2021 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 16th of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 81
- 3 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 26.0
- 29,966 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.5×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 31
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 10
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q7?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi Q7 is 64 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.5 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (15 of 81 complaints). Owners also complain about the alternator or charging system and the instrument cluster. 31 of the 81 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 10 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the air conditioning, fuel system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display. For comparison, the 2020 scores 67 and the 2022 scores 69.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-01 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.5 times the problems of the average car its age
- Cooling system: a leak15 complaints
- Alternator or charging failure13 complaints
- Instrument cluster: works on and off9 complaints
How the 2021 Q7 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.4× | −12 |
| Everyday problems | 1.6× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.2× | −10 |
| Recalls | 2.0× | −8 |
| Score | 64 |
What Owners Report
We read all 81 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 81.
Cooling system: a leak
15 complaints (19%)
A leak, a failure and overheating. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
13 complaints (16%)
A failure. 11 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
9 complaints (11%)
Problems that come and go, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Electrical system failure
6 complaints (7%)
A failure and warning lights. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Several warning lights at once
5 complaints (6%)
Warning lights.
Screen and audio: works on and off
4 complaints (5%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
4 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Parking sensors failure
3 complaints (4%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Stall (cause not stated)
3 complaints (4%)
Stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Automatic emergency braking: works on and off
2 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and hard braking with nothing ahead.
Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
A stored fault code.
Key fob: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises.
Show 6 more problems
Parking brake: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Rearview camera: unusual noises
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises.
Seat belts: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Side blind zone alert: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (2%)
The system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Reported Once (19)
Show the 19 problems reported once
- A/C: stopped working
- Adaptive cruise control: works on and off
- Uneven tire wear: early wear
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
- Control module (unspecified) failure
- Fuel economy: high fuel use
- Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
- Fuel pump failure
- Headlights: works on and off
- Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
- Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off
- Rear lid sensor failure
- Vacuum system failure
- Seats: seat always very hot
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Steering: stopped working
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
- Transmission: failure or loss of drive
How the 2021 Audi Q7 Compares With Other Years
The other Q7 years of the 2nd generation, 2017 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 | – | – | 2.2 | 1 | – |
| 2025 | Provisional 67 | – | – | 6.0 | 3 | Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 3.0 | 3 | Phone and navigation: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2023 | Good | 78 | 0.51× | 5.5 | 3 | Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2022 | Caution | 69 | 1.0× | 13.2 | 3 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2021 This year | Caution | 64 | 1.5× | 26.0 | 10 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2020 | Caution | 67 | 1.2× | 22.8 | 5 | Cooling system failure |
| 2019 | Excellent | 80 | 0.52× | 13.1 | 4 | Steering: stopped working |
| 2018 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 29.6 | 3 | Exterior lights: warning lights |
| 2017 | Caution | 66 | 1.4× | 54.3 | 7 | Exterior lights: warning lights |
2021 Audi Q7 Recalls
Ten recalls cover the 2021 Audi Q7. 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.
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.
Fuel Pump May Fail
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V516000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 20, 2022. By the third 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.
Show 4 more recalls
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.
Incorrect Air Bag Module Parameters/FMVSS 208
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. 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.
NHTSA 21V078000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 17, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 97% 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 Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi Q7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the air conditioning, fuel 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-21-01
Air conditioning evaporator failure
- The problem:
- The air conditioning evaporator can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed A/C evaporator, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain A4, S4 and Q7 from model year 2017 and A5, S5 and Q5 from 2018. The bulletin gives no last model year. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-05
Faulty electric fuel pump
- The problem:
- The electric fuel pump can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty electric fuel pump, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2018 to 2021 S4, S5 and SQ5, 2019 to 2021 Q8 and A8, and 2020 and 2021 Q7. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original 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.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
SQ7 SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2021 Q7, from its ten recalls, five 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
- Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 22V742000
- Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA 22V516000
- Rear Axle May Be Misaligned NHTSA 22V034000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 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-21-01: air conditioning evaporator failure
- AWA-22-05: faulty electric fuel pump
- 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 about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
- Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Cooling system
- Alternator or charging system
- Instrument cluster
- 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