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Audi · Known Issues

2021 Audi S7 Problems: 8 Known Issues

2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Audi S7 has 8 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Seat-Belt Retractor Can Release a Child Restraint Early (Recall 21V606 / 69CS), Instrument Panel May Fail to Display Critical Safety Information (Recall 25V201 / 90VC), Rear-Axle Lock Nut and Alignment Recall Follow-Up (21V295 / 22V034), Rearview Camera Image May Not Display (Recall 25V900 / 90TV), Incorrect Brake-Fluid Reservoir Cap Label (Recall 23V601 / 47T9) and Rear-Seat Liquid Spill Can Shut Down Gateway Module (Recall 22V861 / 90V2). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • S7 Safety/Recalls2
  • S7 Electrical2
  • S7 Brakes2
  • S7 Suspension1
  • S7 Body/Panels1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls2
  • Electrical2
  • Brakes2
  • Suspension1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ
  • All 8 Known Issues

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    ALL YEARS202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013

    On the 2021 Audi S7, certain 2021 S7 rear automatic-locking retractors can deactivate early, preventing a child restraint from remaining secured as required by FMVSS 208.

    Common Symptoms

    • Automatic-locking retractor releases early
    • Child restraint cannot remain secured

    How to Fix

    Check VIN eligibility. Audi dealers inspect and replace the affected middle-rear seat-belt assembly as necessary free of charge under campaign 69CS.

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    On the 2020-2024 Audi S7, within the official 25V900 Part 573 model scope, certain 2020-2024 S7 vehicles can fail to display the rearview-camera image as intended because of a software error.

    Common Symptoms

    • Blank rearview-camera image
    • Rearview image does not display as intended

    How to Fix

    Check the VIN and campaign-completion history. Audi dealers update the relevant software free of charge under campaign 90TV. Continue direct visual checks when reversing until repaired.

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    On the 2021 Audi S7, certain 2021 S7 instrument-panel modules can fail because of a software error, hiding the speedometer or safety warning indicators.

    Common Symptoms

    • Blank instrument panel
    • Missing speedometer
    • Missing safety warning indicators

    How to Fix

    Check the VIN and campaign-completion history. Audi dealers update the instrument-panel module software free of charge under campaign 90VC.

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    On the 2020-2022 Audi S7 2.9 TFSI, on certain 2020-2022 S7 vehicles, liquid spilled in the rear seat can reach the gateway control module, shut it down, and suddenly reduce engine power.

    This issue also affects: Audi A6, Audi Q5 Sportback

    Common Symptoms

    • Multiple warning messages
    • Sudden reduction in engine power
    • Faults after a rear-seat liquid spill

    How to Fix

    Check the VIN and campaign history. Audi dealers install a protective gateway-module cover free of charge under campaign 90V2. If multiple warnings or reduced power occur after a spill, move out of traffic safely and arrange dealer inspection.

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    On the 2021 Audi S7, certain 2021 S7 vehicles may have an incorrectly labeled brake-fluid reservoir cap, which can lead to use of the wrong fluid and reduced braking ability.

    Common Symptoms

    • Incorrect reservoir-cap label
    • Brake service specification uncertainty

    How to Fix

    Check VIN eligibility. Audi dealers inspect the reservoir cap and replace it when necessary free of charge under campaign 47T9. Use only the brake-fluid specification in the owner and service information.

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    On the 2013-2022 Audi S7, owners of the heavy A7/S7 frequently report premature front brake wear and rotor warping, with some replacing front rotors multiple times in well under 50k miles. The OEM rotors are relatively soft and reach minimum thickness after roughly one pad set, and uneven pad engagement leads to glazing, brake squeal, and pulsation/vibration through the pedal and steering wheel under braking. Some cases trace to manufacturing 'hard spots' from improper rotor tempering. The S7's mass and performance use intensify thermal stress on the front brakes.

    Common Symptoms

    • Steering-wheel or brake-pedal vibration/pulsation when braking
    • Brake squeal even after new pads and rotors
    • Front rotors reaching minimum thickness after one pad set
    • Repeated front rotor replacement at low mileage
    • Heavy brake dust accumulation on front wheels

    How to Fix

    Replace warped/below-spec rotors and pads together; consider higher-quality coated or upgraded rotors that resist warping better than the soft OEM units. Bed in new pads/rotors properly and avoid riding the brakes to prevent uneven deposits. Ensure caliper guide pins/slides move freely so pads engage evenly. For repeat warping, an upgraded rotor-and-pad package is the durable fix; address any pulsation early before it damages new components.

    Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,800

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    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2020-2021 Audi S7, certain 2020-2021 S7 rear trailing-arm lock nuts can fracture from stress corrosion and misalign the rear axle. A follow-up recall covers vehicles whose alignment and tire condition may not have been checked after the first repair.

    Common Symptoms

    • Uneven rear-tire wear
    • Rear alignment change
    • Reduced vehicle control

    How to Fix

    Check the VIN for both campaigns 42L1 and 42L5. Audi dealers replace affected nuts and bolts, inspect and adjust rear alignment, and replace qualifying unevenly worn tires free of charge.

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    On the 2013-2022 Audi S7, the S7's large Sportback hatch uses a power liftgate driven by spindle/lift motors and supported by gas struts. Over time the gas struts lose pressure and the motors wear, so the hatch opens slowly or struggles, opens a few inches and stops, won't stay up (slowly drifting closed — a pinch/safety hazard), or fails to pull itself fully closed and latched. A separate Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2072431/1) addresses a blocked closing-assist (cinching) motor in the latch mechanism; if the latch won't release, the lift motors cannot open the gate at all. The heavy Sportback glass/panel accelerates strut fatigue.

    Common Symptoms

    • Tailgate opens slowly or the motor sounds like it is struggling
    • Hatch opens a few inches then stops
    • Liftgate won't stay up / slowly closes on its own
    • Tailgate won't pull fully closed or latch
    • Power liftgate completely inoperative

    How to Fix

    Diagnose whether the fault is the gas struts (won't stay up / weak lift), the spindle lift motors (slow or struggling travel), or the latch/cinching motor (won't release or won't pull closed — see TSB 2072431/1). Replace worn gas struts in pairs; replace failed lift or cinching motors as needed. After repair, perform the power-liftgate relearn/reset procedure so travel limits recalibrate.

    Typical repair cost:$250 - $1,200

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    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
    NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

    TIRES

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

    Campaign #22V03400026/01/2022

    AIR BAGS

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.

    Campaign #21V15900010/03/2021

    SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

    Campaign #21V29500026/04/2021

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.

    Campaign #22V15500014/03/2022

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.

    Campaign #22V86100021/11/2022

    + 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Audi S7 problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Audi S7 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Seat-Belt Retractor Can Release a Child Restraint Early (Recall 21V606 / 69CS), Instrument Panel May Fail to Display Critical Safety Information (Recall 25V201 / 90VC), Rear-Axle Lock Nut and Alignment Recall Follow-Up (21V295 / 22V034). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Audi S7 reliable?

    The 2021 Audi S7 has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Rear Seat-Belt Retractor Can Release a Child Restraint Early (Recall 21V606 / 69CS) and Instrument Panel May Fail to Display Critical Safety Information (Recall 25V201 / 90VC) and Rear-Axle Lock Nut and Alignment Recall Follow-Up (21V295 / 22V034) and Rearview Camera Image May Not Display (Recall 25V900 / 90TV) and Incorrect Brake-Fluid Reservoir Cap Label (Recall 23V601 / 47T9) and Rear-Seat Liquid Spill Can Shut Down Gateway Module (Recall 22V861 / 90V2). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

    How much does it cost to fix common Audi S7 problems?

    Repair costs for known Audi S7 issues range from $250 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2021 Audi S7 Rear Seat-Belt Retractor Can Release a Child Restraint Early (Recall 21V606 / 69CS)?

    Certain 2021 S7 rear automatic-locking retractors can deactivate early, preventing a child restraint from remaining secured as required by FMVSS 208. Severity: high.

    What is the 2021 Audi S7 Instrument Panel May Fail to Display Critical Safety Information (Recall 25V201 / 90VC)?

    Certain 2021 S7 instrument-panel modules can fail because of a software error, hiding the speedometer or safety warning indicators. Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2021 Audi S7 Rear-Axle Lock Nut and Alignment Recall Follow-Up (21V295 / 22V034)?

    Certain 2020-2021 S7 rear trailing-arm lock nuts can fracture from stress corrosion and misalign the rear axle. A follow-up recall covers vehicles whose alignment and tire condition may not have been checked after the first repair. Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2024 Audi S7 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display (Recall 25V900 / 90TV)?

    Within the official 25V900 Part 573 model scope, certain 2020-2024 S7 vehicles can fail to display the rearview-camera image as intended because of a software error. Severity: high.

    What is the 2021 Audi S7 Incorrect Brake-Fluid Reservoir Cap Label (Recall 23V601 / 47T9)?

    Certain 2021 S7 vehicles may have an incorrectly labeled brake-fluid reservoir cap, which can lead to use of the wrong fluid and reduced braking ability. Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2022 Audi S7 Rear-Seat Liquid Spill Can Shut Down Gateway Module (Recall 22V861 / 90V2)?

    On certain 2020-2022 S7 vehicles, liquid spilled in the rear seat can reach the gateway control module, shut it down, and suddenly reduce engine power. Severity: high.

    What is the 2013-2022 Audi S7 Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping and Pad Wear?

    Owners of the heavy A7/S7 frequently report premature front brake wear and rotor warping, with some replacing front rotors multiple times in well under 50k miles. The OEM rotors are relatively soft and reach minimum thickness after roughly one pad set, and uneven pad engagement l… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2013-2022 Audi S7 Power Liftgate Motor and Gas Strut Failure (Sportback Tailgate)?

    The S7's large Sportback hatch uses a power liftgate driven by spindle/lift motors and supported by gas struts. Over time the gas struts lose pressure and the motors wear, so the hatch opens slowly or struggles, opens a few inches and stops, won't stay up (slowly drifting closed… Repairs typically run $250-$1,200. Severity: low.

    Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.