Makes›Audi›RS›2021

2021 Audi RS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
6 Avant
Engines
2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
196.9 in
Curb weight
4,740 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 23% below the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Audi RS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,740 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 23% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

  • New hybrid version
  • Engines added: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 RS →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
6 Avant196.9 in76.8 in57.5 in115.4 in65.7 / 65 in4,740 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS 5 Sportback2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-23%$3,900428
RS 52.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-15%$4,100432
RS 7 Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-38%$4,850507
RS 6 Avant Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-19%$4,850514
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2021 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Audi RS.

Similar 2021 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Audi RS (this car)21 MPGNot rated12
2021 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class27 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class24 MPGNot rated0
2021 Audi A626 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Lexus LS28 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (12)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 31, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V201000 · 44,387 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Risk
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Aug 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V601000 · 7,499 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Risk
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Electrical System · Nov 21, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V861000 · 50,883 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Risk
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge › Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit · Mar 14, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V155000 · 47,238 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Risk
An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Engine · May 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V339000 · 15 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi SQ7, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 AVANT, and SQ8 vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
Risk
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 10G9.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Air Bags · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V159000 · 3,421 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
Risk
An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Dec 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V749000 · 166 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Risk
A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Audi RS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Electrical System3
Power Train1
Steering1
Visibility/Wiper1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 123/01: 123/11: 125/01: 122/0723/0123/1125/01max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Audi RS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi RS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other RS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 RS22–Not rated00
2026 RS23196.9 inNot rated10
2025 RS23196.9 inNot rated11
2024 RS23196.9 inNot rated12
2023 RS23196.9 inNot rated10
2022 RS23196.9 inNot rated51
2020 RS23196.9 inNot rated00
2019 RS22–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →