NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi Q7 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q7 scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 9 recalls, and 67 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Nine recall campaigns temper an otherwise strong safety showing for the 2021 Audi Q7. The model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, positioning it in the Strong band, largely due to solid crash protection and a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score. However, the substantial recall count and a modest defect-record sub-score prevent it from achieving the highest safety rating.
The 2021 Audi Q7 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi Q7 ranks 69 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 | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 67 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 69 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi Q7?
Nine recall campaigns define the 2021 Audi Q7's safety profile, contributing to a Safety Index score of 82/100. This places it within the "Strong" safety band, though it marks a three-point decrease from the 2020 model year's 85/100. The defect record sub-score, at 8.25 out of a possible 20, is the primary driver of this decline. Owner complaints, numbering 67, align with this pattern, as 41 specifically cite electrical system issues, mirroring a recall concerning the instrument cluster. Conversely, the Q7 demonstrates robust crash protection, achieving a sub-score of 63.8 out of 70. This is supported by a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star rollover result. Active safety technology is a particular strength for the 2021 model, earning a maximum 10 out of 10 in its sub-score. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all 2021 builds. While crash protection and avoidance technology are commendable, the recall burden remains the paramount safety consideration for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi Q7 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q7 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection in NHTSA's safety evaluations. Rollover resistance was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, indicating a 16-percent rollover risk based on the agency's tests, which included a passing dynamic tip test. Frontal and overall safety ratings are not available for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15615
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover the 2021 Q7. Named components include the backup camera sensing system, the instrument cluster and electrical system, the backup camera display function, the gasoline fuel pump delivery system, and tires. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but shoppers should verify current remedy status for all nine campaigns by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
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
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V516000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-07-20
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 BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE21V078000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-02-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20V749000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-12-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi Q7?
Owners have filed 67 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Q7. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (41 reports), Engine (16), Unknown or Other (11), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Service Brakes (6), and Back Over Prevention (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
67 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi Q7?
For the 2021 Audi Q7, nine recall campaigns have been issued. Any shopper considering this model year should run the VIN through NHTSA.gov before purchase to confirm which of these have been remedied and which remain open. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle, and remedy completion is the buyer's most direct safety action.
- The 2021 Q7's Safety Index dropped three points to 82/100 compared to the 2020 model's 85/100, driven by a defect-record sub-score of only 8.25 out of 20 tied directly to nine active recall campaigns for this model year.
- A 2021-specific instrument-cluster and electrical-system recall affects this model year alongside a separate fuel-pump recall covering 2020-2021 Q7 vehicles, making electrical and fuel-delivery systems the two most recall-significant areas to verify by VIN.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall or frontal crash-test rating for the 2021 Audi Q7; the only rated dimensions are the 5-star side score and the 4-star rollover score with a 16-percent risk figure and a passing dynamic tip result.
- Forty-one of the 67 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year cite the electrical system, a pattern that runs parallel to the instrument-cluster recall campaign and warrants direct verification of remedy status before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi Q7 places
The 2021 Audi Q7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi Q7 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi Q7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi Q7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 Q7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi Q7 earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi Q7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi Q7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 67 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi Q7. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q7 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15615), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q7 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 69 of 118 in the SUV 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.