Audi e-tron Complaints (2021)

36 consumer complaints on file.

#11752046July 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ. The vehicle subsequently experienced two dead 12-volt battery incidents and became inoperable. The second 12 volt battery was new. Following the most recent incident, the Audi dealer diagnosed the Virtual Cockpit/instrument cluster as causing a drain on the 12-volt battery and recommended replacement at a cost of approximately $3,500. The replacement part is unavailable, and Audi has provided no estimated delivery date. The vehicle has remained out of service since July 03rd 2026. This condition presents a potential safety concern because failure of the instrument cluster may prevent the driver from reliably viewing speed, warning indicators, vehicle status, range, and other safety-related information. The recurring 12-volt battery discharge may also leave the vehicle unexpectedly disabled. The vehicle is additionally showing an indicated range of only approximately 160 miles at 100% charge. Audi has not established whether this is related to the instrument-cluster failure, high-voltage battery condition, battery-management system, software, or another electrical defect. Audi has not provided documentation of a comprehensive high-voltage battery health and capacity evaluation. Audi issued a recall or service campaign affecting other 2021 Audi vehicles for substantially similar Virtual Cockpit/display problems. However, Audi states that my VIN is excluded and has not provided a technical explanation identifying a different component, part number, software version, supplier, or failure mechanism. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether the recurring instrument-cluster failure and 12-volt battery discharge constitute a broader safety defect and whether the existing Audi recall or service-campaign population should include this car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738208May 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Moisture build-up in the high-voltage electrical system through a faulty seal on the charging socket, which can cause a short circuit and significantly increase the risk of a vehicle fire. If you get a warning light saying "electrical system: fault," you should stop driving immediately, park outdoors away from structures, and not charge the vehicle. Braking problems caused by sub-standard welding within the ABS rotor and shaft. High-voltage battery modules that may overheat, also increasing the risk of fire. An infotainment unit that can become internally damaged when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display a federal safety standard violation. This clearly shows the vehicle was badly manufactured, during a chip shortage in 2020. This vehicle is a complete failure by Audi and puts so many innocent peoples lives at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731663April 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - While on highway the vehicle loosed all Power indicating Electrical Malfunction How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It happened on I-35 Freeway twice putting me in danger of 18 wheelers around me. I am afraid to be in the vehicle even if they return it to me. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes and Dealer has reproduced it and has the car with them for 5 Plus months. Have replaced many components and are not able to resolve it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? South Austin Audi Dealer has been working with Audi Corporate Technical team and have replaced 5 parts to no resolution. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Electrical Malfunction - Red light flashing to pull the care over to the emergency lane but there is no acceleration - you are left to depend on whatever momentum is left on the car. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728247March 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Audi dealership charged fee for a repair that they the,selves acknowledged is under a technical service bulletin and despite my having extended warranty that is supposed to cover such repairs. This is for the main media interface going blank repeatedly every ~5 minutes or so while driving. Audi charged me for a repair that is a known safetyissue and is covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718481February 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tied with NHTSA Recall 25V900 - Review Camera Software. Dealer was unable to complete the recall due to internal malfunction of USB Interface on vehicle. Dealer quoted a non itemized Repair Estimate of $1,045.50 to replace the interface in order to be able to complete the open recall. No visible user caused damage to interface and prior Technical Support Bulletin (2066315) for issues with USB covering specific vehicle. Given the dependence on software within our vehicles, the USB interface used to perform required recall work should be covered when failure is internal to the interface module.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702257December 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle's central locking system does not properly communicate with the keyfob resulting in the doors not unlocking as intended. I have had my child in the car seat in the back and if i accidentantly touch the handle the wrong way the doors will lock and I am unable to use the unlock feature to get my kid out. This could be a serious safety issue if someone becomes trapped in the rear seat and the central locking system does not allow unlocking of the doors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689755September 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. 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, and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657083April 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on the highway and my sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit it, but there was a loud noise like a gunshot and the roof exploded outwards. Shards of glass landed in front of the car behind me who swerved to avoid them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639800January 31, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
On five separate occasions across two separate drivers, we have experienced a partial brake failure in this vehicle. We strongly believe this to be a software defect and not a mechanical fault. On the e-Tron, the first portion of the brake pedal swing typically activates the regenerative braking. About mid-way through pressing the pedal, it changes to "real" mechanical brakes. When this brake failure occurs, we get to that midway point and 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. Three of these five occasions occurred in one day, so by the time the third time came around, I was really paying attention and I'm very confident this wasn't driver error. In at least one case, the only reason that a crash was avoided is because the automatic braking / forward collision system activated. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer, who found "No Repairs Recommended". We requested an update to the ABS module software, as this software update is known to resolve multiple other problems with the braking system (see TSBs 2072977, 2061906) but we were denied the update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627497November 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625675November 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Audi E-tron has a consistant problem with the MMI (Multi Media Interface, the main computer for the car). When I am driving, all the screens will go blank, I cannot see my speed, I have no HVAC controls, I am basically driving blind. To fix the issue, I have to pull over, turn off the ignition, open the driver door, close the driver door, put my foot on the brake, start the car again. Sometimes this happens in the first few minutes of driving, othertimes it happens when I am on the highway which poses a huge safety risk. This saftey issue has presented itself at least 5 times in the last 12 months. I have told Audi about this issue several times and they completely deny it exists. This is my 3rd Audi in 15 years and like every other Audi issue I have had, Audi will completely deny there is a problem until there is a recall forced on the company. It happened with the brakes of my last 2017 q7 and Audi kept telling me there was no issue, it finally got settled with a recall on the vehicle. The MMI has been an issue on this car since day 1. The MMI shutting off and putting everyones lives at risk has been going on for the last 12-18 months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606580August 5, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle's charging system keeps failing and turning off the charger. The rear doors do not open from the inside of the vehicle (intermittently).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11582613April 12, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576151March 8, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Charger overheats Charger trips breaker Charging damaged burned wall outlet Charging damaged breaker
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572096February 15, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "Electrical System Malfunction: Safely Stop the Vehicle," after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System) and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571567February 13, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There are 2 active/open recalls for my 2021 Audi etron vehicle. The recalls were initiated by the manufacturer 2 months ago and there currently are no repairs available for either recall. Both recalls present a severe safety risk to consumers and present risks to their homes. Dec 20, 2023 Manufacturer Recall Number. 93V2 NHTSA Recall Number 23V867 A potentially critical self-discharge condition exists in certain high-voltage battery modules that, in some instances, may lead to thermal overload, possibly resulting in smoke or a fire. A high-voltage battery overheating increases the risk of a fire. Affected high-voltage batteries may experience a loss of range and/or performance as an early indication. Safety Risk A high-voltage battery overheating increases the risk of a fire. Dec 19, 2023 Manufacturer Recall Number 93U6 NHTSA Recall Number 23V842 If a 220V/240V wall plug becomes overburdened when the compact/portable charging system cable is being used to charge the high-voltage batteries in your vehicle, the home wiring can become overheated. If this happens, overheating of the home infrastructure can eventually cause permanent damage to the house socket and charging cable, increasing the risk of a fire. Safety Risk Overheating of the home infrastructure can eventually cause permanent damage to the house socket and charging cable, increasing the risk of a fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569181February 1, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
This issue occurred with my Audi a year after purchasing it and the vehicle had 19,282 miles on it at the time. I received an "Electrical System Malfunction - Please contact service" error message (in yellow) on my 2021 Audi etron vehicle display. The message was displayed for a few minutes as I was traveling home from work and then disappeared. The following day, I was on my commute into work on the highway, traveling 70 mph, and received an "Electrical System Malfunction - Safety stop vehicle" error message. The vehicle immediately started displaying other error messages and the motor turned off, while the vehicle was in motion. Luckily, I was able to move to the shoulder of the highway safely. The experience was frightening as I was traveling 70 mph and experienced a complete vehicle shut down with little to no warning. The Audi etron had to be towed to the dealership to be repaired. The dealership had my vehicle for 3.5 weeks while they repaired the car. They inspected the vehicle and determined it was a front motor failure and it had to be replaced. I am extremely concerned about the safety issues the Audi etron has created for me and others, especially given that it is a newer vehicle with low mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567324January 23, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V867000 (Electrical System) and 23V842000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544436September 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Twice in the span of 3 months my 2021 Audi eTron with less than 25K miles shutdown while driving with an error message "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point the drive train is completely disengaged and all that can be done is coast to a stop with limited ability to steer or control the vehicle. The vehicle must then be towed to a dealership. If this had happened on a busy multi-lane highway, there is a high probability of an accident occurring putting occupants of the car and other cars at risk. In both cases there was no prior warning of any problem with the vehicle. The first repair in July required Audi to replace the master controller located in the battery pack and replace the front engine due to a fluid leak. This took 6+ weeks to complete. I had the car back 5 weeks after the first repair when it happened again. I am still waiting diagnosis on second repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541700August 30, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and came to a complete stop. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was able to restart after 10-15 attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,780.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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