2021 Audi A7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
scored
Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a reliable rate.
- Owner complaints
- 15
- 3 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 33.5
- 3,584 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 5
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 13
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi A7?
We do not score the 2021 Audi A7. Too few were made for a reliable rate, so we show the facts only.
The 2019 A7, from the same generation, scored 57 and rated Avoid. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a bad smell (4 of 15 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine and the electrical system. 5 of the 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 13 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-06 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Cooling system: a bad smell4 complaints
- Engine: a loss of power2 complaints
- Electrical system (unspecified): reduced power or limp mode2 complaints
What Owners Report
We read all 15 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Cooling system: a bad smell
4 complaints (27%)
A bad smell, overheating and a leak.
Engine: a loss of power
2 complaints (13%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Electrical system (unspecified): reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (13%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a feature that stopped working. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (7)
Show the 7 problems reported once
- Adaptive cruise control: works on and off
- Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive
- Climate controls: fault code
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Instrument cluster: stopped working
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- 48V electrical system: failure or loss of drive
How the 2021 Audi A7 Compares With Other Years
The other A7 years of the 2nd generation, 2019 to 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | – | 1 | – |
| 2025 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2023 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2022 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 7 | – |
| 2021 This year | Not scored | – | – | 33.5 | 13 | Cooling system: a bad smell |
| 2020 | Not scored | – | – | 27.9 | 8 | Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive |
| 2019 | Avoid | 57 | 3.1× | 74.9 | 6 | Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive |
| 2018 | Excellent | 81 | 0.42× | 7.0 | 3 | – |
2021 Audi A7 Recalls
The 2021 Audi A7 has 13 recalls. The most recent was issued in December 2025: “Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V900000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Instrument Panel Display Failure
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V201000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 31, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 23V842000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V601000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 25, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V861000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 21, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V742000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Show 7 more recalls
Fuel Gauge May Display Inaccurate Fuel Reading
An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V155000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V034000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 26, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Cylinder Bore Surface May Develop Cracks
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
NHTSA 21V339000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 12, 2021. By the first quarter of 2022, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V295000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Incorrectly
An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V159000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 10, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Faulty Side Impact Crash Sensor In Front Doors
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.
NHTSA 20V749000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 2, 2020. By the third quarter of 2022, 98% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2021 Audi A7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi A7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-06
EVAP purge valve or hose failure
- The problem:
- The EVAP purge valve or its hose can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the EVAP purge valve and hose and replaces them for free if they failed from a defect.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2024 S6, S7 and RS5 with the 2.9 or 3.0 TFSI V6. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-07
Crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- The problem:
- The crankcase breather on the 4.0 EA825 engine can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the crankcase breather and replaces it for free if it failed from a defect.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2023 Audis with the 4.0 EA825 engine. The bulletin names no model. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-25-07
Virtual Cockpit failure
- The problem:
- The Virtual Cockpit can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs the Virtual Cockpit for free if it failed from a defect. Damage it caused is also covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2021 A6 sedan and allroad, S6, RS6 Avant, A7, S7, RS7, A8, S8, Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
2021 Audi A7 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2021 Audi A7. It has closed.
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound standard to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. NHTSA's file lists Audi hybrid and electric models from 2013 to 2022, including the e-tron, A3 e-tron, Q5, A7 and A8. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 A7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door AWD and 4-door AWD with rear side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2021 A7, from its 13 recalls, four Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 25V900000
- Instrument Panel Display Failure NHTSA 25V201000
- Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA 23V842000
- Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap NHTSA 23V601000
- Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power NHTSA 22V861000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 recalls and which are still open.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-23-06: EVAP purge valve or hose failure
- AWA-23-07: crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
- AWA-25-07: Virtual Cockpit failure
On the Test Drive
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Cooling system
- Engine
- Electrical system
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next