2021 Audi Q7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Audi Q7 has a complaint index of 89, ranking 3rd worst out of 19 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 74 complaints, 9 recalls, and the top problem area is the Electrical System at 59% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 89/100
- #3 of 19 Q7 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 74
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18.5 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2021 Audi Q7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System44 (59%)
- Engine24 (32%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras11 (15%)
- Other11 (15%)
- Brakes6 (8%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
- Lane Departure4 (5%)
- Steering4 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
- Seat Belts2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Dashboard shows multiple simultaneous malfunction warnings (stabilization, transmission, drive system) while the vehicle brakes and accelerates on its own at low speed.
- Owners describe the automatic emergency brake activating on its own at highway speed, causing sudden stops and, in one case, a concussion.
- The upper dashboard MMI display loses power and reboots with the audio suddenly blasting at full volume.
- Some drivers report the parking brake failing to engage on a slope, letting the vehicle roll backward unattended.
- Steering assist has cut out at low speed, making the wheel very hard to turn along with multiple warning messages.
- The recalled fuel pump has caused reports of sudden loss of engine power, with some owners stuck waiting for replacement parts.
2021 Audi Q7 recalls
9 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 22V742000Oct 5, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras170,296 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.
2021 Audi Q7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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 Q7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi Q7 reliable?
- Compared to other Q7 model years, 2021 ranks poorly: its complaint index of 89 is the 3rd worst of 19 years tracked, and it carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Audi Q7?
- Electrical System issues dominate, accounting for 59% of complaints (44 of 74), with a median failure mileage of 90,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Audi Q7 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Q7, covering areas including collision avoidance cameras, electrical instrument panel software, fuel pump, suspension lock nuts, seat belts, and airbags.
- How many complaints does the 2021 Audi Q7 have?
- NHTSA has logged 74 complaints for the 2021 Audi Q7, including 3 crashes and 5 injuries, with no reported fires or deaths.
- How does the 2021 Q7 compare to other years?
- The 2021 Q7's complaint index of 89 is worse than most other years; only 2017 (index 100) and 2013 (index 94) rank worse, while years like 2012 (index 11) and 2010 (index 17) earn Best verdicts.