2021 Audi Q7

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Audi Q7 has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is electrical problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: upper dashboard display (mmi) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. this loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. the failure is sporadic and audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue..

9 crash reports 7 injuries

109

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

ELECTRICAL

41 complaints

38%

• Upper dashboard display (MMI) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and Audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue.
• 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 wa
• 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 t

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“Upper dashboard display (MMI) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and Audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

16 complaints

15%

• The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact went forward and sustained a concussion, and blurred vision and medical attention was provided. The emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. The vehi
• 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 t
• 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.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact went forward and sustained a concussion, and blurred vision and medical attention was provided. The emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. The vehi”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

16 complaints

15%

• 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 wa
• 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 undriv
• While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red batte

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 wa”

— NHTSA complaint filing

OTHER

11 complaints

10%

• Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area.
• UNKNOWN. The ac and heating vent directly above the MMI screen closer to the drivers side does not blow any air. It has been like this for a while and it is available for inspection upon request
• Electric malfunction signal all sudden appears while driving and engine start malfunction.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BRAKES

5 complaints

• While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red batte
• While driving with my 4 year-old daughter a notification appeared on the driver display that there is an “Electrical Malfunction” and to call the service department. A few minutes later, while actively driving on the same busy road in my town, the vehicle completely turned off, including the power s
• 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 ou

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red batte”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 109 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: Upper dashboard display (MMI) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and Audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact went forward and sustained a concussion, and blurred vision and medical attention was provided. The emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. The vehi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 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 wa
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)