NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 13 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi Rs 7.
17 mpg combined
13.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
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.
The 2021 Audi RS 7 has 13 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, a gateway control module that can shut down and suddenly cut engine power, and engine cylinder cracks that can cause a stall, oil leak, or fire.
Several recalls affect occupant protection. The passenger airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash and can eject plastic fragments into the cabin. Front door crash sensors can lose their electrical connection, delaying the side airbags, curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners in a side impact. There is also a concern with rear seatbelt retractors that can leave a child restraint unsecured.
On the visibility and instrumentation side, a software error can prevent the rearview camera from displaying when reversing, and a separate display failure can blank out the instrument panel, taking the speedometer and warning lights with it. The fuel level sender can stick and show an inaccurate reading, potentially causing the engine to stall when the tank runs low.
Rounding out the list, rear axle misalignment can cause uneven or premature tire wear over time. Two brake-related recalls involve a mislabeled brake fluid reservoir cap that could lead to the wrong fluid being used, reducing braking performance.
At a glance
What can fail
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A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
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
The brake fluid reservoir cap may be labeled incorrectly, potentially leading to the wrong type of brake fluid being used.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and replace it if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle has a brake fluid reservoir cap made to European specifications instead of the North American version required by Canadian regulations, missing required information on the cap.
What the fix does
The correct North American brake fluid reservoir cap will be installed on your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid spilled in the rear seat can seep into and disable the gateway control module, which manages vehicle electrical systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the gateway control module at no cost.
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
The fuel level sender can stick, causing the instrument cluster to display an inaccurate fuel level reading.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank at no charge.
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
Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore, potentially causing engine failure.
What the fix does
The engine will be replaced 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 passenger air bag's score line may not have been manufactured correctly, potentially affecting proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line and repair it as needed at no cost.
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.
