2019-2023 Audi e-tron Reliability Score: 7.5 out of 10

176 NHTSA Complaints

13 Recalls

6 Fire Reports

7 Crash Reports

Data covers 6 NHTSA model names

AUDI E-TRONAUDI E-TRON SAUDI E-TRON S SPORTBACKAUDI E-TRON SPORTBACKE-TRONE-TRON SPORTBACK

Reliability Score

7.5 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar midsize EV SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the drive system, battery, charging or electrical system.

Owners filed 103 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize EV SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 126.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall103 complaints against about 126 for similar vehicles

7.5

Last three years74 complaints against about 90 for similar vehicles

7.5

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20197.7
2020n/a
20217.3
20227.3
20238.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Audi e-tron Unidentified Engine

176 complaints 35.2 per year

6 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical

transmission

engine

other

brakes

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (98 complaints)

Transmission Issues (28 complaints)

Engine Issues (25 complaints)

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Battery Electric (BEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2019-2023 Audi e-tron

Pack Audi e-tron 95 kWh (LG Chem)

43 battery-related complaints 10.8 per year 3 battery-related recalls

That's about 1.9x the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.

1 fire report

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 43 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Battery & propulsion recalls (3)

19V434000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi e-tron vehicles. Moisture can enter the high-voltage battery system through a faulty seal on the charging socket.

Consequence: Moisture in the high-voltage system can cause a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire. If warning lights appear along with the message "Electrical system: fault," immediately stop driving the vehicle, park outdoors away from structures, do not charge the vehicle, and contact Audi Roadside Assistance at 1-800-411-9988 to have the vehicle towed.

23V842000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

Consequence: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

23V867000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.

Consequence: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Sample complaint excerpts

High-Voltage Battery

[2022] While driving, the vehicle displayed three simultaneous warnings — “Drive system malfunction, safely stop vehicle,” “Electrical system malfunction, restart not possible, contact service,” and “All-wheel drive malfunction, limited stability” — and lost propulsion completely. This occurred on at least two separate occasions while driving. After each event, the vehicle would not restart for approxima
[2022] The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but active 'Electrical system: malfunction!' safety alert on the dashboard and myAudi app, caused by an internal high-voltage battery cell circuit fault (Diagnostic Trouble Code P0DB400 / U04A300) and a failure in the battery thermal runaway detection system. When the fault occurs, the vehicle suffers a complete loss of regenerative braking, severely a
[2022] Audi issued a recall notice in December 2023 regarding the high voltage battery possibly causing a fire. In the past 15 months since the recall I have not received any correspondence from Audi on a fix. I have checked with my Audi service manager several times and he stated Audi is monitoring the vehicle high voltage modules. I feel 15 months is excessive time for the manufacturer to provide a fix

Electric Propulsion

[2022] While driving, the vehicle displayed three simultaneous warnings — “Drive system malfunction, safely stop vehicle,” “Electrical system malfunction, restart not possible, contact service,” and “All-wheel drive malfunction, limited stability” — and lost propulsion completely. This occurred on at least two separate occasions while driving. After each event, the vehicle would not restart for approxima
[2022] The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e
[2019] THE REAR COOLANT BOTTLE FOR THE DRIVE MOTOR IS COMPLETELY FULL, HV FAULTS ARE STORED. BATTERY IS IN "WARNING" CONDITION, J840 STORES INTERNAL MALFUNCTION FAULTS. ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS IS NECESSARY FOR THE HV SYSTEM, AND THE REAR DRIVE MOTOR WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FOUND CELL IMBALANCE FAULTS STORED, FOUND J840 BATTERY MODULE IS FAULTY AND MUST BE REPLACED. FURTHER DIAG IS NECESSARY, MULTIPLE FAUL

Charging System

[2022] The contact owns a 2022 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 while charging the vehicle, the contact noticed that the charging outlet was burned and melted, and the juice box, the plug, and the charging cable had melted, nearly causing the contact's
[2022] I'm deeply concerned about the safety risks my family faces due to unresolved Audi recalls. On December 19 and 20, 2023, Audi issued two recalls: one for high-voltage battery modules that may self-discharge, leading to overheating and an increased risk of fire, and another for the 220V/240V charging cable, which can overheat home wiring, posing a serious fire hazard. On September 19, 2024, I took
[2022] my house wire heats up and can't charge my car at home when its done charging cable is so hot can't hold it.

Thermal Events

[2022] The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but active 'Electrical system: malfunction!' safety alert on the dashboard and myAudi app, caused by an internal high-voltage battery cell circuit fault (Diagnostic Trouble Code P0DB400 / U04A300) and a failure in the battery thermal runaway detection system. When the fault occurs, the vehicle suffers a complete loss of regenerative braking, severely a
[2022] No incident occurred. However, Audi recalled my EV (2022 Audi E-tron) months ago, stating there exists a fire hazard associated with these vehicles. Audi has not provided any effective remedy. The sole advice offered was to refrain from charging the battery beyond 80%. However, Audi has not substantiated the claim that this measure is protective, and it also restricts the performance and intended
[2022] After dealership service and recall-related calibration work, my vehicle developed multiple safety-related issues that did not exist prior to service. The dealership documented a diagnostic trouble code for “Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected” (P29FF00), a critical high-voltage battery safety fault. Instead of diagnosing and repairing the root cause, the dealership cleared the fault cod

Regenerative Braking

[2022] The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but active 'Electrical system: malfunction!' safety alert on the dashboard and myAudi app, caused by an internal high-voltage battery cell circuit fault (Diagnostic Trouble Code P0DB400 / U04A300) and a failure in the battery thermal runaway detection system. When the fault occurs, the vehicle suffers a complete loss of regenerative braking, severely a
[2022] After dealership service and recall-related calibration work, my vehicle developed multiple safety-related issues that did not exist prior to service. The dealership documented a diagnostic trouble code for “Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected” (P29FF00), a critical high-voltage battery safety fault. Instead of diagnosing and repairing the root cause, the dealership cleared the fault cod
[2022] I own a 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback that experienced multiple serious issues involving the high-voltage battery system. During service at Audi South Atlanta, the dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P29FF00 – Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected. This code is related to battery overheating and potential thermal runaway, which is a critical safety condition in electric vehicles. Des

12V Auxiliary Battery

[2019] I had 93u9 criteria 04 recall done in February. As of March 6, I had a no power supply message. Without being able to charge it went to the dealer. They said it was the charge port assembly but not from the recall since that was software. Once that was fixed they charged the car and it immediately had the fault electrical malfunction. Now they say i need to replace the rear drive motor. Then thy c
[2021] 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 inci

Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.

Battery: Audi e-tron 95 kWh (LG Chem)

NCM 622 · LG Chem (now LG Energy Solution) · 36 modules under-floor, liquid-cooled, 400V (MLB evo platform, pre-MEB)

View full pack reference →

▼ You're looking at: e-tron e-tron and e-tron Sportback, 95 kWh pack (the 2024 Q8 e-tron uses a different 114 kWh pack) (2019-2023)

EPA range 204-226 mi ·MPGe combined 74-79

EPA figures span the trims and model years this entry covers.

About the pack

Capacity

86.5 kWh

usable · 95 total

Fast charge

150 kW

peak · about 30 min to 80%

Warranty floor

70%

capacity floor at 8 yr / 100k mi

Pack overview

ChemistryNCM 622

Cell supplierLG Chem (now LG Energy Solution)

Cell formatPouch

Voltage (nominal)396 V

CoolingLiquid

Architecture36 modules under-floor, liquid-cooled, 400V (MLB evo platform, pre-MEB)

Warranty 8 yr / 100k mi

Capacity floor70%

Known issues

High

NHTSA 19V-434 (June 2019) covers certain 2019 e-tron vehicles. Moisture can enter the high-voltage battery system through a faulty seal on the charging socket. Dealers install a new seal and replace affected components as necessary, free of charge.

NHTSA recall

High

NHTSA 23V-867 (December 2023) covers certain 2019-2022 e-tron quattro and 2020-2022 e-tron Sportback quattro vehicles whose high-voltage battery modules may overheat. Dealers install diagnostic software that monitors the modules and replace affected modules where necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed in April 2025.

NHTSA recall

Low

Audi lets the car use 83.6 kWh of the 95 kWh pack on 2019 models and 86.5 kWh from the 2021 model year, which leaves 8.5 to 11.4 kWh the driver cannot reach.

Manufacturer

How this pack ages (industry context)

Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).

OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.

Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Audi e-tron regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (98 complaints)

electrical critical

Transmission Issues (28 complaints)

transmission critical

Engine Issues (25 complaints)

engine critical

Brakes Issues (22 complaints)

brakes critical

Fuel System Issues (21 complaints)

fuel_system critical

Recalls (13)

26V240000Apr 15, 2026serious

Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.

25V900000Dec 19, 2025serious

Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

24V621000Aug 19, 2024serious

Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Audi E-Tron and 2020-2024 Audi E-Tron Sportback vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.

23V867000Dec 20, 2023serious

Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.

23V842000Dec 13, 2023serious

Electrical System

Show 8 older recalls

22V806000Oct 26, 2022serious

Equipment

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

22V742000Oct 5, 2022serious

Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V825000Oct 20, 2021serious

Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V707000Sep 13, 2021serious

Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.

21V606000Aug 5, 2021serious

Seat Belts

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

21V595000Aug 2, 2021serious

Structure

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.

21V569000Jul 26, 2021serious

Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.

19V434000Jun 10, 2019serious

Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi e-tron vehicles. Moisture can enter the high-voltage battery system through a faulty seal on the charging socket.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5 (9.2% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5 (9.2% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5 (9.2% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5 (9.2% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5 (9.2% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize EV SUV

2 engines / 157 complaints

BMW

2022-2025

7.9/10

1 engine / 114 complaints

2 engines / 57 complaints

1 engine / 21 complaints

2 engines / 72 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2023 Audi e-tron problems?

The 2019-2023 Audi e-tron has accumulated 176 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Is the 2019-2023 Audi e-tron a good used car?

The 2019-2023 Audi e-tron can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 176 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2023 Audi e-tron have?

The 2019-2023 Audi e-tron has 176 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2019-2023 Audi e-tron?

There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2023 Audi e-tron vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Audi e-tron?

Before buying a used Audi e-tron, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the e-tron?

The 2021 Audi e-tron received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 176 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.