Recall 25V201 covers 44,387 2021 Audi vehicles with instrument panel software that can hide critical safety information. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 44,387 2021 vehicles, including the RS 7, SQ8, A8, Q7, and Q8, because a software error can make the instrument panel display fail. A blank or failed display can hide the speedometer or warning lights and increase crash risk; Audi dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Virtual Cockpit Plus Gen. 2 in the affected 2021 Audi models is the digital instrument panel in front of the driver. It shows driving information such as speed, engine RPM, warning lights, and other messages the driver needs while the vehicle is moving. The display depends on a flat cable inside the unit to carry electrical signals cleanly.
On these vehicles, that flat cable can develop age-related damage that slightly increases electrical resistance. The display software is too sensitive to that change. When it detects the resistance change, it shuts the instrument panel display down to protect it, leaving the driver with a black screen instead of the normal gauge display.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the instrument panel display going black, which means speed, RPM, and related driver information are no longer shown on that screen.
Who's affected?
The affected models span Audi performance, sedan, wagon, and SUV nameplates, all tied to Virtual Cockpit Plus Gen. 2 software and instrument-panel components.
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi SQ8 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi SQ8 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi A8 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi A8 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi S8 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi S8 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi A6 Allroad | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi A6 Allroad | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi RS Q8 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi RS Q8 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi S6 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi S6 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi S7 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi S7 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi SQ7 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi SQ7 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi A7 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi A7 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi A6 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi A6 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi Q8 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi Q8 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | electrical system software |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 44,387 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed instrument panel display can hide critical safety information, including vehicle speed and warning lights, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the display fails, so schedule the software update soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Audi is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free instrument panel software update that fixes the display failure that can hide speedometer or warning-light information.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V201 when you call.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the recall or repair.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the instrument panel display fails, avoid driving until an Audi dealer gives repair guidance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the instrument panel module software so the display uses the corrected programming. The recall repair is free, and the software update and labor are covered. Owner letters were mailed April 24, 2025, so dealers should be able to look up recall 25V201 by VIN. Audi is not offering a separate reimbursement program for this recall because the affected vehicles are within the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 2, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 2, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 30, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V201?
Recall 25V201 covers 44,387 2021 Audi vehicles with instrument panel module software that can fail. If the display does not show critical safety information, including the speedometer or warning lights, crash risk increases. Audi dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Audi is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V201. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the instrument panel module software update. Reference recall number 25V201 or Audi recall number 90VC when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi says dealers will update the instrument panel module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Audi dealer.
Which 2021 Audi models are included in recall 25V201?
The recall includes certain 2021 Audi RS 7, SQ8, A8, S8, A6 Allroad, RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, S6, S7, SQ7, A7, A6, Q8, and Q7 vehicles. The model name alone is not enough. Your VIN decides.
When were owners notified about Audi recall 25V201?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on April 24, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Audi dealer. You can also call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V201000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V201 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V201000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →