2021 model year · 650+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 650+ owner reports, the 2021 Audi A7 has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is MMI Infotainment and 48V Mild Hybrid System Issues with 650 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2019-2025 Audi A7, the C8 A7 shares its MIB3 infotainment and 48V mild hybrid architecture with the C8 A6. Owners report screen freezing, black screens, and spontaneous reboots of the dual-touchscreen MMI system. Additionally, the 48V mild hybrid system can fault, disabling start-stop and coasting functions with rough engine restarts at traffic lights.
For MMI issues, perform a hard reset (hold power 15 seconds) and ensure latest software is installed at dealer. For 48V faults, dealer diagnosis with ODIS is required to distinguish software-resolvable issues from hardware failures in the BSG or 48V battery. Multiple software updates have been released.
Parts and tips from 650+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2012-2023 Audi A7, all A7 models with direct-injection engines (2.0T, 3.0T supercharged) suffer from severe carbon buildup on intake valves. The 3.0T CREC engine in S7 and RS7 models is particularly susceptible and will likely fail after 60,000 miles if carbon is not removed. In direct-injection engines, fuel bypasses the intake valves, leaving them exposed only to oil vapors from the PCV system. These vapors bake onto valve backs as hard carbon deposits over 60,000-100,000 miles. Carbon restricts airflow, causing rough idle, misfires, hesitation, and power loss. In severe cases, carbon prevents valves from seating properly, causing compression loss and valve damage requiring engine replacement. AudiWorld reports the ONLY effective fix is walnut blasting every 60,000 miles. This is preventive maintenance, not a "if needed" repair.
WALNUT BLASTING: Remove intake manifold and blast crushed walnut shells through intake ports to remove carbon ($800-$1,500 for A7; $1,200-$2,000 for S7/RS7 due to complexity). Requires specialized equipment—not DIY-friendly. Repeat every 60,000 miles as PREVENTIVE maintenance—do not wait for symptoms. PREVENTION: Install catch can ($400-$600) to filter PCV oil vapors—extends cleaning interval to 100k+ miles. Add Liqui Moly Intake Valve Cleaner to every oil change ($15). Perform "Italian tune-up" monthly (safe spirited driving to redline). Change oil every 5,000 miles to reduce PCV vapor contamination.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2022 Audi A7, second-generation C8 A7 models (2019-2022) have a design flaw where liquid spilled in the rear seat can seep into the Gateway Control Module (CGM) under the seat, causing it to short-circuit and shut down the engine while driving. The CGM controls communication between vehicle modules. Liquid intrusion causes electrical shorts, triggering limp mode, loss of power, or complete engine shutdown. This is a SAFETY ISSUE—the car can stall while driving. Audi issued recall 69EI (NHTSA 20V-751) to install a protective cover. Identical issue to A6. If your A7 stalls randomly or goes into limp mode, check for spilled drinks or water under the rear seat.
This is covered under RECALL 69EI (NHTSA 20V-751). Contact Audi dealer and schedule free recall repair. Dealer installs protective cover over Gateway Control Module under rear seat. If module is already damaged, Audi replaces it for free under warranty (if within warranty period) or recall. Check rear seat area for spills and dry thoroughly. Avoid placing drinks in rear cupholder without lids. If out of warranty and CGM is damaged, replacement costs $1,500-$2,500.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 650+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Audi A7 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: MMI Infotainment and 48V Mild Hybrid System Issues, Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection), Gateway Control Module Liquid Intrusion (Recall). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2021-2021 Audi A7 has 3 known issues documented across 650+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi A7 issues range from $0 to $3,000, 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.
The C8 A7 shares its MIB3 infotainment and 48V mild hybrid architecture with the C8 A6. Owners report screen freezing, black screens, and spontaneous reboots of the dual-touchscreen MMI system. Additionally, the 48V mild hybrid system can fault, disabling start-stop and coasting… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: medium.
All A7 models with direct-injection engines (2.0T, 3.0T supercharged) suffer from severe carbon buildup on intake valves. The 3.0T CREC engine in S7 and RS7 models is particularly susceptible and will likely fail after 60,000 miles if carbon is not removed. In direct-injection en… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
Second-generation C8 A7 models (2019-2022) have a design flaw where liquid spilled in the rear seat can seep into the Gateway Control Module (CGM) under the seat, causing it to short-circuit and shut down the engine while driving. The CGM controls communication between vehicle mo… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
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.
