2021 Audi A7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
62/100
#6 most-complained of 14 A7 years
The 2021 Audi A7 has a Complaint Index of 62, ranking 6th worst out of 14 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 6 complaints, 11 recalls, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2021 Audi A7 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (67%)
- Electrical System2 (33%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (17%)
What owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly decelerates while cruise control is active at highway speeds, requiring a dealer software reprogram.
- The virtual cockpit display goes completely black except for a warning symbol, hiding speed and other gauges.
- Electrical system malfunction warning escalates from yellow to red before all electrical systems fail within minutes.
- Coolant leaks into vacuum lines from a water pump design issue, preventing proper engine cooling and causing overheating.
- Engine suddenly stops responding to accelerator pedal inputs at 65-70 mph while driving in traffic, with warning lights on the dashboard.
- Engine decelerates suddenly at 50-55 mph then struggles before resuming normal operation.
2021 Audi A7 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 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.
- NHTSA 25V201000Mar 31, 2025Electrical System44,387 vehicles
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.
- NHTSA 23V842000Dec 13, 2023Electrical System93,196 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
2021 Audi A7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other A7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi A7 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 A7 carries a Complaint Index of 62 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst among 14 model years of the A7. It has 6 complaints and 11 recalls on file.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Audi A7?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 4 of 6 complaints (67%), with a median mileage at failure of 1,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Audi A7 have recall issues?
- NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2021 Audi A7, covering areas including electrical system, collision avoidance and cameras, brakes, and suspension. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Audi A7 compare to other A7 years?
- The 2021 A7's Complaint Index of 62 is lower than the 2019 model (100, Avoid) and 2012 model (92, Avoid), but higher than 2015 (54, Caution) and 2020 (38).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi A7?
- The 2021 Audi A7 gets an EPA-rated 26.5 mpg combined (24 city / 31.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,025.