April 2026 Audi Recall, Complaint & Service Bulletin Roundup

April 2026 saw a quiet month for Audi recalls and investigations, but a significant number of owner complaints emerged, primarily centered around the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron. These complaints highlight a concerning pattern of electrical system and powertrain malfunctions, with several owners reporting critical power loss and unexpected braking incidents. The recurring theme of Audi e-tron electrical issues suggests potential underlying problems that warrant attention from both owners and the manufacturer.

Recalls

No new recalls were filed for Audi in April 2026.

Owner Complaints

Owner complaints for April 2026 predominantly focused on the Audi e-tron, revealing several critical safety and performance concerns.

Electrical System and Powertrain Failures

Several owners reported severe electrical and powertrain issues. A 2021 Audi e-tron owner experienced a "Electrical Malfunction" leading to complete power loss on the highway, a problem that persisted despite dealer attempts to fix it over five months 2021 Audi e-tron Electrical Malfunction and Power Loss. Another 2021 e-tron complaint detailed the vehicle suddenly shutting off and engaging park at low speeds after charging, refusing to restart for about 15 seconds 2021 Audi e-tron Power Train Shuts Off Complaint. A 2022 Audi e-tron owner reported a catastrophic electrical failure that resulted in smoke filling the cabin, rendering the vehicle inoperable 2022 Audi e-tron Electrical System Failure Complaint.

Braking and Acceleration Issues

Safety concerns were also raised regarding braking and acceleration. Owners of the 2022 Audi e-tron reported multiple drive motor failures, abrupt and unwarranted automatic emergency braking, and a deteriorating braking system with constant shuddering 2022 Audi e-tron Drive Motor Failure and Braking Issues. A 2022 Audi e-tron also experienced intermittent acceleration issues, where the vehicle occasionally did not respond to accelerator pedal input 2022 Audi e-tron Intermittent Acceleration Complaint. More critically, a 2023 Audi e-tron owner reported multiple instances of sudden unintended acceleration, including one incident that resulted in a crash 2023 Audi e-tron Sudden Acceleration Complaint.

Software and Component Malfunctions

Software-related issues also plagued e-tron models. A 2022 Audi e-tron owner reported recurring software crashes that rendered the rearview camera and other safety systems inoperable, persisting despite multiple dealer visits 2022 Audi e-tron Software Crashes and Camera Malfunction. The infotainment system in a 2021 Audi e-tron was reported to repeatedly go blank while driving 2021 Audi e-tron Infotainment Blanking Complaint. A USB interface malfunction in a 2021 Audi e-tron prevented the completion of a recall and led to a significant repair estimate 2021 Audi e-tron USB Interface Malfunction Complaint.

Other Electrical System Concerns

Other electrical system issues include a 2022 Audi e-tron entering "SAFE Mode" with reduced acceleration and decreased mileage after a recall repair 2022 Audi e-tron Electrical System Complaint. A failed battery module in a 2021 Audi e-tron was linked to a recall, with part unavailability causing delays 2021 Audi e-tron Electrical System Complaint. Additionally, a 2021 Audi e-tron's central locking system reportedly failed to unlock doors properly via the keyfob, raising concerns about occupants becoming trapped 2021 Audi e-tron Central Locking System Complaint. These Audi e-tron electrical issues highlight a broad range of concerns for owners.

Investigations

No new investigations were opened, upgraded, or closed for Audi in April 2026.

Service Bulletins

Audi released several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) in April 2026, many addressing software-related issues in newer models. These TSBs provide guidance to dealerships on diagnosing and resolving common customer concerns.

• Parking Systems Fault Message: TSB 2076899/2 addresses the "Parking systems: fault" message and diagnostic trouble code B200044 in 2025 Audi A5, Q5, S5, and SQ5 models. This bulletin outlines a diagnostic and resolution procedure for a software issue in the J519 control unit 2025 Audi Parking Systems Fault Message B200044.
• Rear Lid Malfunctions: For 2025-2026 Audi A5, S5, Q5, and SQ5 models, TSB 2077064/7 addresses issues where the rear lid only opens or closes slightly and then stops. This TSB outlines a software update and a specific initialization procedure to resolve the problem 2025-2026 Audi A5 Rear Lid Only Opens/Closes Slightly TSB. Another bulletin, TSB 2076902/2, also covers instances where the rear lid occasionally fails to open when the key button is pressed, with a software update as the solution 2025 Audi A5, S5, Q5, SQ5 Rear Lid Not Opening TSB 2076902/2.
• Instrument Cluster Messages and DTCs: TSB 2078345/1 is relevant for 2025 A5, S5, Q5, and SQ5 models experiencing various instrument cluster warning messages and diagnostic trouble codes U02AB00 and U042200. A software issue in the onboard supply control unit J519 is suspected, with a solution expected by Q3 2025 2025 Audi A5/Q5/S5/SQ5 Instrument Cluster Messages TSB.

What Audi Owners Should Do

Given the range of issues reported in April 2026, Audi owners should take the following steps:

• Monitor for Warning Signs: Pay close attention to any unexpected vehicle behavior, such as sudden power loss, unusual braking, or intermittent acceleration. Also, watch for any instrument cluster warning messages or infotainment system malfunctions.
• Address Electrical System Concerns: If you own a 2021-2023 Audi e-tron and experience any Audi e-tron electrical issues, such as the vehicle shutting off or entering "SAFE Mode," contact your dealership immediately. Document all symptoms and prior repair attempts.
• Check for Applicable TSBs: For newer models, especially 2025-2026 A5, Q5, S5, and SQ5, if you encounter issues like parking system faults, rear lid malfunctions, or instrument cluster warnings, inquire with your dealer about relevant Technical Service Bulletins like TSB 2076899/2, TSB 2077064/7, or TSB 2078345/1.
• Report Safety Concerns: If you experience a safety-related defect, such as sudden unintended acceleration or critical power loss, file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at NHTSA.gov.