2021 Audi A7 Safety Report

2021 Audi A7 has 11 recalls for critical safety components but very few owner complaints.

4Complaints
11Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Engine (1)Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Back Over Prevention (1)Vehicle Speed Control (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi A7

The 2021 Audi A7 presents a mixed safety picture. While NHTSA crash test ratings are largely unavailable (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Rollover=N/A), it did achieve a 5-star rating in the Side crash test. However, the vehicle has been subject to a significant number of recalls, with 11 total recalls issued, indicating several design or manufacturing flaws that required corrective action. The complaint data is very low, with only 4 total complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported to NHTSA. This low complaint volume makes it difficult to identify widespread patterns from owner reports alone. Common complaint patterns, despite the low volume, point to issues with the ENGINE (1 complaint), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaint), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaint), and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaint). These align with some of the recall themes, such as electrical system malfunctions affecting instrument panels or gateway control modules, and back over prevention issues related to rearview cameras. For instance, one complaint describes a complete electrical system failure, which directly relates to recalls concerning instrument panel displays and gateway control module shutdowns. The recall history is extensive and covers critical safety components. Multiple recalls address the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' and 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION', indicating persistent issues with the rearview camera system that could increase crash risk. Several recalls also target the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM', including problems with the instrument cluster/panel, potential liquid spills affecting the gateway control module, and inaccurate fuel level senders. Other significant recalls include 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID' due to incorrect brake fluid caps, 'TIRES' for rear axle misalignment, 'SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR' for child restraint issues, and 'SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE' for potential loss of control. The high number of recalls, despite low direct complaints, suggests proactive identification and correction of potential safety hazards by the manufacturer.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Audi A7 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Audi A7

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi A7:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Software errors or display issues may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing crash risk. Covered by multiple recalls.
High Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System Failures
Instrument panel display failures, gateway control module shutdowns due to liquid spills, or general electrical malfunctions can reduce engine power or hide critical safety information. Covered by multiple recalls and one owner complaint.
High Occasional N/A miles
Inaccurate Fuel Level Sender
Fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel reading and potential engine stall due to lack of fuel. Covered by recall.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Rear Axle Misalignment
Broken lock nuts or general misalignment of the rear axle can cause premature tire wear or loss of control. Covered by multiple recalls.
High Occasional N/A miles
Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap Label
An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may lead to the use of incorrect brake fluid, reducing braking ability. Covered by recall.
High Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Audi A7:

Engine 25% of complaints

One complaint noted a water pump design failure leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating.

Electrical System 25% of complaints

One complaint reported a complete electrical system failure, including the virtual cockpit going black, aligning with recall concerns about instrument panel and gateway control module issues.

Electrical System, Back Over Prevention 25% of complaints

One complaint related to the electrical system and back over prevention, likely tied to the numerous rearview camera recalls.

Vehicle Speed Control 25% of complaints

One complaint described unexpected deceleration while cruise control was active, requiring a software reprogram.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi A7

Is the 2021 Audi A7 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Audi A7 has a 5-star side crash test rating, but overall, frontal, and rollover ratings are unavailable. It has a high number of 11 recalls addressing critical safety components like rearview cameras, electrical systems, brakes, and suspension. While owner complaints are very low (4 total), the extensive recall history suggests potential safety issues identified and addressed by the manufacturer.

What are common problems with the 2021 Audi A7?

The most reported issues, based on the very limited NHTSA complaint data, include engine problems (specifically water pump failure), general electrical system malfunctions (like instrument panel blackouts), issues related to the electrical system and back over prevention (likely rearview camera), and vehicle speed control problems (unexpected deceleration). These align with several of the 11 recalls issued for the vehicle.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A7 have?

The 2021 Audi A7 has 11 recalls issued by NHTSA, covering a range of safety-critical components from rearview cameras and electrical systems to brakes, tires, and suspension.

Are there any known issues with the rearview camera on the 2021 Audi A7?

Yes, there are multiple recalls related to the rearview camera system on the 2021 Audi A7, specifically concerning software errors that may prevent the image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. One owner complaint also touches on electrical system issues that could impact such features.

What electrical system problems are common in the 2021 Audi A7?

Common electrical system problems, as indicated by recalls and one owner complaint, include instrument panel display failures (e.g., virtual cockpit going black), potential gateway control module shutdowns due to liquid spills, and inaccurate fuel level senders. These issues can lead to a lack of critical information or sudden loss of engine power.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the 11 recalls addressing significant safety components, prospective buyers should ensure all recall remedies have been performed. While owner complaints are low, the recalls highlight potential issues that could impact safety and reliability if not addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi A7

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi A7. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.