Recall 21V825 affects 2,857 2021-2022 Audi vehicles for a rear-view camera display software error. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 2,857 2021-2022 A3, Q8, A8, and other Audi vehicles because a software error can keep the rear-view camera image from displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. Reduced rear visibility increases the risk of a crash, and Audi dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear-view camera system on affected 2021-2022 Audi vehicles uses the infotainment computer to turn the camera image on when the driver shifts into reverse. The camera gives the driver a view behind the vehicle, so the screen has to load quickly enough to support backing up.
The problem is in the infotainment system's software parameter settings. During start-up, several computer processes run at the same time, and the wrong settings let those processes interfere with each other. When that happens, the rear-view camera activation is delayed, so the image is not displayed right away as the vehicle starts to reverse.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the missing or delayed camera image after shifting into reverse, which reduces the driver's rear visibility at the start of the backing maneuver.
Who's affected?
Scope crosses Audi sedans, SUVs, Sportback, Avant, and performance variants, all tied to the same camera parameter settings.
| 2022 Audi A3 | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2022 Audi Q8 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi Q3 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi A5 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi Q7 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi A4 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi SQ8 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi E-Tron | Camera |
| 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback | Camera |
| 2022 Audi RS 6 Avant | Camera |
| 2021 Audi S8 | Camera |
| 2021 Audi A8 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi SQ7 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi RS Q8 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi S5 | Camera |
| 2022 Audi S3 | Camera |
| Units affected | 2,857 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A rear-view camera that fails to show an image limits what the driver can see while backing up and increases the risk of a crash. If the screen is blank, use mirrors, check behind the vehicle before reversing, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Audi A3, Q8, Q3, A5, Q7, A4, SQ8, E-Tron, Q5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant, S8, A8, SQ7, RS Q8, S5, or S3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free infotainment software update that fixes the rear-view camera display error when reverse begins.
- Reference recall number 21V825 and Audi recall 91CR when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one, or bring your VIN and the recall numbers to the service desk.
- Check mirrors, look behind the vehicle, and back up slowly until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the infotainment unit parameters so the rear view camera image displays correctly when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, with the software update covered under the campaign. Audi is not offering a separate reimbursement program for this recall because the vehicles are within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. If you paid for related work before the recall repair, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies to your paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 17, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V825?
Recall 21V825 covers 2,857 2021-2022 Audi vehicles with an infotainment software error that can stop the rear-view camera image from displaying when the vehicle starts to reverse. The reduced rear view increases crash risk. Audi dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Audi A3, Q8, Q3, A5, Q7, A4, SQ8, E-Tron, Q5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant, S8, A8, SQ7, RS Q8, S5, or S3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 21V825. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the infotainment unit parameter update. Reference recall number 21V825 and Audi recall number 91CR when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Audi will update the infotainment unit parameters free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer. Parts and labor are covered for this recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility when backing up. If the rear-view image does not display at the start of a reverse maneuver, the driver has less view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer software update fixes the recall condition.
When were owners notified about recall 21V825?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on November 9, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call an Audi dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V825000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V825 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V825000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →