Complaint

2023 Audi e-tron Electrical System Complaint

A 2023 Audi e-tron owner reported a severe electrical system complaint to NHTSA, detailing a sudden vehicle malfunction, forceful braking, and an 'emergency SOS warning' on the dashboard. This issue escalated during a software update, leading to a locked-up module and vehicle immobility.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2023 Audi e-tron
2023 Audi e-tron — 2023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaint
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
NHTSA 116053402023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaintAudi e-tron emergency SOS warningAudi e-tron sudden stopAudi e-tron module locked upAudi e-tron software update issueAudi e-tron electrical system malfunctionAudi e-tron unexpected brakingelectrical systememergency SOS warning

What Owners Are Reporting

An owner of a 2023 Audi e-tron filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding a critical electrical system malfunction. The vehicle reportedly stopped without warning in the middle of a highway, forcefully braking to a complete shutdown. After approximately one minute, the owner was able to restart the car and drive away.

Two days later, an "emergency SOS warning" appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken for diagnostic and repair services. During a software update attempt, the module locked up, rendering the car inoperable. Although the module was replaced, the owner expressed a lack of confidence in the vehicle's safety, citing concerns about potential recurring random behavior and a lack of data from Audi to confirm the issue was fully resolved.

Severity

The primary concern in this 2023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaint is the vehicle's unexpected shutdown and forceful braking while in motion on a highway. Such an event poses a significant safety risk to the vehicle occupants and other road users, potentially leading to a collision.

Pattern

This 2023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaint points to a severe issue within the vehicle's electrical system, potentially exacerbated by software-related processes. The sequence of events—sudden malfunction, emergency warning, and module failure during an update—suggests a complex underlying problem that could affect vehicle reliability and safety. The component identified in the complaint is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

If You've Experienced This

If you own a 2023 Audi e-tron and have experienced similar electrical system malfunctions, unexpected shutdowns, or dashboard warnings like the "emergency SOS warning," it is important to report your experience. Document any warning lights, error messages, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

You can file a complaint directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to contribute to their investigation and help identify potential safety trends. Your report helps NHTSA gather crucial data to assess the scope and severity of such issues.

Source Citation

This information is based on a consumer complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID 11605340.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue reported in the 2023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaint?
The main issue reported is a critical electrical system malfunction that caused the vehicle to stop suddenly on a highway, followed by an 'emergency SOS warning' on the dashboard and subsequent module failure during a software update.
Did the 2023 Audi e-tron give any warning before it stopped?
According to the complaint, the vehicle malfunctioned and stopped in the middle of the highway with no warning, forcefully braking to a shutdown.
What happened when the dealer tried to perform a software update?
During the software update, the module locked up, preventing the car from starting. The module subsequently had to be replaced.
What is the NHTSA ID for this 2023 Audi e-tron electrical system complaint?
The NHTSA ID for this specific complaint is 11605340.
What should I do if my Audi e-tron shows an 'emergency SOS warning'?
If your Audi e-tron displays an 'emergency SOS warning' or exhibits similar electrical system malfunctions, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and to report the incident to NHTSA.

What Audi e-tron owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 5 model years.

158
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
1,706
Service bulletins
7
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported

The 2023 model year

6 complaints, the 4th most of 5 model years on file. Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 3 recalls on file.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Audi e-tron
201984
20201
202136
202231
20236

Most-reported systems

  1. Electrical System — 81
  2. Power Train — 24
  3. Engine — 23
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 18
  5. Service Brakes — 18

Latest recalls for the 2023 model year

  • 26V240000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Apr 2026)
  • 25V900000 — Back Over Prevention (Dec 2025)
  • 23V842000 — Electrical System (Dec 2023)
All 2023 recalls →

Recent owner reports

I was entering the freeway at a metered on-ramp. During my wait, the vehicle warned of objects that were close even though none were close to the vehicle.

2023 Audi e-tron owner, Oct 2026

When driving, my vehicle recieved multple warning messages at the same time. The first message was that my brake was malfunctioning, and when I went to brake, the brakes did not work.

2023 Audi e-tron owner, Jun 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

Related Articles

2023 Audi e-tron Problems: Recalls, Complaints & TSBs

The 2023 Audi e-tron has faced several significant safety concerns, including recalls for potential charging cable overheating and brake pedal detachment. Owners have also reported serious issues like sudden unintended acceleration and electrical system malfunctions. This profile details these…

2023 Audi e-tron Brake Pedal Recall

Audi has issued a recall (NHTSA ID: 26V240000, Audi Recall 46P7) for certain 2019-2024 E-Tron and 2020-2024 E-Tron Sportback vehicles, including the 2023 Audi e-tron. The recall addresses a potential issue where the brake pedal may detach from the brake booster, leading to a loss of brake function.

2015-2027 Audi Noise Diagnosis with Frequency Analysis App TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin 2051095/11 detailing the Audi Frequency Analysis app. This app helps technicians diagnose noise complaints more precisely across 2015-2027 Audi models. Learn how the app works, where to download it, and its features for effective vehicle noise analysis.

2023 Audi e-tron AC/DC Charging Not Possible TSB

This manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 11031035) provides critical information for 2023 Audi e-tron owners facing issues with AC/DC charging. It specifically highlights problems linked to software version 00C6: 0093/3119, which can prevent the vehicle from charging.

2023-2025 Audi Rear Seat Reminder Message TSB 2074943/2

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2074943/2 explains the instrument cluster message 'Please check rear seats and be aware of door safelock' in various 2023-2025 Audi models. This informational TSB details the rear occupant detection system designed to prevent children and pets from being left in…

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Leave a comment

Comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear. Only your first name and the initial of your last name are shown publicly.

Verifying you are human...