2021 Audi e-tron Electrical System and Powertrain Complaint

What Owners Are Reporting

An owner of a 2021 Audi e-tron has filed a 2021 Audi e-tron complaint with NHTSA, describing multiple instances of a critical vehicle malfunction. The owner reported that while approaching intersections at speeds under 10 mph, the vehicle suddenly jerked, and the drive train became disengaged. Despite this, the car maintained electrical power, steering, and braking capabilities, allowing it to coast to a stop.

Each occurrence triggered a series of warning messages on the instrument cluster, indicating failures across various systems. These warnings included issues with the electrical system, drive train, collision avoidance, and tire pressure monitor. The vehicle would then display a message stating "the car was disabled, should be pulled over safely, and that I should call the dealer for support."

Severity and Safety Concerns

The reported incidents occurred five times over a three-mile stretch, with the vehicle temporarily disabling itself each time. After approximately 30 seconds, the car could be restarted and put back into drive mode. While these events fortunately happened on neighborhood streets during a non-busy period, the owner highlighted the significant safety risk posed by a car suddenly and randomly disabling itself while in motion.

The owner's 2021 Audi e-tron complaint underscores the potential for serious consequences if such an event were to occur in heavier traffic or at higher speeds. The sudden loss of drive power and the cascade of warning messages indicate a severe underlying issue that could compromise vehicle control and occupant safety.

Pattern and Manufacturer Response

The incidents occurred with the car near a full battery charge level. After experiencing these issues, the owner had the vehicle towed to an Audi dealer but initially received no clear diagnosis or timeline for repair. Online forums suggest that other Audi e-tron owners have encountered similar problems, along with other significant electrical failures.

Despite these reports, the Audi Customer Experience support desk reportedly stated they were unaware of the specific problem described in this 2021 Audi e-tron complaint. This suggests a potential gap in communication or awareness regarding critical safety concerns among the manufacturer's customer support channels.

If You've Experienced This

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron and have experienced similar issues with sudden jerking, drivetrain disengagement, or a series of electrical and powertrain warning messages, it is crucial to report your experience. Documenting these incidents helps NHTSA identify potential safety defects and initiate investigations.

You can file a complaint directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their website or by calling their Vehicle Safety Hotline. Provide as much detail as possible, including the exact warning messages displayed, the conditions under which the events occurred, and any actions taken by a dealership.

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Source: NHTSA Complaint ID: 11447317