BestCarRank
Audi

2021 Audi RS 7

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Audi RS 7 has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 6. The most common issue is electrical problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: the car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48v issue that is back ordered worldwide. it has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

6

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ELECTRICAL

2 complaints
33%
  • The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.
  • This website shows the wrong information. Recall was successfully repaired but it shows here as unrepaired.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL31/03/2025

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Audi RS 7

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,824
Per month
$235
Per mile
23.5¢
MPG
17
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,201/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,182/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Audi RS 7

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,250
Full coverage / month
$188
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+34%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.05x
= Full coverage estimate$2250

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi RS 7 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2021 RS 7, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ELECTRICAL: The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: The car continues to smell like coolant and burns excessive oil. It has been taken in for service. Repairs have been attempted but problem still exists. On one occasion, service records indicate a test drive when the mileage remained the same. The oil consumption test I do not believe was performed

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: While driving, car suddenly started overheating. Warning message asked me to pull over and let the car run idle. However, I was on a free way that was under construction and all shoulders were closed. So no way for me to stop for at least 4 miles. I was afraid that the engine would blow while drivin

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Audi RS 7 — Year Comparison

How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
6
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
6

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2021 Audi RS 7