Common problems

Audi e-tron Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Audi e-tron model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
240

8 model years

Top recurring issue
Electrical System

8 affected years

Crash reports
17

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
6

9 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Audi e-tron problem categories

#1

Electrical System

105complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2019.

#2

Power Train

36complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2022.

#3

Unknown Or Other

16complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2019.

#4

Service Brakes

8complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2019.

#5

Steering

6complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2023.

#6

Forward Collision Avoidance

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2025.

#7

Tires

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2024.

#8

Engine

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2019.

#9

Back Over Prevention

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2024.

#10

Air Bags

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Audi e-tron model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Audi E-Tron frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints highlighting problems with the high-voltage battery module and the SX6 battery control module. Typical symptoms include electrical malfunction alerts, inability to charge, and reduced driving range. These issues often appear around the 70,000 to 100,000-mile range, though some occur much earlier, even at purchase. Safety implications are significant, with reports of overheating batteries, potential fire hazards, and sudden vehicle immobilization. Prospective buyers should be aware of the ongoing unresolved recalls and the potential for costly repairs related to these electrical failures.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the 2022 Audi E-Tron's electrical system, with common problems including charging-related failures and software malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention issues such as melted charging cables and outlets, as well as software crashes that disable safety features like the rearview camera. Some owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly entering "SAFE Mode" or failing to accelerate, often after recall repairs. Incidents involving fires, crashes, and unintended acceleration are noted, with some reports mentioning injuries. These issues typically arise around 13,000 to 16,000 miles, but some are reported soon after purchase, indicating potential early-life reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Audi E-Tron's electrical system, with a significant number of complaints about unintended acceleration, which in some cases led to crashes and injuries. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes when at a complete stop, and issues with charging systems, such as failure to charge and overheating of wall sockets. Multiple owners mention electronic malfunctions like emergency warnings and alarms without cause, and problems with doors and windows not locking or unlocking as intended. These issues often arise at low mileage, with some reports indicating occurrences as early as 1,500 miles. The unintended acceleration and charging malfunctions pose notable safety risks, including potential for vehicle control loss and fire hazards.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Audi E-Tron's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's Multi Media Interface (MMI) going blank while driving, causing loss of access to speed and HVAC controls. Additionally, owners describe issues with the charging system, such as overheating chargers and tripping breakers, which can damage outlets. Another common concern is the failure of the central locking system, leading to situations where doors cannot be unlocked from the outside, posing potential safety risks. Some owners note these issues occurring within the first year of ownership or at mileage as low as 19,282 miles. Safety implications include reports of vehicles losing power while driving and potential fire risks associated with battery and charging system malfunctions.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2022 Audi E-Tron frequently report issues related to sudden power loss and electrical system malfunctions. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to neutral or park, complete power loss while driving, and error messages indicating electrical or drive system failures. Several reports highlight occurrences at low speeds, such as at stoplights or while backing out of parking spaces, though some incidents occur at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks. Mileage at the time of issues varies, with some incidents occurring as early as 2,707 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several owners describing scenarios where the vehicle lost power in traffic, creating potential for accidents.

POWER TRAIN

Owners report that the 2019 Audi E-Tron experiences issues primarily related to propulsion and rolling when in gear. Several complaints describe a sudden loss of propulsion due to coolant intrusion into the rear electric motor, which is identified as a manufacturing defect. Additionally, multiple owners mention that the vehicle rolls freely in drive or reverse without an effective brake hold, even on inclines, leading to one reported crash. These issues often occur shortly after recall services or within a few months of ownership, with some repairs reaching significant costs. Safety implications include loss of control and potential collisions, making these concerns particularly relevant for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Audi E-Tron frequently report issues with the sunroof, including leakage and spontaneous explosion, with some vehicles showing these problems beyond 80,000 miles. Complaints also highlight limited battery charging capacity due to a recall, with some owners experiencing reduced range and performance degradation over 18 months. Additionally, a crash incident involving sudden, uncontrollable acceleration is noted, raising safety concerns. These issues, along with reports of unintended tailgate operation and dashboard warping due to water ingress, suggest potential safety and reliability challenges for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Audi E-Tron frequently report sudden loss of propulsion power accompanied by warning messages such as "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." These incidents often leave vehicles stranded and require towing, with some cases occurring while driving at higher speeds or in traffic. The typical mileage at which these issues occur ranges from approximately 9,800 to 25,000 miles. Multiple complaints also mention the need for motor replacements due to fluid leaks or coolant infiltration, leading to extended repair times. Safety implications are significant, as the loss of drive power can result in the vehicle being stuck in traffic or in hazardous locations, posing risks to occupants and other road users.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Audi e-tron

When problems are reported to begin

  • Electrical system failures1,500–8,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Power train failures380–1,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures13,000–16,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Service brake failures12,300–15,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures9,300–26,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
  • Engine coolant leaks9,300–20,759 miles on the 2021 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures35,000–38,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures70,000–100,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Test for unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
  • Inspect charging system for overheating or melting at wall sockets
  • Verify brake functionality, especially at low speeds
  • Check for any unresolved recalls related to electrical or braking systems
  • Inspect suspension components for wear or damage, especially ball joints
  • Test infotainment and electronic systems for random malfunctions
  • Inspect charging cable and outlet for signs of overheating or melting
  • Test brakes for proper engagement, especially after the vehicle has been parked for several hours

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Audi e-tron data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Audi e-tron research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Audi e-tron research FAQ

What is the most common Audi e-tron problem?

Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 8 years with 105 complaints represented.

Which Audi e-tron year has the most reported problems?

The 2019 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Audi e-tron has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Audi e-tron you are considering.