Audi e-tron Sportback Complaints

17 consumer complaints on file.

#11749758July 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e-tron models under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #2073858, where coolant breaches internal seals and compromises the gearbox oil, causing mechanical failure. The current dealership has taken a fluid sample but refuses to share the results, denying a high-voltage drivetrain warranty submission and demanding I pay out-of-pocket for a standalone "transmission" failure. Crucially, the dealership has explicitly documented on my file that "driving the car further will cause further damage," yet they are forcing me to pick up and drive this un-diagnosed, potentially hazardous vehicle off the lot on Monday. If the high-voltage motor shorts due to internal fluid contamination while driving, it creates a severe safety risk of a sudden loss of propulsion on active roadways.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746695June 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback Prestige, the high-voltage battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, regenerative braking stopped functioning, resulting in reduced energy recovery and a noticeable decrease in driving range. Before taking the vehicle to an Audi dealership, I had the diagnostic trouble codes read by an independent repair shop. The technician advised me to take the vehicle to Audi because the diagnostic information reportedly indicated a potential high-voltage battery thermal runaway condition. I took the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership. The dealer cleared the fault codes and returned the vehicle to me without replacing any high-voltage battery components or performing repairs. I was not advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. A few weeks later, the high-voltage battery warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was informed that a high-voltage battery module had failed. The dealer has now recommended replacing the battery module at an estimated cost of approximately $12,000. I am concerned that the vehicle was returned to me after a reported high-voltage battery fault was simply cleared rather than repaired. I am also concerned that replacing only a single battery module may not address the underlying issue. Additionally, I am aware of high-voltage battery recalls involving other Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen electric vehicles, and I believe this failure should be evaluated to determine whether it represents a similar safety defect. This issue presents a significant safety concern because it involves the high-voltage battery system, loss of regenerative braking, reduced vehicle range, and a reported battery thermal-related fault. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a broader safety issue affecting 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744430June 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Component/System: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Brake Pedal Assembly / Steering Linkage Description of Defect: A progressive mechanical noise and physical sensation occurs during driving transitions involving the brake, accelerator, and steering column. After the brake pedal is fully released and the accelerator is pressed, or when the steering wheel is turned, a distinct loud "thunk" and a sliding/dragging sound emanate from the brake pedal assembly area. When the accelerator is released, a secondary "click" sound is heard and felt through the controls. This condition did not exist when the vehicle was new and has progressively worsened in frequency and volume. The symptoms suggest a binding mechanical linkage, failing master cylinder pushrod bushing, or interference with the steering column shaft, potentially compromising braking response or causing pedal entrapment. Safety Risk: The physical sliding sensation and mechanical degradation pose a severe safety risk. Mechanical binding or un-isolated movement within the pedal box can cause unexpected resistance or delay when transitioning to emergency braking, increasing stopping distances or causing total failure of the brake pedal to actuate or return properly, increasing crash risk. Dealer / Manufacturer Actions: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Audi dealership. Comprehensive video and audio evidence explicitly capturing the exact "thunk," dragging noise, and click during vehicle operation was sent directly to dealership staff. Despite having irrefutable video confirmation of the defect, the dealer has refused to properly diagnose or address the issue. The dealership is now completely ignoring all communication, failing to return calls, and disregarding this critical safety defect. Warning Symptoms: No electronic dashboard warning lights or fault messages. Symptoms are strictly mechanical and acoustic, amplifying over time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742710June 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Running 4430 MMI/MIB3 software (that was release almost 2 years ago) and now have stereo EQ settings that reset on their own, personalized favorites that delete on their own, and other personalization settings that reset on their own. Happens every 6-24 hours if settings are adjusted. Audi knows about it, refuses to allow dealers to update to newer software that will fix these since there are updated available that solves.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734735April 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A vehicle was taken to a collision repair facility following minor front-end damage. At intake, the repair facility documented visible exterior damage but did not perform or document an underbody inspection, which is necessary to assess high-voltage battery integrity in electric vehicles. After the vehicle entered teardown, the repair facility later claimed that the high-voltage battery was damaged and recommended that the vehicle be declared a total loss. This determination was made without documented evidence of required OEM diagnostic procedures and without initial intake documentation supporting battery damage. The sequence and timing of documentation raises concern that the battery damage determination was made after teardown rather than through proper inspection protocols. A subsequent manufacturer-level evaluation did not support the claim of battery damage. This situation presents a safety concern regarding whether proper high-voltage battery inspection and handling procedures are being followed by collision repair facilities. Misidentifying or improperly handling high-voltage battery conditions in electric vehicles can pose safety risks, including potential thermal events, improper classification of vehicle safety, or unsafe return to service. This complaint is submitted to request review of whether proper safety and OEM procedures were followed in evaluating the high-voltage battery, and whether this reflects a broader safety issue in electric vehicle collision repair practices.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730213April 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
After dealership service and recall-related calibration work, my vehicle developed multiple safety-related issues that did not exist prior to service. The dealership documented a diagnostic trouble code for “Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected” (P29FF00), a critical high-voltage battery safety fault. Instead of diagnosing and repairing the root cause, the dealership cleared the fault code and returned the vehicle to me, stating it was operating as designed. Following this, the vehicle has exhibited abnormal and unsafe behavior, including significant and inconsistent loss of driving range, irregular energy consumption, regenerative braking issues, and braking concerns such as squealing, mechanical drag, and rotor heat buildup affecting stopping performance. Additionally, multiple control modules associated with the recall and calibration work are affected, including systems related to driver assistance and vehicle operation. These systems required recalibration, and the vehicle’s behavior changed following this process, raising concerns about improper calibration of safety-critical systems such as lane keeping and stability functions. The dealership’s documentation confirms fault codes were erased without confirmed repair or root cause resolution. No clear diagnostic explanation was provided for the battery fault or related system issues. Audi of America has been notified and has refused further escalation or assistance, directing all responsibility back to the dealership despite unresolved safety concerns. I am concerned the vehicle is operating with unresolved high-voltage battery and system faults that pose a serious safety risk, including potential battery failure, loss of braking performance, and malfunctioning driver assistance systems
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726056March 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
I own a 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback that experienced multiple serious issues involving the high-voltage battery system. During service at Audi South Atlanta, the dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P29FF00 – Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected. This code is related to battery overheating and potential thermal runaway, which is a critical safety condition in electric vehicles. Despite identifying this safety-related fault, the dealership did not perform any repair or replace any components. Instead, they cleared the fault codes and returned the vehicle to me stating it is operating as designed. Prior to and during this issue, the vehicle experienced: •Severe range reduction (approximately 60 miles at 60% charge) •Charging interruptions and warning messages •Regenerative braking malfunction •Abnormal energy consumption •Mechanical drag and braking irregularities These issues are consistent with a high-voltage battery or power system defect. The dealership’s decision to reset the fault code without addressing the underlying cause raises serious safety concerns. A thermal runaway-related fault should not be cleared and ignored, as it may indicate a risk of battery failure or fire. I am concerned that this vehicle may be unsafe to operate and that the defect was not properly diagnosed or repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695960October 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1.Perfect vehicle before 93V2 recall - No issues with regenerative braking or battery before recall 2.93V2 recall applied August 19, 2025 at Audi McKinney (Note: Audi had initially failed to apply the recall at my May 23, 2025 scheduled appointment, choosing instead to “enable remote monitoring”) 3.Complete regenerative braking failure within 3 days of recall - [XXX] 4.Battery thermal runaway faults documented - P29FF00 and P29FF01 codes (the exact fire risk the recall was supposed to prevent) 5.Four failed repair attempts over 54+ days: •Aug 19, 2025: 93V2 recall applied •[XXX]: First failure, P29FF00 fault, faults cleared •[XXX]: Second failure after 18-day service, P29FF01 fault •[XXX]: Third failure (only 5 days after promised “fix”) •Currently ongoing: Fourth repair attempt 6.Audi cannot fix the defect - Technicians confirmed they only clear codes and perform “basic settings,” no actual repair 7.False promises from management - Service Directors Davis Adame and Michael Bush personally promised vehicle was “completely fixed” and tested for “couple of days” - failed 5 days later 8.Vehicle described as unsafe - Technician confirmed regenerative braking “does not work,” vehicle randomly fails to start with “System malfunction” errors INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639076January 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606425August 5, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is in regards to Safety Recall Code: 93U8. Audi USA has failed to provided an updated 220V/240V charging unit cable and a compact/portable charging system software update for my vehicle in the 230 days since the product recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590028May 21, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The AEB system engages periodically with any obstacles while at a high speed. Suffered whiplash and anxiety as problems occurs without warning. Vehicle is available for inspection. Unprovoked Braking at high speeds on highway can be dangerous. Dealer has not responded to complaints of the issue on 2-3 service appointments. Dealer states there are no codes and no follow up was given. No previous errors notes vehicle was bought new and we are first owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11582811April 13, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unable to lock rear passenger side door, car displays "central locking malfunction" warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580888April 3, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Audi E-Tron S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568687January 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The battery malfunctioned and discharged rapidly while it was being shipped in a covered tow truck overnight (moving). The manual resets do not work, and it is very difficult to tow. The battery charge port manual release does not work as advertised in the instruction manual. Directions and labeling are not clear on the manual release. The car completely shuts down and cannot even move it into manual mode to push it. Have made numerous service appointments as it can lose 20-30% charge without even driving. The estimates for mileage are wrong too. The car is advertised as 220. After having driven the car about 12,000 miles, the true range is 180 at best on a full charge.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542915September 6, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Sudden and complete power loss while accelerating at stop light into an intersection, causing car to stop in the intersection. Error message briefly flashed on dashboard screen indicating failure of all wheel drive module. Estimated mileage fluctuated from 57 miles to 22 miles back to 50 miles. I turned the vehicle off and on several times, after second restart power was restored and the car drove as normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507227February 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Complete electrical system had a complete and unintended shut down making the vehicle totally inoperable for minute 15 seconds until electric (EV) power to the vehicle was restored. Occurred at a red light stop, if the power had failed while I was driving my 2022 Audi eTRON EV on Almaden Expressway, San JOse, CA would have had the potential to be catastrophic. Received a warning on the dashboard approximately 30 seconds prior to the unintended power failure to the vehicle indicating' "Malfunction of Driver Assistance". Vehicle also had experienced numerous false warning of traveling in the wrong direction on a one way road. This was incorrect as the warning indicated a street I was not driving on, that is approx. 85 miles away. This has happened approximately 4x prior to the unintended power disruption incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506427February 9, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as designed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a message was displayed erroneously showing that the vehicle was heading in the wrong direction. The dealer was contacted, and a voicemail was left. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,707. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted. The dealership had possession of the vehicle for over 30 days and could not replicate the issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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