NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Audi SQ7 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2021 Audi SQ7 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Audi SQ7, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2021 Audi SQ7 owner complaints

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi SQ7, describing incidents dated June 8, 2022 to March 27, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 3 complaints
Engine 2 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance 2 complaints
Back Over Prevention 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11739537 · Filed May 22, 2026
I am reporting premature cooling system failure on my 2021 Audi SQ7 equipped with the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (EA825 engine). The vehicle developed a coolant leak from the water pump and thermostat housing assembly at relatively low mileage (less than 27,000 miles). The failure caused coolant loss and…
ODI #11712409 · Filed January 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System). The contact scheduled an appointment with a local dealer; however, the dealer advised the contact that the USB ports needed to be repaired to complete the recall repair. The…
ODI #11657203 · Filed April 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ7. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign…

Read all 6 complaints

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #25V900000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported December 19, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 356,894 vehicles

Repair completion: 69.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 90TV · Owners notified January 14, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Instrument Panel Display Failure

NHTSA #25V201000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 44,387 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 90VC · Owners notified April 24, 2025

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #22V742000 · Back Over Prevention — Display Function · NHTSA notice

Reported October 5, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 170,296 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 91DZ · Owners notified October 25, 2022

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Axle May Be Misaligned

NHTSA #22V034000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported January 26, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 31,058 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 42L5 · Owners notified March 3, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #21V606000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor · NHTSA notice

Reported August 5, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 45,496 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69CR, 69CS · Owners notified August 27, 2021

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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).

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Cylinder Bore Surface May Develop Cracks

NHTSA #21V339000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported May 12, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 15 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 10G9 · Owners notified July 9, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi SQ7, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 AVANT, and SQ8 vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.

Safety consequence

Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2021 Audi SQ7 SUV AWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning

6 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi SQ7.

Engine

ODI #11739537

Incident: March 27, 2026 · Filed: May 22, 2026

I am reporting premature cooling system failure on my 2021 Audi SQ7 equipped with the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (EA825 engine). The vehicle developed a coolant leak from the water pump and thermostat housing assembly at relatively low mileage (less than 27,000 miles). The failure caused coolant loss and low coolant warning messages, requiring major repair due to the engine’s integrated “hot-V” cooling system design. Research shows many similar reports involving Audi EA825 4.0T vehicles (SQ7, SQ8, RS6, RS7, etc.) experiencing water pump and thermostat leaks, along with multiple revised OEM part numbers and redesigned components. This defect creates a potential safety risk because sudden coolant loss can lead to overheating, limp mode, loss of power, or breakdown while driving. I request that NHTSA investigate whether these recurring cooling system failures on EA825 4.0T engines represent a broader defect trend. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Electrical System

ODI #11712409

Incident: August 21, 2025 · Filed: January 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System). The contact scheduled an appointment with a local dealer; however, the dealer advised the contact that the USB ports needed to be repaired to complete the recall repair. The contact had never used the ports and was unaware of the failure prior to the recall notification. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11657203

Incident: March 1, 2025 · Filed: April 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ7. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 44,540. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System; Back Over Prevention; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11653556

Incident: February 3, 2025 · Filed: April 8, 2025

The presense and parking and lane change and rear warning lights go on. Have had the sensors changed and recalibrated. Been to dealership 3 times without a solution. Not sure if the system is functioning or not as is sporadic

Engine

ODI #11574768

Incident: February 28, 2024 · Filed: February 29, 2024

The car started over heating at 39,000 miles with the warning that “coolant temperature too high, let engine run with vehicle stationary.” Took it to the dealer for repairs and they said it’s a bad thermostat and water pump which requires the entire front end to be disassembled to change. Surprised that this occurred at only 39,000 miles. Luckily my car is under warranty a few more months.

Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11489825

Incident: June 8, 2022 · Filed: October 18, 2022

Sporadic failures of saftey systems by driver warning -Adaptive vehicle assistance Predictive regulation restricted -Audi adaptive light malfunction -Audi pre sense system malfunction -Adaptive vehicle assistance restricted This has happened since new and told by Audi no fix for months related to Audi solution number 2061489/4

Other Audi SQ7 model years

Check your 2021 Audi SQ7 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi SQ7 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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