YearToAvoid

2021 Audi S7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

64/100

#5 most-complained of 12 S7 years

The 2021 Audi S7 has 3 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 64, and 10 recalls — ranking 5th worst out of 12 model years for this model. Electrical system issues account for 100% of its complaints.

Complaints
3
Recalls
10
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
18 city / 28 hwy

Top 2021 Audi S7 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System3 (100%)
  2. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (33%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the electrical system triggering multiple simultaneous fault messages, including 'Electrical system: malfunction,' 'Transmission: malfunction,' and 'Traction control' warnings while driving on the freeway.
  • Some drivers describe the vehicle entering limp mode after these electrical faults appear.
  • One owner reported a total electrical shutdown with dash warnings resembling a starter or alternator failure, requiring the car to be towed.
  • Another owner was notified of overlapping electrical recalls (22V155000 and 22V861000) but found that repair parts were not yet available.
2021 Audi S7 complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2022Feb 2024Oct 2024
5 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2022 to Oct 2024; peak Feb 2024 (3).

2021 Audi S7 recalls

10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. NHTSA 23V601000Aug 25, 2023Brakes7,499 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.

    Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.

See all 10 recalls for the 2021 Audi S7 →

2021 Audi S7 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,650
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 S7 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201320142015201620172018202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018No verdict00118
2020No verdict553622
2021No verdict6431022
2022No verdict90322
2023No verdict180122

All Audi S7 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi S7 reliable based on NHTSA data?
NHTSA lists 3 complaints and a complaint index of 64 for the 2021 Audi S7, ranking it 5th worst among the 12 model years with data. All reported complaints involve the electrical system.
What recalls does the 2021 Audi S7 have?
The 2021 Audi S7 has 10 recalls on record, covering areas such as the electrical system, brakes, collision avoidance cameras, seat belts, and suspension. None are do-not-drive recalls.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2021 Audi S7?
Electrical System issues make up 100% of the complaints reported for the 2021 Audi S7.
How does the 2021 Audi S7 compare to other model years?
The 2021 Audi S7 has a complaint index of 64, lower than the 2016 model year's index of 100 but higher than the 2022 through 2025 model years, which each have a complaint index of 36 or below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi S7?
The 2021 Audi S7 gets an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (18 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.