2021 Audi A7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Audi A7 has a Complaint Index of 67, ranked 6th worst out of 16 model years, and carries a Caution verdict with 11 recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints, mostly about the engine.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #6 of 16 A7 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Audi A7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (67%)
- Electrical System2 (33%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine unexpectedly decelerates while driving with cruise control active at highway speeds like 70 mph, requiring a dealer software reprogram.
- Virtual cockpit dashboard goes completely black except for a warning symbol, hiding speed and other gauges.
- Electrical system malfunction warning light turns from yellow to red, followed within minutes by a full failure of electrical systems while driving.
- Water pump leaks coolant into vacuum lines, preventing engine cooling and causing sudden overheating.
- Engine stops responding to accelerator pedal input at highway speeds around 65-70 mph while an amber check engine light and master warning light appear on the dashboard.
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 data, the 2021 A7 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 6th worst among 16 model years of the A7, earning a Caution verdict. It has 6 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns, with engine problems most common.
- What are the main problems with the 2021 Audi A7?
- Owners most often report engine problems, making up 4 of 6 complaints (67%), followed by electrical system issues at 2 complaints (33%). Reported engine issues included sudden deceleration and loss of throttle response.
- Does the 2021 Audi A7 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2021 A7, covering areas including electrical system, collision avoidance/cameras, brakes, and suspension. None of these recalls are labeled do-not-drive.
- At what mileage do 2021 Audi A7 problems appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported for the 2021 A7 overall is 1,000 miles, and engine complaints specifically also show a median mileage of 1,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 Audi A7 compare to other A7 years?
- The 2021 A7's Complaint Index of 67 is lower than the worst years like 2019 (100) and 2012 (93), but still worse than years like 2015 (60) and 2020 (53), placing it 6th worst overall.