VehicleVerdict

2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median Q4 E-Tron year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 5 Q4 E-Tron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (29% of the total).

31

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Q4 E-Tron years?

Q4 E-Tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted31 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 31 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q4 E-Tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q4 E-Tron years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System929%
Brakes310%
Speed Control310%
Driver Assistance310%
Airbags26%
Engine26%
Other26%
Steering26%
Lighting13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron have recalls?

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

25V120000TransmissionFebruary 27, 2025 · 60,490 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. The instrument panel may not properly display the transmission gear lever indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

Consequence

Failure to display the gear position may result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the brake control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97H3. Audi's number for this recall is 454R.

24V361000LightingMay 22, 2024 · 17,797 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Incorrect headlight control module software may cause the parking lights not to operate as intended when the headlights are turned on and the turn signals are activated, which can reduce vehicle visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the headlight control module with a new data set, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 941L.

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.

23V189000AirbagsMarch 22, 2023 · 5,224 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Q4 E-Tron SUV and Q4 E-Tron Sportback vehicles. During deployment, the head curtain air bag could deform the door seal and expose the metal inlay within the seal, which could tear the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, a torn air bag cannot protect occupants as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will install cloth tape in the driver and front passenger B-pillar area, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69FA.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving on the highway at a very slow speed (<5mph) due to heavy traffic. All of a sudden my car accelerated and hit the car in front of me twice because brakes would not apply. I found similar user reports online (links below). These cases suggest that my experience is not an isolated…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 11, 2024 · crash

“As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 13, 2026 · crash

“Pressing on brake but the car accelerated. Unable to stop, the vehicle pushed two other cars I to each other (they were parked, fortunately). Car came to rest and shit down. None of the safety features stopped the car from moving forward despite the brake pedal being pressed down all the way.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 25, 2024 · crash

“As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 13, 2026 · crash

“Car alarmed that my EV had a major electrical issue and made sirens outside as to warn others to not come close and keep distance as if the car will catch fire or explode. I replicated this warning again sitting in the car. Fearing the car will catch fire I had it moved out of my garage. My Audi…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 3, 2025

2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron — common questions

Is the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 5 Q4 E-Tron years. It is one of the Q4 E-Tron years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Q4 E-Tron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q4 E-Tron years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q4 E-Tron years to avoid are 2024, 2023. The cleanest record among Q4 E-Tron years belongs to 2026.

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.