NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls, 63 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi Q7.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Electrical system complaints dominate what owners report about the 2021 Audi Q7, covering a range of issues including alternator problems, warning light clusters, and various electronic failures. Owners also report engine-related trouble fairly often, with fuel pump failures showing up across multiple reports, sometimes alongside coolant leaks and vacuum system issues, in some cases at relatively low mileage. A smaller but consistent cluster of complaints involves the forward collision avoidance and driver assistance systems, where owners describe the blind-spot monitoring giving false alerts or failing to flag nearby vehicles at all. A handful of owners also report the electronic parking brake not engaging automatically when the vehicle is parked, leaving the car free to roll.
63
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Audi Q7 has 9 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control.
Two recalls involve the airbag and restraint systems: a software error in the airbag control module can cause the front passenger airbag's second stage to fire too quickly when a child is in that seat, and a front door crash sensor connector can detach, delaying the side airbags, curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners in a side impact. A separate recall covers a rear seatbelt retractor that can leave a child restraint system unsecured during a crash. On the mechanical side, the fuel pump can fail internally and stall the engine, and rear axle misalignment can cause uneven or accelerated tire wear. Two recalls address rear visibility: a software error can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when reversing, and a separate display fault can produce a blank camera screen. The instrument panel display can also fail due to a software error, potentially hiding the speedometer or warning lights while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel module may cause the dashboard display to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An internal component in the fuel pump can break, which causes the fuel pump to stop working.
What the fix does
The fuel pump will be replaced at no cost by an Audi dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control module may deploy the front passenger air bag's second stage too quickly after the first stage when an unbelted child occupies the seat, potentially causing improper protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module at no cost to reprogram the deployment sequence.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either front door, preventing the sensor from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front doors and replace the crash sensors if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.