2021 Audi Q7 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q7, most often about electrical system. There are 9 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
75
Recalls
9
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Median mileage
52,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 44 of 75 complaints (59%).
  • Engine (20) and driver assistance & safety tech (15) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 52,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries.
  • The 2021 Audi Q7 has 9 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 4th of 19 Audi Q7 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 168% more complaints than the 2020 model year (28).

2021 Audi Q7 problems by category

  • Electrical System · 3 crashes
    44 complaints
  • 20 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    15 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    11 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Steering
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system43
Engine19
Unknown or other11
Service brakes6
Steering5
Vehicle speed control4
Back over prevention: warnings3
Fuel/propulsion system3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k210k–30k330k–60k360k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Audi Q7 complaints that list mileage.

2021 Audi Q7 recalls (9)

  • Recall 25V900000Dec 19, 2025356,894 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

  • Recall 25V201000Mar 31, 202544,387 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 22V742000Oct 5, 2022170,296 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    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."

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 22V516000Jul 20, 202249,443 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 22V034000Jan 26, 202231,058 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY · TIRES

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 21V606000Aug 5, 202145,496 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

    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."

    Risk: 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).

  • Recall 21V295000Apr 26, 202140,993 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 21V078000Feb 17, 202126,967 vehicles
    AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    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."

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 20V749000Dec 2, 2020166 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Recent 2021 Audi Q7 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
    Active Lane Assist defect that causes uncommanded, abrupt steering to the left without driver input, most often in intersections where lane markings disappear. The system cannot be deactivated, creating a risk of loss of vehicle control and a crash. The dealer says it is a software issue with no manufacturer fix available.
    NHTSA complaint #11767633 · source
  2. Filed Sep 23, 2026MAElectrical System
    It is listed as Instrument cluster malfunction with a couple lights on like Brake, ABS, steering wheel with exclamation point next to it. Often when I’m driving the screen in front of me that tells me my speed will go extremely dark to the point you can barely read what it says on it. I have not taken it to a dealership or service place yet but this is part of a recall that my car does not qualify for. One day it just started in January and despite efforts to reset it, has…
    NHTSA complaint #11766465 · source
  3. Filed Sep 15, 2026OKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I have heard a knocking and experienced sudden loss of power while driving- not electrical loss, but vehicle suddenly slows down and unable to pick back up speed effectively creating a safety concern when driving- especially at on ramps. A warning light comes on and then it will go off randomly with the loss of power. I have taken it in multiple times and was told it is an emissions issue and a vacuum hose issue that allows fluid to get into my turbos or something along…
    NHTSA complaint #11764502 · source
  4. Filed Aug 28, 202690,000 miTXElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the instrument cluster display had become blank and failed to operate as intended. The failure prevented the contact from viewing critical vehicle information, including the speedometer, fuel gauge, and turn signal indicators. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000…
    NHTSA complaint #11760262 · source
  5. Filed Aug 18, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    Rear sensors failed for Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and possibly other safety functions have failed on this car twice now since it was purchased. This is known issue and if the car is out of warranty Audi will not cover this very expensive repair for important safety features. Quote from Go Parts website: "TSB: Rear Parking Sensor Brackets Detaching A widespread known issue for the 2020-2024 Audi Q7 is the failure of the adhesive…
    NHTSA complaint #11757771 · source
  6. Filed Aug 11, 2026NYEngine
    waterpump is leaking- known issue that is currently being investigated for class action lawsuit. My car is now out of warranty.
    NHTSA complaint #11756120 · source
  7. Filed Aug 7, 2026GAElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    On startup, the instrument cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit) takes an abnormally long time to illuminate. When it does come on, the check engine light and multiple other warning indicators are illuminated. First noticed about a month ago when the panel with the speed indicator wouldn't light up or took a long time to illuminate. I took the car to three dealerships before Audi mentioned that this is a manufacturing issue. The vehicle was taken to [XXX] Audi, Marietta, GA (Repair…
    NHTSA complaint #11755437 · source
  8. Filed Jun 27, 2026WABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    My independent repair shop has just diagnosed a coolant leak weeping from the vacuum line connection at the water pump; they referred to this problem as “coolant migration”. As documented extensively by Audi in Technical Service Bulletin 19-23-45 (2070349/2), this indicates an internal seal failure of the water pump, causing pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the vehicle’s vacuum system. While I understand that my vehicle is technically past its 4-year…
    NHTSA complaint #11746888 · source

Compare the 2021 Audi Q7 with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Audi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology