an Audi dealer verify that all safety recalls have been completed on your vehicle.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the steering wheel is a feasible DIY task for those comfortable with basic mechanical and electrical work, but it requires extreme caution due to the airbag.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 1 hour
• Required Tools: Flathead screwdriver, Torx T55 or 12-point triple square socket, socket wrench, trim removal tools.

High-Level Replacement Steps:

1. Disconnect the battery and wait.
2. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to one side to access a small hole on the back. Insert a flathead screwdriver to release an internal spring clip holding the airbag.
3. Turn the wheel 180 degrees the other way and repeat for the second clip.
4. Carefully pull the airbag unit away from the wheel and disconnect its electrical connectors.
🎬 Watch: A professional demonstration of the Audi driver's airbag removal procedure.
5. With the steering wheel pointed straight, use the T55 Torx or triple square socket to remove the center bolt.
6. Note the alignment marks and pull the steering wheel straight off the column.
7. Transfer the multifunction buttons, trim, and paddle shifters to the new wheel if necessary.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal. Ensure the center bolt is torqued to specification.
🎬 See this walkthrough for removing and installing your C7 steering wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)