2021 Audi Q7
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 95 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2014 | 45 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 319 |
| 2018 | 142 |
| 2019 | 61 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
61% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20230917
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving around 30 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220925
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, 20260807
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
25% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
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, 20260811
11% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20220805
10% of complaints: back over prevention — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and rearview system braking.
8% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V749000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V078000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V295000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V606000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V034000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V742000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V516000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V201000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V900000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Audi Q7 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V749000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V078000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V295000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V606000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V034000 (suspension, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V742000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V516000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V201000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V900000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q7 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.