Makes›Audi›A7›2021

2021 Audi A7

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Audi A7
Pictured: 2018 Audi A7 S Line 40 TDi S-A 2.0. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
Sportback 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
MPG (best)
29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
4,332 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Audi A7 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,332 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 6% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

  • New plug-in hybrid version
  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 24 to 29

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 A7 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sportback 4dr Sedan195.7 in75.2 in55.9 in115.4 in65 / 64.6 in4,332 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
A7 quattro Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+6%$2,850139
A7 quattro Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24-12%$3,400364
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2021 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Audi A7 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2021 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Audi A7 (this car)29 MPGNot rated11
2021 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Audi A428 MPGNot rated4
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class27 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class24 MPGNot rated0
2021 Audi A626 MPG★★★★★12

Recalls (11)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 31, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V201000 · 44,387 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Onboard · Dec 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V842000 · 93,196 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Aug 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V601000 · 7,499 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Risk
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Electrical System · Nov 21, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V861000 · 50,883 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Risk
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge › Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit · Mar 14, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V155000 · 47,238 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Risk
An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles

Problem
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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles

Problem
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).
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V159000 · 3,421 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
Risk
An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Audi A7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

8Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
1,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine5
Electrical System3
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control1
Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/02: 123/04: 123/10: 125/07: 125/12: 126/04: 226/08: 122/0223/0423/1025/0725/1226/0426/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Audi A7 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi A7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other A7 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 A725195.7 inNot rated10
2024 A725195.7 inNot rated10
2023 A724195.7 inNot rated10
2022 A727195.7 inNot rated70
2020 A724195.7 inNot rated82
2019 A725195.7 inNot rated643
2018 A723195.7 inNot rated23
2017 A724195.7 inNot rated41
2016 A730195.7 inNot rated315
2015 A729195.7 inNot rated35
2014 A729195.7 inNot rated210
2013 A721195.7 inNot rated515

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →