2021-2023 Audi e-tron Charging Issues Investigation

Audi has released a manufacturer communication, identified as I/GQ-M222, to its workshops to gather more in-depth information regarding customer experiences with charging issues in 2021-2023 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback vehicles. This initiative aims to better understand the range of problems owners are facing with their electric vehicle charging systems.

The goal of this data collection is to enable Audi AG to develop solutions more quickly and effectively. By precisely recording customer complaints related to Audi e-tron charging issues, the manufacturer can identify patterns and underlying causes, leading to targeted improvements.

Key Charging Complaints Under Investigation

Audi's questionnaire focuses on three primary scenarios that customers might experience during the charging process:

Charging Process Does Not Start

One common complaint under investigation is when the charging process fails to initiate. Workshops are asked to verify if the charging plug is securely locked into the port. Additionally, they must check for any messages displayed on the charging station and observe the color of the LED indicator on the vehicle's charging port (Red, green, white, or yellow).

Charging Process Stops or Interrupts

Another critical area of focus is when the charging process begins but then unexpectedly stops or is interrupted. Similar to the first scenario, technicians are instructed to confirm the charging plug's locked status, note any messages on the charging station display, and record the LED color on the charging port.

Unable to Unplug the Vehicle

Customers sometimes report that the charging process completes normally, but they are unable to unplug the charging cable from the vehicle. For this Audi e-tron charging issues scenario, workshops are again asked to check if the charging plug is locked, examine messages on the charging station, and identify the charging port LED color.

Detailed Information Audi is Requesting

Beyond these core scenarios, Audi is seeking additional specific details from workshops and customers to aid their investigation:

• Reproducibility: Can the customer complaint be consistently reproduced? This helps in diagnosing intermittent issues.
• AC and DC Charging Functionality: Workshops need to determine if both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging methods are working correctly. If the vehicle has a second charging port, AC charging should also be checked there.
• Charging Station Specificity: Is the complaint always occurring with the same type or manufacturer of charging station? Is it limited to wallbox charging or does it also happen with the supplied charging equipment?
• Event Memory Entries: Technicians are instructed to check for event memory entries in address 00C6. They are asked to delete the protocol, reproduce the complaint, start a new one, and then put it online for analysis.
• Optical Inspection: A visual check of the charging port and charging plug for any abnormalities is required. This includes looking for issues like the locking pin colliding with the latch of the charging plug.
• Diagnosis Protocol: Workshops are requested to send the diagnosis protocol, either as a PDF or an online protocol.

What Owners Should Know

If you own a 2021-2023 Audi e-tron or e-tron Sportback and are experiencing Audi e-tron charging issues, your detailed feedback is valuable. When visiting your Audi workshop, be prepared to describe the problem thoroughly and, if possible, demonstrate the issue. Pay attention to any messages on the charging station display and the color of your vehicle's charging port LED, as this information is crucial for diagnosis. Ensure you are handling the charging plug correctly, as described in your owner's manual, to rule out misuse.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11002205