Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Audi S7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi S7. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
3
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 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

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 25, 2023NHTSA 23V601000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2022 – Oct 2024
  1. Electrical system3
  2. Power train1
  3. Forward collision avoidance1

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 S7 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201316
201414
20151
201615
20176
20203
20213
20220
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

3 reports
“Electrical warning issue, totally stopped and showed all the faults on the dash. Seems like starter/alternator problem. Located in Spain, car is from US. Will tow the car to the dealer.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2024Electrical systemODI 11619725

Power train

1 report
“Received the following faults while driving on the freeway and car when into limp mode:“Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle” “Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service” “Parking aid: malfunction!” “Transmission: malfunction!” “Rear spoiler: malfunction!” “Drive system: malfunction! Stop vehicle safely” “Traction control: malfunction!” “Tire pressure monitoring system: malfunction!” “Parking brake: malfunction!” “Automatic start/stop system: malfunction!” “Start/stop system: malfunction!””
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 22, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11573460

Forward collision avoidance

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.9L 6-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 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S7
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182822$3,600410
  • S7
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 28 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 S7 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 15601
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 S7 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi S7 have?

10 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 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 S7 problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), power train (1), forward collision avoidance (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Audi S7 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Audi S7 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026