2022 Audi e-tron Electrical System Failure Complaint

Owners of the 2022 Audi e-tron should be aware of a significant complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ID 11716739) regarding a catastrophic electrical failure. This incident involved a severe safety risk, including smoke in the vehicle cabin, and has rendered the vehicle inoperable for an extended period.

What Owners Are Reporting

The owner of a 2022 Audi e-tron reported that while driving with passengers, the dashboard displayed a critical warning: "ELECTRICAL FAILURE - PULL OVER WHEN SAFE." This message was immediately followed by a loud, explosive pop sound, and the cabin rapidly filled with smoke. This experience highlights a severe and sudden failure of the vehicle's electrical system, posing an immediate danger to occupants.

Potential Root Cause

The complaint details that the root cause of this 2022 Audi e-tron electrical failure is believed to be prior undisclosed collision damage and subsequent improper repairs. The vehicle was sold as having "no accidents" by Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac in August 2025, after they had removed the front bumper in June 2025 (Repair Order #78683). A later inspection revealed cut wiring and other improper repairs (Invoice #94609), suggesting that the vehicle's electrical integrity was compromised before the catastrophic failure.

Safety Concerns and Current Status

The primary safety concern from this incident is the smoke-filled cabin, which endangered the vehicle's occupants, and the potential for a fire hazard. The vehicle has been inoperable for over three months. While Audi corporate technicians have reportedly repaired the major problem, the vehicle continues to experience unresolved charging issues that predated the catastrophic failure.

If You've Experienced This

If you own a 2022 Audi e-tron and have experienced similar electrical system issues, dashboard warnings like "ELECTRICAL FAILURE - PULL OVER WHEN SAFE," smoke in the cabin, or unexplained charging problems, it is crucial to report your experience. You can file a complaint directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their website. Providing detailed information, including any repair orders or invoices, can help NHTSA identify potential safety trends and initiate investigations.

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Source: NHTSA Complaint ID 11716739