If you drive a 2021 Audi, you might want to double-check your dashboard—literally. Volkswagen Group of America has issued a major recall affecting 44,387 Audi vehicles due to a critical software error that could cause the instrument panel display to malfunction or completely fail.
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The issue, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 31, stems from an aging flex-foil cable that can trigger a software defect. When it occurs, the instrument cluster screen may shut down, leaving drivers without access to vital driving information like:
- Speedometer
- Warning lights
- Gear indicators
- Odometer/mileage
- Fuel level and more
No Injuries, But Thousands of Complaints
As of March 24, Audi had received 2,285 customer complaints regarding the faulty display issue. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported. Still, the potential risk for distraction or misjudgment while driving is significant, especially without visible warning lights or speed indicators.
Which 2021 Audi Models Are Affected by the Recall?
All affected vehicles are 2021 Audi models, including a mix of sedans, wagons, and SUVs from both standard and performance lines. Here’s the complete list of impacted models:
- 2021 Audi A6
- 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
- 2021 Audi A7
- 2021 Audi A8
- 2021 Audi Q7
- 2021 Audi Q8
- 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant
- 2021 Audi RS 7
- 2021 Audi RS Q8
- 2021 Audi S6
- 2021 Audi S7
- 2021 Audi S8
- 2021 Audi SQ7
- 2021 Audi SQ8
If you own one of these models, you’re strongly encouraged to take prompt action.
What Should Audi Owners Do Next?
Audi and Volkswagen will update the instrument panel module software free of charge at their dealerships. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by May 30. But you don’t have to wait.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the issue:
- Contact Audi/Volkswagen Customer Service at 1-800-253-2834 and reference recall number 90VC.
- Schedule a service appointment at your local Audi or VW dealership.
- Check your VIN using the NHTSA recall lookup tool to verify if your specific car is affected.
Why This Matters
A non-functioning dashboard may seem like a minor inconvenience—until it isn’t. Losing access to your speed, warning signals, and system alerts increases the chance of unintentional speeding, missed maintenance warnings, and safety oversight, particularly on long or unfamiliar drives.
While no physical damage or crashes have been linked to the defect yet, proactive repairs can prevent a serious hazard down the road.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay—Check Your Audi Now
This recall highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and how a simple software issue can disrupt key systems. If you drive one of the affected 2021 Audi models, take the time to check your VIN and get the update.
It’s fast, free, and most importantly—it could prevent a dangerous situation on the road.