KnownCarProblems2021 Audi E-Tron Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi E-Tron, most often about the electrical (67% of complaints). It is the 2nd most complained-about E-Tron model year since 2000 and has 9 recalls.
Most common 2021 Audi E-Tron problems
Electrical
24 complaints · 67%Parts named most often: propulsion system.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "electrical system malfunction: safely stop the vehicle," after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to…
Other or unspecified
10 complaints · 28%Transmission
9 complaints · 25%Engine
7 complaints · 19%Brakes
3 complaints · 8%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Audi E-Tron recalls
Backup camera: camera
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: onboard
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: display function
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: retractor
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).
Full defect summary
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."
Body and structure: dashboard
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Questions about the 2021 Audi E-Tron
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (24 complaints); other or unspecified (10 complaints); transmission (9 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi E-Tron have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 19, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Audi E-Tron?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about E-Tron model year since 2000, with 36 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.