Recall 21V078 affects 26,967 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles for front passenger air bag software timing. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 26,967 2020-2021 Q7 SUVs because the air bag control module can deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly when an unbelted child is in the front passenger seat. In a crash, that timing increases injury risk, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control module in the 2020-2021 Audi Q7 is the computer that decides how the front passenger air bag deploys during a crash. The passenger air bag uses staged inflation, so the module controls the timing between the first inflation stage and the second stage based on the crash and occupant conditions.
On affected Q7 vehicles, the software parameters in that module did not account for a specific low speed, full frontal crash scenario with an unbelted child in the front passenger seat. In that situation, the module can activate the second stage too soon after the first stage. The repair is a software parameter update, not a hardware replacement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in crash-response timing, so an owner would not feel, hear, or see a symptom during normal driving.
Who's affected?
The Q7 appears in the 2020 and 2021 model years, with separate coverage for the air bag control software and front air bag components.
| 2020 Audi Q7 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Audi Q7 | front air bag |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | air bag system |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 26,967 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the passenger air bag, the second stage can deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before a crash exposes this defect. Keep children in the rear seat and schedule the free module update. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free air bag control module software update that corrects the front passenger air bag deployment timing.
- Reference recall number 21V078 and Audi recall 69BV when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one, or give the dealer the recall numbers at check-in.
- Seat children in the rear seat until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the air bag control module parameters covered by recall 21V078. The software update is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are still under warranty. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 16, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V078?
Recall 21V078 covers 26,967 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles with air bag control module software that can deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly when an unbelted child is in that seat. Audi dealers update the module for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Audi Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q7 is included in recall 21V078. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the air bag control module software update. Reference recall number 21V078 or Audi recall number 69BV when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost, and Audi's remedy says dealers will update the air bag control module free of charge. The recall repair is handled through a franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is higher injury exposure for an unbelted child in the front passenger seat during a crash that deploys the passenger air bag. The second air bag stage can deploy too quickly after the first stage, so the free software update corrects the deployment timing.
When did Audi start this recall repair?
Audi began the recall repair on March 5, 2021. If your 2020-2021 Q7 is included and the update has not been completed, ask a franchised Audi dealer to confirm open recall 21V078 and schedule the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V078000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V078 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V078000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →