Makes›Audi›Q7›2021

2021 Audi Q7

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

Audi Q7
Pictured: Audi Q7 4M FL2 3.0 V6 MHEV quattro Satellite Silver Metallic 01 (cropped). Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Tfsi Quattro
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
248–335 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
Length
199.2 in
Curb weight
4,938 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Seats up to 72 rows of seating.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 335 hp, versus about 541 hp for similar 2021 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Audi Q7 is a standard SUV 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 199 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 12% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

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

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Q7 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Q7 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine335 hp3.0L turbo 6-cyl hybrid
Engine248 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 2 rows

Trims

quattro Premium Plusquattro Prestigequattro Premium

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistSome trims
Lane centeringOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Bratislava, Slovakia

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Q7 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Tfsi Quattro199.2 in77.6 in68.5 in117.7 in66.1 / 66.5 in4,938 lb50/50

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
Q72.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 21+12%$3,900425
Q7 Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+6%$4,100453
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD 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 Q7 SUV AWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Side crash test — 2021 Audi Q7 SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Audi Q7 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Audi Q7 (this car)21 MPGNot rated9
2021 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated7
2021 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2021 Volvo XC9027 MPGNot rated7
2021 Tesla Model X371 miNot rated24
2021 Land Rover Discovery21 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (9)

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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 20, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V516000 · 49,443 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
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 › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Feb 17, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V078000 · 26,967 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Dec 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V749000 · 166 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Risk
A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Audi Q7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

75Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System43
Engine19
Unknown Or Other11
Service Brakes6
Steering5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/08: 123/09: 223/10: 323/11: 223/12: 124/02: 124/03: 224/06: 124/07: 124/08: 124/11: 225/04: 525/05: 225/08: 325/09: 225/11: 225/12: 426/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/05: 326/06: 226/08: 426/09: 423/0823/1124/0324/0825/0525/1126/0226/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Audi Q7 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 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 Q7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Q7 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Q722199.2 inNot rated12
2025 Q722199.2 in★★★★★217
2024 Q721199.2 in★★★★★32
2023 Q721199.2 inNot rated316
2022 Q722199.2 inNot rated320
2020 Q721199.2 inNot rated529
2019 Q721198.8 in★★★★★463
2018 Q721198.8 in★★★★★3144
2017 Q722198.8 inNot rated7322
2015 Q722200.4 inNot rated246
2014 Q722200.4 inNot rated242
2013 Q722200.4 inNot rated342

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