MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Audi Sq7

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

6Recalls
6Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI SQ7

The Audi SQ7 is a performance-tuned, three-row luxury SUV competing at the top of a crowded segment. Built for families who want genuine driving engagement without sacrificing premium comfort, it pairs Audi's sport-oriented S-line DNA with the practicality of a full-size hauler. It targets affluent buyers who refuse to choose between speed and space, positioning itself against rivals like the BMW X7 M60i and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

VERDICT

The 2021 Audi Sq7 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the SQ7 as one of the most dynamically satisfying large luxury SUVs available, praising its composed handling, strong acceleration, and upscale interior execution. Most acknowledge that the premium pricing and complex technology can be polarizing, and some note that the driving experience edges ahead of pure practicality compared to more family-focused three-row alternatives.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15616

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 3Engine 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2Back Over Prevention 1

Other Sq7 years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15616), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Sq7 2021. Class rank 76 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure