Nearly 45,000 Audi vehicles have been recalled because instrument panel display failures prevent drivers from seeing important speed/gear indicators and warning lights that could otherwise prevent a crash.
The Audi instrument panel recall includes many 2021 Audi A models, S models, RS models, Q models and SQ models. Audi is aware of 2,285 customer complaints related to the instrument cluster issue. In some cases, 2021 Audi vehicle owners report their screens turning completely black.
Audi electrical malfunctions that go unresolved by your dealership after multiple visits could point to a manufacturing defect. However, automotive recalls are commonly issued to address widespread safety issues. If you ever receive a recall notice from your auto manufacturer, you should follow the instructions provided to ensure that your vehicle is repaired. Leaving a vehicle safety issue unaddressed could put drivers and other vehicle occupants in danger and, if your vehicle is later involved in a lemon law case, could delegitimize your claim.
Table of Contents
- Audi Instrument Display Recall Overview
- 2021 Audi Complaints from Customers
- Audi Recall Contact Information
- What To Do If Your Audi Vehicle Is Recalled
Audi Instrument Display Recall Overview
- NHTSA ID: 25V201000
- Audi Campaign Number: 90VC
- Number of Vehicles: 44,387
- Vehicles Recalled: 2021 Audi SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles.
- Safety Risk: The instrument cluster (virtual cockpit) software shuts down the display panel after detecting an internal fault, such as a damaged flat cable. As a result, the engine speed (RPM), vehicle speed and gear/mode indicators will not display. Sometimes the screen will go completely black.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software. The new software will allow the safety indicators to continue displaying even after a fault has been detected. When a fault is detected, the display will show warning lights alerting the driver to visit a repair shop.
In April 2024, Audi received reports from a foreign market regarding the instrument cluster software issue causing the displays to go black. After a months-long investigation, Audi confirmed in February 2025 that instrument panel issues were caused by age-related damage to the flex-foil cable.1
Audi vehicles from model years 2022 to present were not affected because they received different flat cables introduced by a new sub-supplier. These new flat cables were introduced into production starting July 2021.
Audi recall notices are expected to be mailed May 30, 2025.2 However, Audi’s communications with its dealerships indicate that the remedy may have been available as early as April 10, 2025.3 Before then, Audi dealerships were instructed to follow existing repair procedures and not bill the work against this recall.4
2021 Audi Complaints from Customers
Before Audi issued the recall, many vehicle owners submitted complaints of instrument panel display issues. In a few complaints, Audi owners reported screens going black, especially at low mileages, and sometimes having to pay for repairs out of pocket.
“Models which have digital cockpits that were produced before July 2021 are faulty and the screen goes black. I was on the I-95 when the display was gone and I didn’t have a speedometer. The manufacturer is already aware and accepts there’s an issue but doesn’t have a recall.”
– 2021 Audi Q7 Owner, Complaint 11624310
“The instrument panel cluster assembly (screen behind steering wheel) needed to be replaced because it would intermittently stop working and I had no idea of how fast I was going, what gear I was in, how much fuel I had or whether the lane assist and other safety features were working. Without knowing speed, I may have followed cars too closely to safely stop or I could have run out of gas and been left stranded somewhere. I thought it might have been software updates occurring, but after a few days, I went to the dealer for service. The dealership was able to … replace the assembly on April 10 for $3,391.96. The dealer kept the part and told me to keep my receipt in case there is a recall.
My car currently has 31,489 miles and had a total inspection and was last serviced on January 22 with 31,487 miles. I find it outrageous that a part like that would fail in such a short period of time. I was lucky I wasn’t on a long trip away from home when it occurred.”
– 2021 Audi Q5 Owner, Complaint 11654027
After the recall was issued, some Audi owners reported having to incur out of pocket repair costs.
“In correspondence with recall number 25V201, the Virtual Cockpit display would go blank while driving, hiding all driver assistance indicators/instruments. Unable to verify engine speed unless looking at the heads up display, but adaptive cruise control/forward collision warnings won’t display. Upon parking and restarting the vehicle, the display would work, but will intermittently go blank after some time while resuming driving. Called local dealership and they are aware of the issue but since a repair is unavailable, out of pocket costs would be incurred. There have not been any inspections but I’ve scanned the vehicle for error code B200049, documented in previous Audi TSBs related to the virtual cockpit display issue. There were no warnings or indications, prior to the event which occurred less than a week after recall number 25V201 had started.”
– 2021 Audi Q7 Owner, Complaint 11653021
Audi Recall Contact Information
If your Audi vehicle has electrical issues, particularly with its instrument panel, you can contact Audi’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-253-2834. You can report your ongoing electrical issues to the manufacturer and/or ask if your Audi vehicle is covered by any existing recalls. You can also determine if your vehicle is under open recall by typing your Vehicle Identification Number in NHTSA’s Recall Search Tool. If you suspect that your Audi vehicle has an ongoing safety defect, you can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
What To Do If Your Audi Vehicle Is Recalled
If you receive a notice indicating that your Audi vehicle has been included in this recall, follow the instructions provided. You will most likely be asked to schedule a repair service with your local Audi dealership, or even be directed to Audi’s Dealer Search tool to book an appointment online. Save any receipts or repair orders provided by your dealership at the end of your repair service appointment.
References
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V-201. (2025). https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V201-1226.PDF
- (2025, March 31). Instrument Panel Display Failure. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25V201000
- Repair Available – Safety Recall 90VC / Instrument Cluster (Virtual Cockpit) Software. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCMN-25V201-5114.pdf
- Advance Notice -Safety Recall 90VC / Virtual Cockpit Instrument Cluster. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCMN-25V201-1435.pdf
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