Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
The 2021 Audi Q7, the biggest Audi SUV, available with a diesel, gasoline, or hybrid gasoline engine, has been around since 2006. Some people love it, but others say it’s the worst car they’ve ever owned. Based on NHTSA complaints, electrical issues including electrical failure, and problems with SUVs randomly accelerating or braking, are prominent.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2020 2022
Contents
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
The law makes Audi pay legal fees.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Audi Q7
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Steering | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Suspension | |
| Wheels | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline |
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Audi Q7
Between September 18, 2021, and December 31, 2022, 13 consumers filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). These span more than 10 components and systems, including the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, which attracted about half of all complaints. Of the electrical system complaints, 2 also mentioned the engine.
The rest of the complaints are aimed at the fuel system (gasoline and fuel/propulsion), lane departure, steering, suspension, vehicle speed control, visibility/wiper, and the wheels of the SUV.
Overall, there are reports of 2 injuries and a crash caused by malfunctions.
Disturbingly, 7 recalls were issued by Audi between December 2, 2020, and October 5, 2022. These relate to a relatively wide range of components and systems: airbags, back-over prevention, electrical and fuel systems, seat belts, suspension, and tires.
A total of 435 manufacturer communications, including technical service bulletins, have been shared with the NHTSA up until November 18, 2022. This indicates that Audi is well aware that there are problems with this SUV.
Of course, the NHTSA isn’t the only platform that consumers use for complaints. Edmunds is another popular platform, and it highlights some very derogatory comments. Out of a total of 26 reviews, 3 have awarded this Audi only 1 out of 5 stars.
Electrical System Problems
Complaints filed under the electrical system include major malfunctions and one total electrical failure. There is also a complaint of an 2021 Audi Q7 randomly locking because the key fob battery is dead. In this case, nobody even touches the fob.
Also reported as an engine problem, this complaint from an owner in New Jersey described what happened after the electrical failure indicator lit up. “I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shut down right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing.” It goes on to say that police on the scene called a tow truck because “the car was not starting and (was) therefore undriveable.”
An owner from Washington describes how the upper dashboard display (MMI) loses power. Then, when the system reboots, the “audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and Audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue.”
Key Fob Failure is Dangerous
The owner of an Audi Q7 from Hawaii states that his key fob failure issue is “very dangerous.” It started when he used his key fob to unlock and start the vehicle. Then he got a warning asking if the key was in the car, which it was. The warning disappeared. But ¼ mile down the road, “while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down, and (the) alarm started blaring saying there was no key.” It was still in the car. The problem persisted, and the owner eventually drove to an Audi service station with the alarm blaring. After assessing the Q7 for 7 days, they said it was because the key fob battery had died.
“This is very dangerous. I don’t know how/if they actually confirmed the battery was dead or simply changed it out. The key fob battery dying should not cause a car, while in drive, to completely shut/lock down. This is a huge safety issue. Someone could have not seen me and rear-ended me.”
Complaining that he isn’t getting a “good response or action” from Audi, he appeals to the NHTSA to help have the issue addressed. “ \ I do not feel safe driving a car that will lock down while in drive, and my concern extends to other people who may find themselves in this situation.”
Issues with Forward-Collision Avoidance
There are 3 complaints that mention forward-collision avoidance as an issue. Several injuries are reported.
An owner from New York reports 2 injuries, which appear to have been suffered by the owner on 2 separate occasions. “While traveling all alone on a 2-lane road on a rainy evening, the brakes applied themselves violently. (The) same has happened when backing (out) of my home garage when the car senses rain and brakes violently. This is very distressing and the seatbelt pulls back very hard causing fear, confusion and pain.”
An owner from North Carolina states that “while driving (at) approximately 50 mph, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop.” This resulted in the driver being knocked forward. The victim “sustained a concussion, and blurred vision,” and needed medical attention. According to the complaint, the emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. But even though the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, they weren’t able to duplicate the failure. So, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
The third complaint was listed as an electrical system and vehicle speed control issue. The owner, from Texas, was driving at about 30 mph when the Audi Q7 began to display malfunctions on the dashboard. These included “stabilization control malfunction, transmission malfunction, startup system malfunction, backup system malfunction, driver’s assist malfunction, tire pressure malfunction, drive system malfunction. The vehicle started to brake on its own, fishtailed, and then started to accelerate on its own.” There is no indication in the complaint of how, or even whether, this issue was resolved.
Concerns Aired on Edmunds
The most vehement complaints posted on Edmunds relate mainly to malfunctions, poor engineering, and a lack of reliability. These 3 examples are from owners who awarded the SUV 1 out of 3 stars.
An Audi Q7 Prestige owner wrote this comment after owning the SUV for 3 months. It started with a black screen and he said he couldn’t operate the GPS, climate-control, or simply the radio. “I took it to the dealership 6 days ago and Audi wanted to be involved (because of course it’s a new car and this problem may affect similar models. They think the screen needs to be changed. I don’t know whether this will do it, but they built the car, so they should know. It’s a NEW car! Will wait and see. I’m not impressed.”
Others cite poor engineering amongst other complaints.
Owners Say This Audi is Badly Engineered
The owner of a 2021 Audi Q7 premium headlines the post, Terrible, terrible vehicle from top to bottom “This is our first Audi and WOW I cannot believe how badly it is engineered. Gas mileage is awful. Reliability is awful (we’ve had to have it looked at 5 times in (the) first 30k miles). It incessantly beeps at you no matter what you are doing. Its dash and electronic display don’t work half the time and are impossible to navigate. This is the most user-unfriendly car I have ever owned and it is not even close. I will never buy an Audi again.’
The owner of a “brand new” Audi Q7 Premium Plus writes that “it’s been a nightmare.” Before the SUV reached 18,000 miles, “I’ve had the exterior sensors replaced twice, an interior light replaced, and one of their required $600 ‘drive flat’ tires replaced… And each time I’ve taken the disabled vehicle to the dealership, it’s taken at least one month to repair.” He states that he’s owned Acura, Range Rover, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Subaru, Chevrolet, and Ford vehicles, and this Audi is “easily, the worst, most unreliable vehicle I’ve ever owned.” This owner’s advice is: “Don’t walk, but run from any Audi dealership trying to sell you one of their poorly engineered vehicles.”
What to do if your 2021 Audi Q7 is a Lemon?
If you believe your Audi Q7 might be a lemon, you don’t have to live with it. If it malfunctions and you are affected adversely, a lemon law firm like Lemberg Law can help you. We have many years of experience handling lemon law cases, and will assess your case free of charge. If we believe your claim has merit, we can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. The law says that Audi must pay your legal fees for lemon law cases, so it’s not going to cost you a cent. Call our Helpline now or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 13, 2023 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Electrical system malfunction causing the car to fail steering parking brake vehicle lights vehicle starting system stabilization control |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Steering |
| Date | Feb 01, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electric system malfunction, steering malfunction) then a few minutes later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... Attempted to move out of traffic. Luckily, I made it to the right lane before the steering shut down, then the transmission failed (stepping on the gas caused the engine to rev, but no power was delivered to the wheels), and last the car completely died. Had to have it towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed that the starter/generator failed. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 27, 2023 |
| State | LA |
| Description | My 2021 is having an issue with the starter generator. Apparently this is a issue with many audi's |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 25, 2023 |
| State | CT |
| Description | While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "electrical system: malfunction! Please contact service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red battery icon appeared with the message "electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle") along with a host of other error messages (brakes: malfunction, steering: malfunction, parking brake: malfunction, vehicle lights: malfunction, stabilization control (esc/abs): malfunction, drive system: malfunction, transmission: malfunction). The car was undrive-able at this point, coasted to a stop and could not be restarted while on an active roadway. The car had to be towed to the dealership, where it still remains today. * components or systems malfunctioned: electrical system, brakes, steering, parking brake, vehicle lights, stabilization control (esc/abs), drive system, transmission. It is available at the audi dealership service location for inspection * my safety was put in significant danger due to the car shutting down on an active roadway with no control over the vehicle. * the problem has been confirmed by the dealer. * the vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service center but not by police or insurance representatives. * many warning lamps and messages appeared within an hour of the car becoming inoperable. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 18, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | At approximately 3:15pm cst on friday, january 13, 2023, several electrical system warnings appeared, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. We were able to restart the vehicle twice, but only able to drive it about 10 feet to move it out of the middle of the street. We then had the vehicle towed to the dealership for repairs. The dealer has told us that the electrical generator failed and needs to be replaced. It should be available for inspection, if needed. No other party, such as police or insurance, has inspected the vehicle. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk, because the vehicle died in the middle of the street with little warning and could only be moved a short distance from there. Pictures of some of the warnings are attached. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Dec 31, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | DE |
| Description | Driving about 25 mph power of steering wheel was lost, steering became very hard. I stopped, no accident. Not reported yet. Messages appeared: 1. Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle 2. Audi pre sense 3. Lane departure warning 4. Emergency assist |
| Category | Suspension, Wheels |
| Date | Dec 03, 2022 |
| State | MT |
| Description | Right rear tire has worn excessively compared to other tires. There is a recall for this issue on some 2021 audi q7 but ours what not part of that recall. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Nov 15, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While traveling all alone in a 2 lane road on a rainy evening the brakes applied themselves violently. Same has happened when backing of my home garage and the car senses rain and the brakes violently. This is very distressing and the seatbelt pulls back very hard causing fear, confusion and pain. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Nov 14, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 audi q7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v516000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Sep 25, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Was driving around 30 mph. Audi q7started showing malfunctions on the dashboard, stabilization control malfunction, transmission malfunction, startup system malfunction, backup system malfunction, drivers assist malfunction, tire pressure malfunction, drive system malfunction. The vehicle started to brake on it own, fishtailed and then started to accelerate on its own |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Sep 02, 2022 |
| State | HI |
| Description | I pulled out of the gym after using my key fob to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earlier). The car defaults to on of an auto/on function (gas saving feature?), and I believe that becuase the car was waiting at the light, prompted the computer to misfire functions. I was stuck in traffic and could not get the car to start for over 3 lights length of time. I also found I had no control of the hazard lights. I was able to eventually get it to turn on, alarm persisted. I then drove it home with alarm still blaring and got my spare key, the alarm shut of briefly and then turned back on. I then drove it to audi servicing while alarm blaring. They assessed the vehicle over the past 10 days and simply told me it was due to the key fob battery dying. Meaning: they are telling me that this is normal and will continue to happen every time my battery dies. This is very dangerous. I don't know how/if they actually confirmed the battery was dead or simply changed it out. The key fob battery dying should not cause a car, while in drive, to completely shut/lock down. This is a huge safety issue. Someone could have not seen me and rear ended me. Or if I was in traffic on the freeway and my fob battery dies, then I would really be in trouble. I have other audis and a fob key dying has never caused a lock down. Once the car is in motion, the ability of the key fob to affect the ignition or engine should be zero. I believe this issue needs to be looked into and am not getting good response or action from audi. I do not feel safe driving a car that will lock down while in drive, and my concern extends to other people who may find themselves in this situation. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| Date | Aug 05, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 audi q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact went forward and sustained a concussion, and blurred vision and medical attention was provided. The emergency brake malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Aug 02, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I am writing to report on the results of a call on 08-01-22 to audi usa regarding the current recall on audi q7 automobiles. I asked if the car was safe to drive and the representative could not answer the question. Her comment was that audi has not issued a stop drive action. The recall notice states ". . . There may be a sudden loss of engine power or the vehicle may break down without a warning appearing beforehand." this would seem to indicate that it is not safe to drive the vehicle. Our vehicle meets all the criteria mentioned in the recall as being effected. However, the audi usa representative instructed me to contact my dealer to get the car assessed. The dealer was contacted and we were told they are waiting on guidance from audi usa and there was no reason at this time to bring the car in for evaluation. In short, we are very concerned about driving this car from a safety standpoint and audi usa has done nothing but identify the problem without any solution as of today. It should be noted that we have not experienced any problem yet, but given the unknowns of this situation, we are hesitant to drive the vehicle. Any help in causing audi to resolve this problem would be greatly appreciated. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 28, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | Unknown. The ac and heating vent directly above the mmi screen closer to the drivers side does not blow any air. It has been like this for a while and it is available for inspection upon request |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 28, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 01, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | [xxx] mobile: [xxx] october 1, 2021 audi motor sales usa, inc. Re: assurant warranty claim number: [xxx] dear sir/madam: I am writing to you in hopes of finding a swift and satisfactory resolution since my audi dealership-issued extended warranty claim is not being honored despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue. Incident: on saturday, september 25, I was driving on route 42 when a pebble hit my front windshield and made a small crack underneath the rearview mirror. Action taken: we immediately reached out to report the issue, but being a weekend, received no response. We did not use the car again, but by the time someone responded to us on 9/28 - 3 days later! - the crack had spidered out from its original size. Details: when the crack appeared, we immediately called audi fort washington (where I purchased my car) and left a voicemail for the service advisor and then called audi cherry hill (closest dealer) and left a similar voicemail. Then we started to text on the audi website but the response seemed to be a bot that did not lead us to a human contact. Meanwhile, while we have not used the car since the incident happened, the crack has spidered out on its own beyond the size of the initial crack! We continued to try calling audi on sunday 9/26 and on monday 9/27 and still received no response! On 9/28 we finally heard from [xxx]f, who contacted the warranty company and reported back to us on 9/30, that it was denied because of the size of the crack. I explained how if this crack happened on a tuesday and was immediately taken into the dealership it would have been covered, and it is not our fault that it happened on a weekend and no one responded when we immediately reached out - to several sources - several times! I spoke with assurant directly today on 9/30; they forwarded the information to process the claim. The replacement of the windshield and car rental should be covered under the warranty. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6 |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Sep 18, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | Upper dashboard display (mmi) loses power, upon reboot, audio volume comes on full power momentarily. This loud noise is both startling and distracting to the driver. The failure is sporadic and audi has been unsuccessful in resolving the issue. |
Share your story
Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT