Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Audi RS 7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi RS 7. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and vehicle speed control (1). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
4
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

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."

Back over preventionReported Dec 20, 2025NHTSA 25V900000

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Mar 31, 2025NHTSA 25V201000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2023 – Apr 2026
  1. Electrical system2
  2. Vehicle speed control1
  3. Power train1
  4. Engine1
  5. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RS 7 model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

2 reports
“This website shows the wrong information. Recall was successfully repaired but it shows here as unrepaired.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 10, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11730497

Vehicle speed control

1 report

Power train

1 report
“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 driving the whole time. Took it to the dealer and they told me that the water pump is faulty. After looking at some Audi forums, it seems like this is a common issue with these vehicles. I’m surprised there has not been a recall since I am not the first person that this has happened to.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2025Power trainODI 11691071
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl turbo hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS 7
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
152217$4,700507
  • RS 7
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Audi RS 7 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 15602
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 RS 7 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi RS 7 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Audi RS 7 problems?

Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), vehicle speed control (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Audi RS 7 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Audi RS 7 at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026