NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi SQ7 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi SQ7 scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 6 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A two-point drop from the prior model year's Safety Index score, alongside six recalls, temper the 2021 Audi SQ7's 80/100 rating. While this places the vehicle in the "Strong" safety band overall, consumers should note the decline from the 2020 model's 82/100. That said, the SQ7 maintains a perfect score in avoidance technology and a solid rollover rating, suggesting a credible safety profile in key areas.
The 2021 Audi SQ7 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi SQ7 ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi SQ7?
The 2021 Audi SQ7's defining safety story is its defect record. Six recall campaigns mar this model year, spanning backup camera sensing hardware, instrument cluster electronics, backup camera display software, tire specifications, and rear seat-belt retractors. This breadth of recalls across both active safety and occupant protection hardware represents a significant concern. The NHTSA Safety Index for the 2021 SQ7 stands at 80 out of 100, a two-point decline from the 2020 model year's 82, driven primarily by this defect record, which scored 14 out of a possible 20. On the crash protection front, the SQ7 achieved 56 out of 70 points. It received a 4-star rollover rating with a No Tip dynamic result. However, the absence of NHTSA frontal and side star ratings leaves significant gaps in the overall crash-test assessment. Avoidance technology scored a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard features. Six owner-reported complaints were filed for the 2021 SQ7. While low in absolute number, these complaints concentrate in the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, two areas also implicated in the recall record. These systems warrant particular attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi SQ7 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi SQ7 is not rated for overall, frontal, or side crash protection by NHTSA. Its rollover rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover. The vehicle earned a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15616
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi SQ7 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2021 SQ7. Components involved include the backup camera sensing system, the instrument cluster and electrical system, backup camera display function, tires, and rear seat-belt retractors. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy status for all six campaigns by VIN through 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
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
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
ENGINE21V339000
Risk: Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.
Reported 2021-05-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi SQ7?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 SQ7. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with three reports, the Engine and Forward Collision Avoidance system each with two, and Back Over Prevention with one. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi SQ7?
Before purchasing any 2021 SQ7 on the used market, buyers should confirm that all six recall campaigns have been remedied by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Incomplete recall repairs transfer with the vehicle, and the campaigns here cover safety-critical systems including backup cameras, seat belts, and electrical hardware.
- The 2021 SQ7's Safety Index of 80/100 is two points below the 2020 model year's 82/100, a drop tied to a defect record score of 14/20 reflecting six active recall campaigns specific to this model year.
- NHTSA has not issued overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for the 2021 SQ7; the only rated crash dimension is rollover, where it earned 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk.
- The six recall campaigns for this model year cover an unusually broad set of systems: backup camera sensing hardware, instrument cluster electronics, backup camera display function, tires, and rear seat-belt retractors.
- Three of the six unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA allege electrical system problems, and two allege issues with the forward collision avoidance system, components that also intersect with the recall record for this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi SQ7 places
The 2021 Audi SQ7 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi SQ7 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi SQ7 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi SQ7, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 SQ7 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi SQ7 earned 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 SQ7 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ7. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi SQ7?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi SQ7. 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 SQ7 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 15616), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi SQ7 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 76 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.