2021 Audi Q7

◆ Worse than typical
2021 Audi Q7
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:35:56.747Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
74
Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

59% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 95 complaints 2007 2008: 33 complaints 2009: 21 complaints 2010: 29 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 43 complaints 2013 2014: 46 complaints 2015: 46 complaints 2016: 2 complaints 2016 2017: 322 complaints 2018: 144 complaints 2019: 63 complaints 2020: 28 complaints 2021: 74 complaints 2021 74 2022: 20 complaints 2023: 16 complaints 2024: 2 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 2 complaints
2007: 95 complaints 2007 2008: 33 complaints 2009: 21 complaints 2009 2010: 29 complaints 2011: 23 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 43 complaints 2013 2014: 46 complaints 2015: 46 complaints 2015 2016: 2 complaints 2017: 322 complaints 2017 2018: 144 complaints 2019: 63 complaints 2019 2020: 28 complaints 2021: 74 complaints 2021 74 2022: 20 complaints 2023: 16 complaints 2023 2024: 2 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 2 complaints
2007: 95 complaints 2007 2008: 33 complaints 2008 2009: 21 complaints 2009 2010: 29 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2012 2013: 43 complaints 2013 2014: 46 complaints 2014 2015: 46 complaints 2015 2016: 2 complaints 2016 2017: 322 complaints 2017 2018: 144 complaints 2018 2019: 63 complaints 2019 2020: 28 complaints 2020 2021: 74 complaints 2021 74 2022: 20 complaints 2022 2023: 16 complaints 2023 2024: 2 complaints 2024 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 2 complaints 2026

2021: 74 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200795
200833
200921
201029
201123
201229
201343
201446
201546
20162
2017322
2018144
201963
202028
202174
202220
202316
20242
202517
20262

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

59% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

on Sep 17 2023 my wife was driving her Audi Q7. which has 25,780 miles. She drove to a parking lot for a hiking trip, pressed on the brake and the car instead of stopping accelerated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-17

Also filed under Service brakes

Was driving around 30 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-09-25

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

On startup, the instrument cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit) takes an abnormally long time to illuminate. When it does come on, the check engine light and multiple other warning indicators are illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-07

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Engine

26% · 19 reports
Show complaint excerpts

waterpump is leaking- known issue that is currently being investigated for class action lawsuit. My car is now out of warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-11

Forward collision avoidance

11% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-08-05

Back over prevention

9% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and rearview system braking.

Service brakes

8% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-12-23Air bags, electrical system20V749000 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.

    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.

  2. ▮
    2021Complaint volume 74 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2021-03-05Air bags21V078000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles.

    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.

  4. R
    2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

  5. R
    2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

  6. R
    2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

  7. R
    2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

  8. R
    2022-12-22Fuel system, gasoline22V516000 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.

    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.

  9. R
    2025-04-24Electrical system25V201000 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.

    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.

  10. R
    2026-01-14Back over prevention25V900000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Audi Q7 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Forward collision avoidance: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 20V749000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 21V078000 · Air bags
  • Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
  • Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
  • Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 22V516000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 25V201000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 25V900000 · Back over prevention

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Audi Q7 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Audi Q7 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q7?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q7 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.