2021 Audi e-tron Electrical Malfunction Complaint

What Owners Are Reporting

An owner of a 2021 Audi e-tron reported experiencing an "Electrical Malfunction: Contact Service" warning message at approximately 9,300 miles. While en route to the dealership for service, the warning escalated to "Electrical Malfunction: Pull over safely." Shortly after, the vehicle abruptly jerked and completely lost power, dying in traffic.

Fortunately, the owner was not on a freeway and had enough momentum to safely coast to the side of the road. The dealership later diagnosed the problem as a coolant leak into the front motor, which subsequently damaged the electrical motor. This 2021 Audi e-tron complaint highlights a critical failure mode.

Severity

The incident described in this 2021 Audi e-tron complaint presents a significant safety risk. A vehicle losing power and dying in traffic, especially without warning, can lead to dangerous situations, including potential collisions. The owner noted the stress of the experience and the potential for a much more severe outcome had they been on a busy freeway.

Pattern

The owner's research suggests that coolant leaks into the electric motor, potentially due to a faulty gasket, have been an ongoing issue in Audi e-tron models since the 2019 model year. This indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect that could affect multiple vehicles beyond this specific 2021 Audi e-tron complaint. The owner also raised concerns about whether Audi has redesigned the affected parts to prevent recurrence.

If You've Experienced This

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron or a similar model year and have experienced an "Electrical Malfunction" warning, sudden power loss, or suspect a coolant leak affecting the electric motor, it is crucial to address the issue promptly. Contact your Audi dealership for diagnosis and repair.

You can also file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help identify potential safety trends. Providing detailed information about your experience, including warning messages, circumstances of the failure, and repair diagnoses, can contribute to ongoing investigations and potential recalls.

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Source: NHTSA Complaint ID 11466552