Is electrical system malfunction with loss of drive power a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electrical system malfunction with loss of drive power on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2021-11-06 → 2026-04-16). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11569181): "I was on my commute into work on the highway, traveling 70 mph, and received an "Electrical System Malfunction - Safety stop vehicle" error message. The vehicle immediately started displaying other error messages and the motor turned off, while the vehicle was in motion" Source: NHTSA.

Is coolant infiltration causing front motor failure a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about coolant infiltration causing front motor failure on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2022-05-28 → 2023-06-02). Reported component: ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11466552): "Dealer said it was a coolant leak into the front motor which killed the electrical motor. Subsequently discovered from research this has been happening since the 2019 model year in E-trons, and is likely related to a faulty gasket" Source: NHTSA.

Is mmi and instrument cluster display going blank while driving a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about mmi and instrument cluster display going blank while driving on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2024-03-31 → 2026-07-22). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11625675): "When I am driving, all the screens will go blank, I cannot see my speed, I have no HVAC controls, I am basically driving blind. To fix the issue, I have to pull over, turn off the ignition, open the driver door, close the driver door, put my foot on the brake, start the car…" Source: NHTSA.

Is home charging equipment overheating and fire risk a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about home charging equipment overheating and fire risk on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2022-11-07 → 2024-03-08). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:ACCESSORY . From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11571567): "If a 220V/240V wall plug becomes overburdened when the compact/portable charging system cable is being used to charge the high-voltage batteries in your vehicle, the home wiring can become overheated. If this happens, overheating of the home infrastructure can eventually cause…" Source: NHTSA.

Is sunroof spontaneous breakage while driving a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

1 NHTSA complaint have been filed about sunroof spontaneous breakage while driving on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2025-04-27 → 2025-04-27). Reported component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11657083): "I was driving on the highway and my sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit it, but there was a loud noise like a gunshot and the roof exploded outwards. Shards of glass landed in front of the car behind me who swerved to avoid them" Source: NHTSA.

2021 Audi E Tron Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is high-voltage battery recall with no parts available a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about high-voltage battery recall with no parts available on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2024-01-23 → 2025-09-25). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11571567): "A potentially critical self-discharge condition exists in certain high-voltage battery modules that, in some instances, may lead to thermal overload, possibly resulting in smoke or a fire. A high-voltage battery overheating increases the risk of a fire" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is brake pedal transition from regenerative to mechanical braking a known issue with the 2021 Audi E Tron?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake pedal transition from regenerative to mechanical braking on the 2021 Audi E Tron (2022-10-11 → 2025-01-31). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11639800): "When this brake failure occurs, we get to that midway point and the car lets off the regenerative braking but does NOT apply the mechanical brakes, so the end result is that the more you press the brake pedal, the less it works. Three of these five occasions occurred in one day…" Source: NHTSA.

The 2021 Audi E Tron carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering retractor and service brakes, hydraulic. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system malfunction with loss of drive power.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Campaign #21V606000 · May 8, 2021

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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).

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign #21V707000 · Sep 13, 2021

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

Campaign #21V595000 · Feb 8, 2021

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign #21V569000 · Jul 26, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #22V742000 · May 10, 2022

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Campaign #22V806000 · Oct 26, 2022

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #23V842000 · Dec 13, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #23V867000 · Dec 20, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V900000 · Dec 19, 2025

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Audi E Tron.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system malfunction with loss of drive power

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11-06 → 2026-04-16

“I was on my commute into work on the highway, traveling 70 mph, and received an "Electrical System Malfunction - Safety stop vehicle" error message. The vehicle immediately started displaying other error messages and the motor turned off, while the vehicle was in motion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569181

“Twice in the span of 3 months my 2021 Audi eTron with less than 25K miles shutdown while driving with an error message "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point the drive train is completely disengaged and all that can be done is coast to a stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544436

“I got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - STOP VEHICLE". I immediately pulled over to the side of the road into a parking lot just before the electric motors shut down completely. This put myself and my dog in danger”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439557

“While on highway the vehicle loosed all Power indicating Electrical Malfunction How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It happened on I-35 Freeway twice putting me in danger of 18 wheelers around me. I am afraid to be in the vehicle even if they return it to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731663

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant infiltration causing front motor failure

ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05-28 → 2023-06-02

“Dealer said it was a coolant leak into the front motor which killed the electrical motor. Subsequently discovered from research this has been happening since the 2019 model year in E-trons, and is likely related to a faulty gasket”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466552

“Car was towed to local Audi Dealership and they informed me that coolant had infiltrated the front motor and needed to be replaced. Then other hoses and parts had to be replaced. I am at 4…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439557

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525033

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-voltage battery recall with no parts available

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01-23 → 2025-09-25

“A potentially critical self-discharge condition exists in certain high-voltage battery modules that, in some instances, may lead to thermal overload, possibly resulting in smoke or a fire. A high-voltage battery overheating increases the risk of a fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571567

“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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627497

“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689755

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

MMI and instrument cluster display going blank while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03-31 → 2026-07-22

“When I am driving, all the screens will go blank, I cannot see my speed, I have no HVAC controls, I am basically driving blind. To fix the issue, I have to pull over, turn off the ignition, open the driver door, close the driver door, put my foot on the brake, start the car…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625675

“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.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752046

“This is for the main media interface going blank repeatedly every ~5 minutes or so while driving. Audi charged me for a repair that is a known safetyissue and is covered under warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728247

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal transition from regenerative to mechanical braking

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10-11 → 2025-01-31

“When this brake failure occurs, we get to that midway point and the car lets off the regenerative braking but does NOT apply the mechanical brakes, so the end result is that the more you press the brake pedal, the less it works. Three of these five occasions occurred in one day…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639800

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488720

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Home charging equipment overheating and fire risk

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:ACCESSORY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11-07 → 2024-03-08

“If a 220V/240V wall plug becomes overburdened when the compact/portable charging system cable is being used to charge the high-voltage batteries in your vehicle, the home wiring can become overheated. If this happens, overheating of the home infrastructure can eventually cause…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571567

“The Audi charger failed and burned the charge point going into the house”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492539

“Charger overheats Charger trips breaker Charging damaged burned wall outlet Charging damaged breaker”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11576151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof spontaneous breakage while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-04-27 → 2025-04-27

“I was driving on the highway and my sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit it, but there was a loud noise like a gunshot and the roof exploded outwards. Shards of glass landed in front of the car behind me who swerved to avoid them”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657083

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Audi E Tron reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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