2021 Audi Q7: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 61
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 5 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Audi Q7: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/4
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Q7 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Audi Q7. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD | 21 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD | 20 mpg |
- The 2021 Audi Q7 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Q7 that averages well under the EPA 20 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Water pump coolant leak
55,000–57,271 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi Q7, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical333 crashes
The 48V mild hybrid starter generator fails while driving. A red electrical system warning tells the driver to stop safely, auto start/stop shuts off, and in several reports the car dies on the freeway. A second pattern is the virtual cockpit going blank, hiding the speedometer, turn signals, and driver assist alerts. Some cars fail again after a dealer repair. Others wait weeks for parts, or owners are quoted out-of-pocket costs. Of 33 complaints, 3 involve crashes, including a parked car that rolled away when the auto parking brake did not engage.
Engine5No crashes
The water pump leaks, and the coolant level drops. Reported failures come in the mid-50K-mile range, one at 57,271 miles, often just after the warranty runs out. Dealer repairs can also include the thermostat and related parts, with one estimate near $5,000. One report describes coolant getting into the vacuum lines. Other owners tie a check engine light and P0299 code that keep coming back to the pump. The safety concerns owners raise are overheating, stalling, and loss of power.
Steering4No crashes
Power steering cuts out while driving, and the wheel becomes very hard to turn. Most reports tie this to starter generator failure. An electrical system warning comes first. Driver assist, transmission, and drive system warnings follow. Then the car loses drive power and shuts off, sometimes in heavy traffic. In one case assist was lost at about 25 mph with a steering malfunction message telling the driver to stop. Several cars had to be towed to the dealer.
Automatic emergency braking2No crashes
Automatic emergency braking slams on the brakes with nothing ahead. Reports describe violent stops on an empty road in the rain, while backing out of a garage, and at about 50 mph with an emergency brake malfunction message on the dash. Both complaints involve injuries, 3 in total, including a concussion. The seatbelt pulls back hard during these stops. A dealer could not reproduce the fault, so the car was not repaired.
Seat belts2No crashes
A rear seat belt's locking retractor releases by itself after it has been locked, leaving a child car seat unsecured. Parents who check the lock when installing the seat later find it loose, sometimes partway through a trip, and say it happens more than once. A dealer could not reproduce the problem. No crashes are reported, but the failure stops the belt from holding a car seat in place.
Wheels and tires2No crashes
The 285/40R21 tires suffer sudden sidewall blowouts and deflate completely at low speeds, 30 to 40 mph. In one case a tire pressure warning came about 30 seconds before the failure. In the other there was no warning at all. One blowout happened on snowy roads. Both drivers kept control and pulled over, and Audi roadside assistance moved the cars. The danger is losing control in traffic or on slippery pavement.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Q7 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
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
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
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.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
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.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Water pump started leaking at 55K miles resulting in low coolant level. Vehicle was inspected by the dealer and confirmed that replacement is required.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Driving about 25 mph power of steering wheel was lost, steering became very hard. I stopped, no accident. Not reported yet. Messages appeared: 1. Steering: malfunction! please stop vehicle 2. Audi pre sense 3. Lane departure warning 4. Emergency assist
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
While traveling all alone in a 2 lane road on a rainy evening the brakes applied themselves violently. Same has happened when backing of my home garage and the car senses rain and the brakes violently. This is very distressing and the seatbelt pulls back very hard causing fear, confusion and pain.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
How the 2021 compares with other Q7 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks second for owner complaints among 7 Q7 years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical335
- Engine56
- Steering43
- Automatic emergency braking22
- Seat belts20
- Wheels and tires21
Recalls to confirm (9)
Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V900000Backup cameraDec 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
25V201000ElectricalMar 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
22V742000Backup cameraOct 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
22V516000Fuel systemJul 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
22V034000Wheels and tiresJan 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
21V606000Seat beltsAug 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
21V295000SuspensionApr 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
21V078000AirbagsFeb 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
20V749000ElectricalDec 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
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