InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2021 Audi Q7 problems, complaints & recalls

Far fewer Rising

NHTSA has received 71 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi Q7, or 12.5 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.30, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #27 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Audi models its rate is 37% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 17% lower.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2021-09-18 and 2026-08-28. Median delay from incident to filing: 8 days.

71Complaints
12.5Complaints per year on the road
0.3Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
9Recalls
4.2%Share involving a crash or fire
20Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2020) drew 3.9 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 3.9 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 13 complaints, 79% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Electrical (49.3% of complaints), followed by Engine (25.4%) and Interior & equipment (8.5%). Electrical complaints are 3.1 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Electrical reports, owners most often mention “electrical system”, “generator”, “system malfunction”, “cockpit” and “display”. 3 reports (4.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 38 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (39% of incidents). In the last 12 months 20 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for this model year. 59% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles0.3
  • vs. other Audi models1.37
  • vs. other 2021 models0.33
  • vs. other Luxury SUVs0.83
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (13)0.21
  • #27 of 85 · 2021Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 201816.3 per year0.39
  • 20197.9 per year0.19
  • 20203.9 per year0.09
  • 202112.5 per year0.3
  • 20223.9 per year0.09
  • 20234.4 per year0.1
  • 20240.4 per year0.01
  • 20259.0 per year0.21

Audi Q7 problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Electrical35 · 49.3% · 3.13×
  • Engine18 · 25.4% · 1.14×
  • Interior & equipment6 · 8.5% · 0.95×
  • Wheels, tires & suspension3 · 4.2% · 1.69×
  • Fuel system2 · 2.8% · 0.65×
  • Airbags & seat belts2 · 2.8% · 0.73×
  • Driver-assist systems2 · 2.8% · 0.49×
  • Transmission / powertrain1 · 1.4% · 0.12×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • electrical system11
  • generator6
  • system malfunction7
  • cockpit3
  • display7
  • instrument cluster5

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • water pump7
  • vacuum system4
  • coolant migration3
  • starter generator3
  • contamination3
  • lawsuit4

Problem areas: Engine · Electrical

When complaints were filed

2021: 2 2 2021 2022: 11 11 2022 2023: 20 20 2023 2024: 8 8 2024 2025: 18 18 2025 2026: 12 12 2026
  • Crashes reported: 3
  • Fires reported: 0
  • Injuries: 5
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr2.8%
  • 1–2 yrs16.9%
  • 2–3 yrs26.8%
  • 3–5 yrs39.4%
  • 5+ yrs14.1%

Median age at incident: 38 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2021 · Luxury SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2021 Lexus NX173.00.07
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC6311.10.26
2021 Lexus RX7012.30.29
2021 Audi Q77112.50.3
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE8815.50.37
2021 Audi Q59917.50.42
2021 BMW X510318.20.43
2021 BMW X310618.70.44

Safety recalls (9)

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 25V900000 · 2025-12-19

Summary: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Campaign 25V201000 · 2025-03-31

Summary: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION Campaign 22V742000 · 2022-10-05

Summary: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Campaign 22V516000 · 2022-07-20

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

TIRES Campaign 22V034000 · 2022-01-26

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR Campaign 21V606000 · 2021-08-05

Summary: 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."

Risk: 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).

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY Campaign 21V295000 · 2021-04-26

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE Campaign 21V078000 · 2021-02-17

Summary: 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."

Risk: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Campaign 20V749000 · 2020-12-02

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Audi Q7?

71 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q7, or about 12.5 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Audi Q7?

The most common category is Electrical, accounting for 49.3% of complaints.

Does the 2021 Audi Q7 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 safety recall(s) for this model year.

Is the 2021 Audi Q7 still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 20 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

How does the 2021 Audi Q7 compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 71 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi Q7, or 12.5 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.30, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #27 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Audi models its rate is 37% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 17% lower.