NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi SQ7. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
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."
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System). The contact scheduled an appointment with a local dealer; however, the dealer advised the contact that the USB ports needed to be repaired to complete the recall repair. The contact had never used the ports and was unaware of the failure prior to the recall notification. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.”
“I am reporting premature cooling system failure on my 2021 Audi SQ7 equipped with the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (EA825 engine). The vehicle developed a coolant leak from the water pump and thermostat housing assembly at relatively low mileage (less than 27,000 miles). The failure caused coolant loss and low coolant warning messages, requiring major repair due to the engine’s integrated “hot-V” cooling system design. Research shows many similar reports involving Audi EA825 4.0T vehicles (SQ7, SQ8, RS6, RS7, etc.) experiencing water pump and thermostat leaks, along with multiple revised OEM part numbers and redesigned components. This defect creates a potential safety risk because sudden coolant loss can lead to overheating, limp mode, loss of power, or breakdown while driving. I request that NHTSA investigate whether these recurring cooling system failures on EA825 4.0T engines represent a broader defect trend. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
“The presense and parking and lane change and rear warning lights go on. Have had the sensors changed and recalibrated. Been to dealership 3 times without a solution. Not sure if the system is functioning or not as is sporadic”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ7 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,550 | 522 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), engine (2), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi SQ7 at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).