2021 Audi Q7: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
72 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
52,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 42 of 72 complaints (58.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 23 | 31.9% |
| Braking behavior | 15 | 20.8% |
| Steering behavior | 7 | 9.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 6.9% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 5.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 1.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 42 |
| Engine | 18 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Steering | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 3 |
Electrical System: 42; Engine: 18; Unknown Or Other: 11; Service Brakes: 6; Steering: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking: 3; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 63 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 13 |
2021: 2; 2022: 11; 2023: 20; 2024: 8; 2025: 18; 2026: 13
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 23 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11433415 · 2021-09-18 (September 18, 2021)
Upper dashboard display (MMI) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and Audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433415 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11435082 · 2021-10-01 (October 1, 2021)
[XXX] Mobile: [XXX] October 1, 2021 Audi Motor Sales USA, Inc. Re: Assurant Warranty Claim Number: [XXX] Dear Sir/Madam: I am writing to you in hopes of finding a swift and satisfactory resolution since my Audi dealership-issued extended warranty claim is not being honored despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue. Incident: On Saturday, September 25, I was driving on Route 42 when a pebble hit my front windshield and made a small crack underneath the rearview mirror. Action Taken: We immediately reached out to report the issue, but …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11435082 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11476423 · 2022-07-28 (July 28, 2022)
Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11476423 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11476425 · 2022-07-28 (July 28, 2022)
UNKNOWN. The ac and heating vent directly above the MMI screen closer to the drivers side does not blow any air. It has been like this for a while and it is available for inspection upon request
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11476425 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11477132 · 2022-08-02 (August 2, 2022)
I am writing to report on the results of a call on 08-01-22 to Audi USA regarding the current recall on Audi Q7 automobiles. I asked if the car was safe to drive and the representative could not answer the question. Her comment was that Audi has not issued a Stop Drive Action. The recall notice states ". . .there may be a sudden loss of engine power or the vehicle may break down without a warning appearing beforehand." This would seem to indicate that it is not safe to drive the vehicle. Our vehicle meets all the criteria mentioned in the r…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11477132 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11477825 · 2022-08-05 (August 5, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact went forward and sustained a concussion, and blurred vision and medical attention was provided. The emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 52,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11477825 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11482522 · 2022-09-02 (September 2, 2022)
I pulled out of the gym after using my key FOB to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if Key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earlier). The car defaults to ON of an auto/on function (gas saving feature?), and I believe that becuase the car was waiting at the light, prompted the …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11482522 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11486274 · 2022-09-25 (September 25, 2022)
Was driving around 30 MPH. Audi Q7started showing malfunctions on the dashboard, stabilization control malfunction, transmission malfunction, startup system malfunction, backup system malfunction, drivers assist malfunction, tire pressure malfunction, drive system malfunction. The vehicle started to brake on it own, fishtailed and then started to accelerate on its own
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11486274 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V749000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact | Electrical System
Reported: 2020-12-02 (December 2, 2020)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V078000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module:Software | Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2021-02-17 (February 17, 2021)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V295000 · Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly
Reported: 2021-04-26 (April 26, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V606000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor | Seat Belts
Reported: 2021-08-05 (August 5, 2021)
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."
Consequence: 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).
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V034000 · Tires | Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly
Reported: 2022-01-26 (January 26, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V516000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2022-07-20 (July 20, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V742000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function
Reported: 2022-10-05 (October 5, 2022)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V201000 · Electrical System:Software | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Reported: 2025-03-31 (March 31, 2025)
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.
Consequence: 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 campaign record ↗25V900000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2025-12-19 (December 19, 2025)
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."
Consequence: 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 campaign record ↗