2021 AUDI Q7

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
🚨Requires Careful Review

This 2021 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting electrical system and seat belts.

Key Factor:multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.8)
    📝
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

23/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-64
Complaint Impact-2.9
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 AUDI Q7

Model Year2021
MakeAUDI
ModelQ7
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
ISSUEFirst Report
May22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

22 complaints (38% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 58 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
3(5%)
🟡Medium
14(24%)
🟢Low
41(71%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 58,942 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 10 of 58 complaints (17% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
3 reports (30%)
40k-60k
4 reports (40%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (10%)
100k+
2 reports (20%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSTIRESELECTRICAL SYSTEMSUSPENSIONAIR BAGSFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (8)

Campaign: 21V606000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V034000

TIRES

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence

Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V749000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.

Consequence

A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V295000

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence

A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V078000

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V516000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V742000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 25V201000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Q7.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Q7 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 31,113
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Q7 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 21,929

Consumer Complaints

58 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Q7.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning38%
Display19%
Battery14%
Stall10%
Blank7%
Acceleration Issues7%
Accident5%
Noise5%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE

- Engine water pump failure and coolant intrusion into the vacuum system. Parts were replaced on 5 Nov 2025 and possible still at the dealer's location. - The defect poses the following safety risks: It resulted in contamination of vacuum lines; potential for sudden engine stalling or loss of power while driving; potential for catastrophic damage to engine-management systems dependent on vacuum integrity; potential for damage to emissions and combustion-control systems; potential for reduced braking system performance if vacuum supply is compromised, expensive and unexpected component failures, and possible recurrence since the cause appears related to design rather than normal wear. Any failure can create cascading hazards affecting safety-critical functions. - The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealer. Dealer name and contact info can be provided upon request. - I do not know if the dealer delivered the involved parts to the manufacturer or insurance representative for inspection. Police or others did not inspect it. - There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It was identified by the Audi technician on 5 November 2025 while the vehicle was in the dealer for other services. The failure occurred at 47,855 miles which is far below the average lifespan of a water pump or vacuum system.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

An alert popped up on the dashboard. Stating driver system malfunction. This happened on the freeway and then the car shut down immediately. I've gotten this notification over 8 times and it has yet to be fixed. I'm extremely anxious and terrified when driving this vehicle, because my 3 children are in this vehicle while im driving. All services has been all done at audi oakland, they have all the records/documents. This car has been serviced over 120 days in total

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System). The interface turned off, and the touchscreen was inoperable. The CP message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the USB port was not working and was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to another local dealer, Audi Riverside (3210 Adams St, Riverside, CA 92504), but no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a discount on the repair, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Electrical🔶 Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety and mechanical issue involving my 2021 Audi Q7. The alternator on my vehicle was replaced by Audi in November 2024 as part of an official Audi recall. On October 22, 2025, less than one year later, the alternator failed while I was driving, causing the following safety hazards and damages: Sudden loss of battery power Complete battery drain Damage to the electrical stabilizer Vehicle shut down while driving Required towing Left me stranded on the road Another independent auto shop confirmed that the alternator failure directly caused the battery to fail. My vehicle is only four years old, and the battery should not fail under normal operation unless another component (such as the alternator) is defective. Audi of America refuses to cover the resulting damages, even though the alternator was replaced under their recall and failed prematurely. They have denied reimbursement for repairs, towing, and related expenses, despite clear evidence that the alternator caused the battery and electrical damage. This is a serious safety concern because the alternator failed without warning, and the vehicle lost electrical power while driving. I am requesting NHTSA to review this issue, as the failure of the recall-installed alternator may impact other Audi Q7 owners and may indicate a broader defect or improper recall repair. Thank you for your attention to this matter

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

My water pump went out on my 2021Q7. The car had 57271 miles on it. I looked up the Vin and it is not covered in the class action lawsuit however, my model and my year comes up but not my Vin. I feel a water pump should last until 100,000 miles.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

During a routine service on my 2021 Audi Q7, the shop found the coolant level low and traced it to a leak. The Audi dealer later diagnosed failure of the water pump, thermostat, valves, and related parts, with a repair estimate of nearly $5,000. I discovered that prior model years (up to 2020) were included in a class action lawsuit for the same type of cooling system failures, though my VIN is not covered. This appears to be the same issue, happening just a few months outside of warranty, and raises concerns about premature failure and safety risk from overheating.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I continue to smell a foul, moldy odor almost every time I turn on the air conditioner or heater. It has been a problem since I purchased the vehicle in August of 2024. I took the car back to the dealer from which I purchased it FOUR times. They finally “fixed” the issue by clearing out some tube. However, the issue has presented itself again. I had the cabin filter replaced last week to no avail. It still smells awful. I definitely cannot use the heater. This potentially presents a health issue and needs to be fixed.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

El carro fue comprado en febrero 2024 en greenway ford inclui un paquete de cambio de aceite,rotacion de llantas y cambio de los limpiabrisas.esto ha sido un dolor de cabeza. cada vez que se le realiza el servicio sale con la luz del ingenier prendido, en la computadora de auto zone aparece TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER(P0299). Ademas El asiento del pasajero esta siempre muy caliente el carro gasta demasiada gasolina y esta perdiendo velocidad,en verdad no se si el carro esta gastando aceite, ya que recién cambiado el sistema me mostro falta de aceite .o el consecionario no cambio el aceite correctamente..

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

On [XXX], I experienced multiple failures of core safety systems in my 2021 Audi Q7 that put my 17-month-old child at serious risk and exposed critical flaws in how the vehicle’s systems operate and record events. On [XXX], the pre sense automatic braking system suddenly engaged while I was driving approximately 35 mph on a clear, empty suburban road. There were no visible obstructions, no warning lights, and nothing recorded in the vehicle’s logs. This occurred less than 48 hours after the vehicle had received recall-related software updates and routine service at an Audi dealership. Prior to that service, the vehicle had no history of mechanical or safety issues. The following day, the keyless entry and anti-lockout system failed. I placed my toddler in his rear-facing car seat behind the front passenger seat and set our baby bag—with the key fob inside—on the rear seat. After closing the door and walking to the driver’s side, the car unexpectedly locked. The fob and my child were both inside. The outdoor temperature was over 90°F. I attempted to open the vehicle and then to break the window with tools, without success. After approximately seven minutes, I broke the driver’s side window with a sledgehammer and removed my child from the car. The car alarm eventually activated, but no lock-in event, key fob error, or warning was recorded. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership twice and Audi Corporate engineers once. Audi confirmed faults in the emergency call module, comfort system, rear lid sensor, and parking sensors. However, they could not reproduce or explain the braking event or lock-in failure. Audi confirmed that the vehicle should not be able to lock with the key inside, and they do not know why it did and are unable to guarantee the safety feature will work in the future. The vehicle has not been driven since. The failure of both safety function and system visibility placed my child in danger. I am requesting a safety investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The recall involves the virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Audi requires the use of the vehicle’s USB port to complete the update. However, my USB system is not functioning properly. •The Issue: Audi has refused to perform the recall because of the inoperable USB. They have stated that without the USB, they cannot install the update. They are not offering any alternative method or solution to ensure that this recall is completed. •Why This is a Concern: A recall is issued because of a safety-related defect. The manufacturer is obligated under federal law to remedy the defect at no cost to the owner. By refusing to provide a solution beyond requiring a functioning USB, Audi is failing its duty to correct a known safety defect. This leaves me driving a vehicle with an unresolved recall. •My Position: It is unreasonable and negligent for Audi to deny responsibility simply because the recall requires a USB port that is not functioning. The recall repair should be performed regardless, whether through replacement of the port, use of alternate diagnostic tools, or another approved method. By refusing to act, Audi is leaving my vehicle unrepaired, unsafe, and in violation of recall compliance obligations. Requested Action: I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate Audi’s handling of this recall and require them to provide an effective remedy at no cost to me, in accordance with federal safety recall requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 AUDI Q7?

Yes, the 2021 AUDI Q7 has 8 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR, TIRES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Is the 2021 AUDI Q7 safe to drive?

The 2021 AUDI Q7 has 8 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 AUDI Q7 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local AUDI dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📉Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new electrical system components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical system

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:20V74900025V201000
2

Seat belts

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm seat belts recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all seat belts recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V606000
3

Tires

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm tires recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all tires recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:22V034000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your AUDI dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 8 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your AUDI dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.