Recall 21V339 covers 15 2021 Audi RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, and SQ7 vehicles for engine cracks. Free dealer repair.
Audi is recalling 15 2021 RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, and SQ7 vehicles under recall 21V339 because cracks can develop on the engine cylinder bore surface. The cracks can damage the engine, cause a stall or oil leak, and increase crash or fire risk; Audi dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The recalled 2021 Audi RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, and SQ7 vehicles use a 4.0 litre V8 Turbo engine with an engine block, also called the long block. The engine block holds the cylinders, where pistons move up and down as the engine turns fuel into power. The cylinder bore is the smooth inner wall the piston runs against, so its surface has to stay clean, round, and strong.
On affected engines, the block was cast outside the correct process specifications. A temporary supplier process error misaligned an automated mold-extrusion stamp during casting. That left the running surface in the cylinder 6 bore vulnerable to cracking. If cracks spread while driving, the engine can suffer internal damage and leak oil.
Owners can notice unusual noises from the engine crankshaft while driving. The instrument cluster can also display an oil pressure warning, which points to a loss of proper oil pressure inside the engine.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 Audi performance models, all tied to the same engine long block.
| 2021 Audi RS Q8 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | Engine |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | Engine |
| 2021 Audi SQ8 | Engine |
| 2021 Audi SQ7 | Engine |
| Units affected | 15 |
| 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 vehicle is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
Engine cracks can damage the engine, cause a stall, or lead to an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire. Listen for unusual crankshaft noise while driving and treat an oil pressure warning as a reason to pull over safely and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Audi RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, or SQ7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free engine replacement that addresses cylinder-bore cracking, engine damage, stalling, and oil-leak risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V339 and Audi recall 10G9 when you call.
- Watch for engine stalling or oil leaks until the repair is complete, and stop driving if either happens.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the engine covered by recall 21V339. The replacement engine, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket engine repairs paid before the recall notice are handled through the existing New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicles are still within that warranty period. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 9, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 9, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V339?
Recall 21V339 covers 15 2021 Audi RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, and SQ7 vehicles with engine cylinder bores that can develop surface cracks. Audi dealers will replace the engine free of charge.
What should I do if my 2021 Audi RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, SQ8, or SQ7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 21V339. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the engine replacement. Reference recall number 21V339 or Audi recall number 10G9 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi dealers will replace the engine free of charge for vehicles included in recall 21V339.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine damage that can lead to a stall or an oil leak. A stall increases crash risk, and an oil leak increases fire risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free engine replacement with a franchised Audi dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V339000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V339 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V339000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →