NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi A7 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi A7 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 11 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi A7 presents a mixed safety profile, with a significant recall volume tempering otherwise strong performance. Its 11 recalls stand out as a primary concern for this model year. Despite this, the vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. The A7's crash-avoidance suite is comprehensive, offered as standard equipment, contributing to its overall rating. Additionally, federal data indicates excellent protection in side-impact scenarios.
The 2021 Audi A7 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi A7 ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi A7?
The 2021 Audi A7's most notable safety characteristic is its recall record. With 11 distinct campaigns, these defects define the model year's safety profile, contributing to a defect record sub-score of 9 out of 20. These recalls address issues across the electrical system, the instrument cluster, the hydraulic brake fluid circuit, and the back-over prevention camera. Despite the extensive recall list, the 2021 A7 achieves a strong overall Safety Index of 89/100, mirroring the 2020 model year. This score is bolstered by perfect sub-scores in crash protection and avoidance technology, at 70 out of 70 and 10 out of 10 respectively. The avoidance technology score reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, along with rear seat side airbags. In its sole NHTSA crash test, the 2021 A7 earned 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi A7 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi A7 was awarded 5 out of 5 stars in side-crash testing. No ratings were published for frontal, overall, or rollover crash protection; no safety inference should be drawn in these categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15922
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recall campaigns cover the 2021 Audi A7. Named components include the back-over prevention camera system, the instrument cluster and panel, hydraulic brake fluid, and the broader electrical system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is identified in the data, but owners should verify all 11 campaigns by VIN with NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V201000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-03-31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD23V842000
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 num
Reported 2023-12-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID23V601000
Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-08-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22V861000
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-11-21
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-10-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT22V155000
Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-03-14
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-01-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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).
Reported 2021-08-05
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-04-26
AIR BAGS21V159000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-03-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi A7?
Five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 A7. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine and Electrical System, each cited in two reports, followed by Back Over Prevention and Vehicle Speed Control. None of the reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi A7?
A used-market shopper considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With 11 recall campaigns on record, confirming which remedies have been completed at the dealership level is the single most important safety step in the buying process.
- The 2021 A7 carries 11 NHTSA recall campaigns, the highest source of index pressure for this specific model year, with named components including the instrument cluster, hydraulic brake fluid system, back-over prevention camera, and electrical system.
- NHTSA tested the 2021 A7 in the side-crash category only, awarding a perfect 5 out of 5 stars; overall, frontal, and rollover ratings are not rated, meaning those categories simply have no federal score on record.
- The Safety Index of 89/100 held flat versus the 2020 model year's 89/100, with the defect record sub-score of 9 out of 20 being the sole component preventing a higher result in this year.
- All five owner complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year are unverified allegations, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them, and the top alleged issues are concentrated in the Engine and Electrical System categories.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi A7 places
The 2021 Audi A7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi A7 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi A7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi A7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Audi A7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi A7 earned 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi A7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi A7. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A7 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15922), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A7 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.