2021 Audi e-tron Partial Brake Failure Complaint

Owners of the 2021 Audi e-tron have filed a significant complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a critical braking system malfunction. This 2021 Audi e-tron complaint describes instances where the vehicle experiences a partial brake failure, posing a serious safety risk.

What Owners Are Reporting

The complaint, identified by NHTSA ID 11639800, details multiple occurrences of partial brake failure in a 2021 Audi e-tron. The issue manifests when the driver presses the brake pedal. Typically, the initial pedal travel activates regenerative braking. However, at the point where the system should transition to mechanical brakes, the regenerative braking disengages, but the mechanical brakes fail to apply. The owner describes this as: "the car lets off the regenerative braking but does NOT apply the mechanical brakes, so the end result is that the more you press the brake pedal, the less it works."

This braking anomaly has been experienced on five separate occasions by two different drivers. Three of these incidents occurred within a single day, indicating a persistent and concerning pattern.

Severity

The consequences of this partial brake failure are severe. In at least one documented instance, a crash was only avoided because the vehicle's automatic braking and forward collision system activated independently. This highlights the critical safety implications of the mechanical brakes failing to engage as expected, potentially leading to accidents.

Pattern and Dealer Response

The owner suspects a software defect rather than a mechanical fault, given the nature of the failure. The vehicle was inspected by an Audi dealer, who concluded with "No Repairs Recommended." The owner specifically requested an update to the ABS module software, citing that such updates are known to resolve other braking system issues, referencing TSBs 2072977 and 2061906. However, this request for a software update was denied by the dealer, leaving the underlying problem unresolved for this 2021 Audi e-tron complaint.

If You've Experienced This

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron and have experienced similar partial brake failure or issues with the transition from regenerative to mechanical braking, it is crucial to take action. Even if a dealer states "No Repairs Recommended," documenting your experience is important. Consider filing a complaint with NHTSA, referencing NHTSA ID 11639800, to contribute to the ongoing investigation and help identify potential widespread issues.

---

Source: NHTSA Complaint 11639800