VehicleVerdict

2021 Audi e-tron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median e-tron year — the 2021 model ranks #2 of 6 e-tron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (23 of 56), far ahead of other at 10. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

56

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other e-tron years?

e-tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted107 complaints2019: 107 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 47 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 0 complaints
e-tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all e-tron years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Audi e-tron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2341%
Other1018%
Transmission916%
Engine713%
Brakes35%
Fuel System12%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%
Driver Assistance12%

Does the 2021 Audi e-tron have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V900000Driver AssistanceDecember 19, 2025 · 356,894 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

23V867000Electrical SystemDecember 20, 2023 · 26,866 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Dealers will install onboard diagnostic software to monitor battery module performance, and replace affected battery modules where necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U9 and 93V2.

23V842000Electrical SystemDecember 13, 2023 · 93,196 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

22V806000Electrical SystemOctober 26, 2022 · 6,076 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

22V742000Driver AssistanceOctober 5, 2022 · 170,296 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

21V707000BrakesSeptember 13, 2021 · 38 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.

21V606000Seat BeltsAugust 5, 2021 · 45,496 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

21V595000Body & StructureAugust 2, 2021 · 58 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 68H6.

21V569000BrakesJuly 26, 2021 · 498 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 14, 2026

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 14, 2026

Repeated sudden loss of forward propulsion power associated with multiple warning messages about drive system and electrical system malfunction. Because the problem is sudden and the car has no forward propulsion power the car is left blocking traffic with occupants still inside. This has occurred…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2023

2022 Audi etron. 20,759 miles. Electrical malfunction light came on. Took it to the dealer. Advised Entire front motor needed to be replaced due to coolant seepage into the front motor. Seems to be a very common problem and a 2 week+ turnaround

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 23, 2023

Car turns on but won’t move. Take it to dealership as it happens for the second time and turns out the brakes are sticking to the rotors. Audi says it’s perfectly normal just put force to the accelerator. When you do that in fact, it sound like the car is about to split in half. Dangerous as…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2022

2021 Audi e-tron — common questions

Is the 2021 Audi e-tron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2021 model at #2 of 6 e-tron years. It is one of the e-tron years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 e-tron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), other (10 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).

Does the 2021 Audi e-tron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Audi e-tron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Audi e-tron under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi e-tron years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the e-tron years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among e-tron years belongs to 2024.

How safe is the 2021 Audi e-tron?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Audi e-tron earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.