NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The fastener connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing, which could cause the brake pedal to detach from the booster.
What the fix does
This page covers 11 recalls, 35 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi e-tron.
78 MPGe combined
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Audi e-tron draws its heaviest complaint volume from the electrical system, which accounts for the largest share of owner reports. Owners most commonly describe sudden, complete power loss while driving, several describe this happening at highway speeds, accompanied by electrical fault warnings on the dash. A recurring theme involves moisture entering the high-voltage system through the charging port area, with owners reporting warning lights prompting them to stop the vehicle and avoid charging. A handful of reports mention the high-voltage battery module failing outright, with owners noting that replacement parts were difficult to source. Scattered electrical complaints also cover the central infotainment screen going blank repeatedly during driving and the key fob failing to reliably communicate with the door locks. Powertrain and engine complaints follow in volume, though the narratives in those categories largely overlap with the same sudden-power-loss events described under the electrical system.
35
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2021 Audi E-Tron has 11 recalls, the most serious involving brake system failures that can leave the driver with reduced stopping power, no anti-lock brakes, or a brake pedal that fully detaches from the booster.
A separate brake concern involves corrosion inside the brake booster that can disable ABS, electronic stability control, and brake assist, requiring greater pedal force and distance to stop. On the battery side, certain high-voltage battery modules can overheat and create a fire risk, and the onboard charging cable or outlet can also overheat and pose a fire hazard. There is also a rear seatbelt retractor issue where a child restraint system may not be properly secured, raising the risk of injury in a crash. A loose glove box hinge pin can allow the lid trim to block the knee airbag during deployment, reducing its effectiveness. Rearview camera failures round out the list: multiple software-related issues can cause the camera image to fail to appear when reversing, reducing the driver's view behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The fastener connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing, which could cause the brake pedal to detach from the booster.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain high-voltage battery modules in the vehicle may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will install diagnostic software to monitor battery modules and replace affected modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When charging at 100% using the 220V/240V portable charging cable, some home outlets lack sufficient capacity, causing the outlet or cable to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the 220V/240V charging cable with a new one equipped with a temperature sensor at no cost. Use only 110V charging or public stations until replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The infotainment system can suffer internal damage when the vehicle shuts off, causing the rearview camera display to stop working when you restart the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen when the transmission is in reverse gear, which is required by Canadian law.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update your infotainment software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion inside the brake booster can cause the Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability Control, speedometer display, and brake assist to stop working.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the brake booster at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right hinge pin on the glove box cover may not be properly secured, causing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag when it deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the glove box and secure the hinge pin as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rotor and shaft in the brake system may be improperly welded and separate, potentially affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
The brake booster will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
