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Audi Q7Model year report

2021 Audi Q7 Problems

Compared with other Audi Q7 years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 6.2× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
75filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
52,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
Recalls
9campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 19 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Audi Q7 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2021 Q7 most often describe sudden electrical warnings followed by loss of drive or power steering — commonly tied in complaints to the 48V starter-generator/alternator, sometimes after a recall repair. A second, frequent theme is the 3.0L V6 water pump leaking coolant into the vacuum system, producing warning lights and drivability complaints. Reports are spread across mileage, from low-mileage leased cars to vehicles past 90,000 miles.

  1. Electrical system

    Electrical malfunction warnings, then shutdown or loss of

    • 32 complaints (43%)
    • median 71,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2021–2026

    Complaints describe a sequence of dashboard warnings — battery/electrical system malfunction, sometimes joined by steering, brake, transmission and parking-brake messages — followed by the vehicle shutting down or refusing to move. Several owners say the car was towed and the dealer traced it to the 48V starter-generator or alternator; others report a replacement alternator failing again within a year. Reported across a wide mileage range, from low-mileage cars to over 100,000 miles, often without warning during normal driving.

    Recall 25V2010002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the 48V starter-generator/alternator has been replaced, and whether recall 25V201000 software has been applied. Note any intermittent battery or electrical warnings during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable.”

    NHTSA complaint #11499634, filed 2022-12

    “I pulled out of the gym after using my key FOB to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if Key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earlier). …”

    NHTSA complaint #11482522, filed 2022-09
  2. Engine

    Water pump leak and coolant in the vacuum system

    • 14 complaints (19%)
    • median 82,510 mi at 5.1 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2024–2026

    Owners describe a coolant leak traced to the water pump, sometimes accompanied by check-engine code P0299, low coolant, or coolant being pulled into the vacuum system. Complaints mention warning lights, rough running and sudden loss of power, with dealer repair estimates frequently in the thousands of dollars once the pump and related valves are replaced. Commonly reported in the 40,000-60,000 mile range, and also just outside the factory warranty period.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check coolant level and look for residue around the water pump and vacuum lines; ask whether the pump, thermostat or vacuum components have been replaced, and request any codes read from the ECU.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “During a routine service on my 2021 Audi Q7, the shop found the coolant level low and traced it to a leak. The Audi dealer later diagnosed failure of the water pump, thermostat, valves, and related parts, with a repair estimate of nearly $5,000. I discovered that prior model years (up to 2020) were included in a class action lawsuit for the same type of cooling system failures, though my VIN is not covered. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11689690, filed 2025-09

    “I am reporting a severe defect in my 2020 Audi Q7 involving “coolant migration” due to a faulty water pump, a known issue in Audi models (Q7, S4, A6, 2013–2022). This poses critical safety risks due to sudden failure with minimal warning. My out-of-warranty Q7 showed minor coolant fouling near a solenoid, with normal coolant levels and no fluid added. The dealer quoted ~$6,000 to replace the water pump and vacuum system. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11663107, filed 2025-05
  3. Electrical system

    Instrument cluster display goes blank

    • 18 complaints (24%)
    • median 52,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2021–2026

    Complaints describe the digital instrument cluster going dark or dim while driving, leaving the driver without a speedometer, fuel gauge or turn-signal indicators. Owners report dealers confirming the cluster needs replacement; several mention being told their vehicle is not covered by the related recall, or that the software remedy did not stop the problem. Reported from moderate mileage up to about 105,000 miles, usually appearing intermittently while driving.

    Recall 25V2010002 related service bulletins

    What to check: During a test drive, watch whether the cluster flickers or blanks, and ask whether the recall software update has been performed and whether the cluster has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “So models which have digital cockpits that were produced before July 2021 are faulty and the screen goes black. I was on the I95 when the display was gone and I didn’t have a speedometer. The manufacturer is already aware and accepts there’s a issue but doesn’t have a recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #11624310, filed 2024-11

    “There is a recall for my issue from Audi 90VC. The “remedy” is a software update that a previous dealer and Audi field techs say willl not fix my issue. It’s a hardware issue. The remedy provided for the recall is a facade and doesn’t fix the root cause of the issue. I’m one that actually have the symptoms of the cockpit failed (completely blank screen) but yet Audi is telling me I have to pay to have this safety recall/issue fixed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11656509, filed 2025-04
  4. Forward collision avoidance

    Forward-collision braking engages when nothing is there

    • 12 complaints (16%)
    • median 52,000 mi at 1.8 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2022–2026

    Owners describe the pre sense system applying the brakes hard when no obstacle is visible — on an open road, in rain, or while backing out — sometimes accompanied by a sharp seatbelt tug. In other cases the opposite is reported: multiple driver-assistance warnings appear and the systems stop working. Reported at varying mileage, often in rain or low-visibility conditions and at low to moderate speeds.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether driver-assistance software updates have been applied and try the pre sense and adaptive cruise functions on a test drive, watching for warning messages.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “An alert popped up on the dashboard. Stating driver system malfunction. This happened on the freeway and then the car shut down immediately. I've gotten this notification over 8 times and it has yet to be fixed. I'm extremely anxious and terrified when driving this vehicle, because my 3 children are in this vehicle while im driving. All services has been all done at audi oakland, they have all the records/documents. This car has been serviced over 120 days in total”

    NHTSA complaint #11703709, filed 2025-12

    “Was driving around 30 MPH. Audi Q7started showing malfunctions on the dashboard, stabilization control malfunction, transmission malfunction, startup system malfunction, backup system malfunction, drivers assist malfunction, tire pressure malfunction, drive system malfunction. The vehicle started to brake on it own, fishtailed and then started to accelerate on its own”

    NHTSA complaint #11486274, filed 2022-09
  5. Back-over prevention (rear camera)

    Rear parking and blind-spot sensors detach or fail

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe rear parking sensors coming loose from the bumper or failing, which knocks out rear cross-traffic and parking warnings. Owners say the brackets are held by adhesive that lets go, and that dealers may charge a diagnostic fee or decline warranty coverage for the repair. Mostly reported in the 40,000-60,000 mile range on cars out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

    Recall 25V900000Recall 22V7420001 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the car in reverse, confirm the parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alerts sound, and look along the inside of the rear bumper for loose or reattached sensor brackets.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My rear backup sensors have fallen out of my vehicle and the dealership wants to charge me $200.00 to diagnose the problem. All they need to do is reattach the sensors which were originally put on the vehicle with double sided adhesive tape which is a poor design. I cannot afford this $200.00. This is a big safety concern because I rely on those sensors when backing up. Can you help me?”

    NHTSA complaint #11744149, filed 2026-06

    “Rear sensors failed for Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and possibly other safety functions have failed on this car twice now since it was purchased. This is known issue and if the car is out of warranty Audi will not cover this very expensive repair for important safety features. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11757771, filed 2026-08

Buying note. Check the service history for the 48V starter-generator, water pump and instrument cluster, and confirm which open recalls (including 25V201000 and 25V900000) have been completed on the specific vehicle. A pre-purchase scan for stored electrical and emissions codes is worthwhile, since many of the reported symptoms appear intermittently.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2021 Audi Q7. 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 1,298 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Audi Q7 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Engine cooling (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “Starter Generator Failed on 10/12/2023 while the car was being driven. Warning received was Electrical system: Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle There are multiple reports online of people experiencing similar problems and have had recalls. We never had a recall and this could have caused a fatality. We feel Audi has been negligent.”

NHTSA complaint #11549706, filed 2023-10

Engine: “My water pump went out on my 2021Q7. The car had 57271 miles on it. I looked up the Vin and it is not covered in the class action lawsuit however, my model and my year comes up but not my Vin. I feel a water pump should last until 100,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11699105, filed 2025-11

Other or unknown: “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. She kept trying to press the brake, however the car did not stop until it hit a tree. The car has been towed to our house and it is not driveable. The car has not been inspected yet. I plan on calling the Audi dealer on Monday, Sep 18th. No lights appeared before the incident.”

NHTSA complaint #11545027, filed 2023-09

Forward collision avoidance: “The instrument cluster failed as was reported in a previous recall. This failure was caused by a hardware problem which was fixed via a software update. Unfortunately, the hardware (instrument cluster) has already been compromised and warning lights are all lit up and some warnings aren't working and the instrument panel still goes blank when driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11661780, filed 2025-05

Mileage when problems were reported

33% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,000 and 90,000 miles.

0%0–100%10–2533%25–5033%50–7522%75–10011%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (9 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 52,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

20212022202320202420252026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Audi Q7. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Q7 · SUV AWDnot rated—554 · 15.7% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking not available.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2021 Audi Q7 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Q7 AWD2.0L 4-cyl8-speed automatic192321$3,900
Q7 AWD3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid8-speed automatic182320$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 9 recalls for the 2021 Audi Q7 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,298 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,298 bulletins →

Other model years of the Audi Q7

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202517—2522—Too new
20231616,1363—21—Too new
20222020,0003—22—Rising
20217552,0009—21100 · MoreRising
20202942,8505—2164 · TypicalRising
20196312,7004521100 · MoreRising
201814415,8003521100 · MoreRising
201732233,1507—22100 · MoreRising
20154653,5002—1850 · TypicalStable
20144650,1502—1838 · TypicalRising
20134472,0003—1838 · TypicalStable
20122983,0004—180 · FewerFalling
20112390,7004—18—Stable
20102954,0003—1642 · TypicalStable
20092190,0003—16—Falling
20083372,0003—1634 · FewerFalling
20079577,4003—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Audi Q7 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q7?

Owners of the 2021 Q7 most often describe sudden electrical warnings followed by loss of drive or power steering — commonly tied in complaints to the 48V starter-generator/alternator, sometimes after a recall repair. The issues reported most often: Electrical malfunction warnings, then shutdown or loss of; Water pump leak and coolant in the vacuum system; Instrument cluster display goes blank.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Audi Q7 have?

NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2021 Audi Q7 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2021 Audi Q7 is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 44 complaints (59% of the total), followed by engine with 19.

Has the 2021 Audi Q7 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi Q7 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Audi Q7 (Q7, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Audi Q7 reported?

Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,000 miles and the middle half falls between 44,000 and 90,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.