ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2023 Audi e-tron GT Premium Plus, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Recall 24V726 / Audi Recall 931A concerning high-voltage battery modules that may internally short and create a fire risk. Audi previously completed the 931A remedy by installing the advanced HV battery monitoring software. After the recall remedy was completed, the vehicle displayed an Electrical System Malfunction and the Battery Energy Module reported: “Hybrid/high-voltage battery – Cell module 20 faulty.” I have photographic evidence of this fault, although I later cleared the DTC. Audi’s 24V726 documentation states that the final monitoring software is designed to detect future HV battery module anomalies and that affected modules will be replaced when anomalies are identified. I presented the issue to an authorized Audi dealership and requested diagnosis of Module 20 to determine whether it represents the condition associated with Recall 24V726. The dealership refused to evaluate the HV battery because the vehicle has a rebuilt title. I also contacted Audi of America. Audi stated that Recall 931A is already completed because the monitoring software was installed. My concern is not that the software was never installed. My concern is that the vehicle developed a potentially serious HV battery module fault after installation of the recall remedy, and Audi/dealer have not determined whether Module 20 is the battery anomaly the recall monitoring system was designed to detect. I am asking NHTSA to review this as a potential recall-remedy effectiveness and vehicle safety issue, particularly because Recall 24V726 concerns HV battery internal short circuits and fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my children to school, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete electrical malfunction in the middle of moving traffic. The vehicle began violently rising and falling. It became inoperable and stopped in the roadway. The door locks failed and would not release — my children were trapped inside a disabled vehicle in live traffic. The only opening that would function was the driver's window. I had to pull my children out through the driver's side window, one at a time, into the road, with traffic around us, in order to get them out of the car. That is not an inconvenience or a quality complaint. That is a safety failure with children in the vehicle, and it is the direct result of a defect that Audi has still not repaired. All motherboards had to be replaced
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
Purchased a used 2022 Audi E-Tron GT with an open NHTSA safety recall for high-voltage battery fire risk (Recall 24V726 / Audi 931A). The recall remedy had not been performed at time of purchase. The selling dealer completed a pre-delivery inspection two weeks prior to sale with full knowledge of the open recall. Within 7 weeks of purchase, the vehicle entered limited performance mode (turtle mode) while driving and had to be towed. A high-voltage coolant pump was diagnosed faulty and replaced. Days later, the vehicle powered down completely while driving. Fault codes indicated an implausible signal from the HV battery controller. The battery management controller (J840) was replaced. After replacement, additional faults were found. The HV battery switch box (SX6) was also diagnosed faulty and replaced. The vehicle was out of service approximately 18 days for this event alone. Within 11 months of purchase, the vehicle developed water intrusion in the trunk area traced to a faulty spoiler motor sealing surface. This caused corrosion to the center tail lamp connector, electrical shorts to all three tail lamps, and required repair of six wiring harness connections. A body electrical wiring repair was also documented in service history prior to purchase, suggesting a pre-existing sealing defect. Total: 9 dealer visits and 50+ days out of service in under 14 months. All repairs performed under manufacturer warranty. The open safety recall was not completed until 8 months after purchase.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Audi e-tron GT contains a design defect where the 12v battery cannot be charged in the event it becomes depleted. The battery is stored in the front trunk, but this can only be opened when the car has electrical power - there is no manual release. This leaves the vehicle immobilized to the point it must be towed to a dealer using special equipment because the four wheel drive train is locked in position when de-powered. This is a safety issue because it will leave a driver unexpectedly stranded in a remote location or otherwise unable to use their vehicle in an emergency situation. There is no way to mitigate this risk (e.g. via routine replacement of 12v battery) because any electrical fault separate from the battery itself is sufficient. In my case, a malfunctioning light switch caused a parasitic drain on the 12v leaving the car totally immobilized. I was unable to start the car and it took two days for Audi to send a tow truck with the correct equipment to tow the vehicle. It then took them several weeks to diagnose and resolve the problem. Meanwhile, there are thousands of similar components on the car that could potentially cause the same issue to reoccur. The Porsche Taycan, which shares the same platform as the e-tron GT, allows the front trunk to be opened by connecting jumper cables to a fuse box in the driver's side foot well after accessing the passenger cabin with a manual key. The 12v battery in the front trunk can then be charged so the car can be driven in an emergency or to a service center. A recall should be issued requiring Audi to provide the driver some way of accessing the 12v system in an emergency. Failed Component: 12v battery / light switch. Unsure if dealer kept failed part. Safety Risk: Driver left stranded - no way to mitigate via proper maintenance. Confirmation of Issue: Dealer confirmed issue. Inspection of parts: Unsure beyond servicing dealer. Warning: No symptoms or warning of problem. Car simply died overnight.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding Audi’s continued failure to complete an active safety recall repair on my vehicle despite extended possession of the car and multiple representations that required parts were available or imminent. My vehicle has been continuously out of service for over four months while awaiting completion of a battery recall repair. During this time, Audi and the authorized dealership have repeatedly provided estimated timelines for repair completion based on expected parts deliveries. These timelines have consistently been missed. Most recently, Audi corporate confirmed that all required parts were expected to arrive by 12/12/25. However, Audi Parts Distribution has delivered only partial components on multiple occasions. Specifically, mounting harnesses have been delivered twice, but the required coolant hoses necessary to complete the battery installation have not been included. As a result, the vehicle remains unrepaired and inoperable. At no point has Audi provided a clear explanation of the full scope of repairs being performed, a definitive list of required components, or a reliable completion timeline based on confirmed parts availability. Communication has consisted primarily of assurances regarding ETAs that have proven inaccurate. The vehicle has now been unavailable for more than one-third of the calendar year and more than 12 percent of the total time I have owned it. Audi has acknowledged the delays but has declined to provide further assistance or resolution beyond minimal compensation, despite the ongoing inability to complete the safety recall repair. I am concerned not only about the prolonged loss of use, but about Audi’s apparent inability to effectuate a timely and complete remedy for a known safety recall. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Audi’s recall remedy process is being properly executed and whether similarly situated vehicles are experiencing comparable delays.
