2021 Audi Q7

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
2L 3L
Engine
3L V6 Turbo
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-40 Full Synthetic (6.9 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Wheel Torque
118
ft-lbs

The 2021 Audi Q7 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Audi Q7.

For oil changes, the 2021 Audi Q7 takes 5W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6.9 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 4, the recommended coolant is G13 (Purple, phosphate-free), and transmission fluid is VW G 055 025 A2. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Audi Q7, torque the lug nuts to 118 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 Audi Q7 have reported 5 common issues including "3.0T Engine Timing Chain Tensioner Failure", "Adaptive Air Suspension Compressor Failure" and "MMI Navigation Plus System Freezing and Crashing". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 9 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Audi Q7. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 Audi Q7 uses 5W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil (6.9 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 118 ft-lbs, takes DOT 4 brake fluid.

2021 Audi Q7 Specifications
Motor Oil5W-40 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity6.9 qt
Lug Nut Torque118 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 4
CoolantG13 (Purple, phosphate-free)
Transmission FluidVW G 055 025 A2
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
VW G 055 025 A2
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Coolant
Fluid Type
G13 (Purple, phosphate-free)
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Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 4
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Washer Fluid
Windshield
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Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Audi Q7. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
10,000 mi / 12 mo
VW 502/504 5W-40 or 0W-20; ~6.3 qt (EA888 2.0T) or 8.5 qt (3.0T V6)
Tire Rotation
10,000 mi
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Engine Air Filter
40,000 mi / 48 mo
Brake Fluid
24 mo
DOT 4 LV
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 8HP
Coolant
100,000 mi / 60 mo
Audi G13
Spark Plugs
60,000 mi
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
quattro
Front & Rear Differential Fluid
60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
AGM; code with VCDS/ODIS
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Audi Q7.

Common problems reported by 2021 Audi Q7 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

3.0T Engine Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

The 3.0L TFSI V6 engine (EA839) in the Q7 can develop timing chain tensioner wear, leading to timing chain rattle on startup. In severe cases, the chain can jump timing, causing catastrophic engine damage. The issue is more prevalent in engines with higher mileage but has been reported on 2022 models as early as 30,000 miles. A brief rattling or chattering sound during cold start is the primary early symptom.

Solution

Dealer replaces the timing chain, tensioner, and chain guides. The upper and lower timing covers must be resealed. Audi has released updated tensioner designs with improved ratchet mechanisms. Reference Audi TSB 2043698/3 for timing chain system diagnosis. Covered under powertrain warranty if within mileage limits.

Est. Cost: $2,500 - $5,000
2

Adaptive Air Suspension Compressor Failure

Q7 models with adaptive air suspension experience compressor failures, particularly in vehicles that spend significant time in off-road or raised ride height modes. The compressor overheats from excessive cycling, often due to small air leaks in the system that it constantly tries to compensate for. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting low after parking overnight, extended compressor run times audible from outside the vehicle, and 'Suspension Fault' warnings.

Solution

Dealer replaces the air suspension compressor and checks all air springs and lines for leaks. The compressor relay and valve block should also be tested. Reference Audi TSB 2040162/4 for air suspension diagnosis. Replacing all four air springs preventively when replacing the compressor can extend the new compressor's life.

Est. Cost: $1,500 - $3,500
3

MMI Navigation Plus System Freezing and Crashing

The Audi MMI Navigation Plus system with the MIB3 infotainment platform freezes, crashes, and reboots during normal operation. Owners report the system taking 30+ seconds to boot after starting the vehicle, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections dropping frequently, and the navigation map freezing mid-route. Touch response becomes sluggish over time, and Bluetooth audio may cut out intermittently.

Solution

Dealer performs a full MMI system software update including the MIB3 firmware. A factory reset of the MMI system may be required, which erases all personalized settings. In some cases, the MIB3 main unit requires hardware replacement. Audi has released multiple software updates addressing stability issues.

Est. Cost: $0 (software update) - $3,000 (MIB3 unit replacement)
4

Coolant Leak from Auxiliary Coolant Pump

The Q7's auxiliary electric coolant pump, which circulates coolant through the turbocharger and heater core after engine shutdown, can develop leaks at its housing seals. The pump operates intermittently after the engine is turned off, and the resulting coolant loss is often not noticed until the low coolant warning illuminates. The leak typically occurs at the pump-to-hose connection.

Solution

Dealer replaces the auxiliary coolant pump and associated hose connections. The cooling system should be pressure-tested to confirm no additional leaks. Updated pump designs with improved sealing are available. Reference Audi TSB 2037891/2 for auxiliary cooling system leak diagnosis.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,000
5

Power Liftgate Strut and Latch Failure

The power liftgate on the Q7 can fail to open fully, drop back down under its own weight, or refuse to latch closed. The electric struts lose their holding force over time, and the latch solenoid can fail to engage. In cold weather, the liftgate may struggle to open against the weight of accumulated snow and ice. Some owners report the foot-kick sensor beneath the bumper becoming unreliable.

Solution

Dealer replaces the power liftgate struts and recalibrates the liftgate module. The latch mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated. The foot-kick sensor antenna module may need replacement if the hands-free opening feature is inconsistent. Reference Audi TSB 2041556/1 for power liftgate diagnosis.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,500

9 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Audi Q7. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 25V900000 Date: 19/12/2025

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

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.

2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign: 25V201000 Date: 31/03/2025

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Consequence

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.

3

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 22V742000 Date: 05/10/2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

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.

4

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 22V516000 Date: 20/07/2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence

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.

5

TIRES

Campaign: 22V034000 Date: 26/01/2022

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.

Consequence

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.

6

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Campaign: 21V606000 Date: 05/08/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

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).

7

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign: 21V295000 Date: 26/04/2021

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.

Consequence

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.

8

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 21V078000 Date: 17/02/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

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.

9

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign: 20V749000 Date: 02/12/2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.

Consequence

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.

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Q7 — Other Model Years
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See Also
2021 Audi Q7 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Audi Q7All Vehicles Using 5W-40 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 4Oil Change Guide: 2021 Audi Q7Wiper Replacement: 2021 Audi Q7