2021 Audi e-tron Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#3 most-complained of 6 e-tron years
The 2021 Audi e-tron has 36 NHTSA complaints, 9 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 3rd worst of 6 model years. It earns a Caution verdict, driven mainly by Electrical System complaints (67% share).
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 77.5
- 77 city / 77.5 hwy
Top 2021 Audi e-tron problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System24 (67%)
- Other10 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (25%)
- Engine7 (19%)
- Brakes3 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden 'Electrical system malfunction' warnings that force the car to stall or lose forward and reverse drive while in traffic.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle shutting off and locking into park at low speeds after overnight charging, then refusing to restart for a short period.
- Air conditioning has failed outright in some cars, with one vehicle out of service for 30 days waiting on parts.
- Several owners report the front motor needing replacement due to coolant seepage into the motor, tied to electrical malfunction warnings.
- Brake complaints describe brakes sticking to the rotors, preventing the car from moving until extra force is applied to the accelerator.
2021 Audi e-tron recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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.
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.
- NHTSA 23V867000Dec 20, 2023Electrical System26,866 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery thermal:management:software
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.
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.
- NHTSA 23V842000Dec 13, 2023Electrical System93,196 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
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.
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.
2021 Audi e-tron fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 77 MPG
- Highway
- 77.5 MPG
- Combined
- 77.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other e-tron years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi e-tron reliable?
- Compared with other e-tron model years, 2021 ranks 3rd worst out of 6 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than the 2019 model year but more than 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2021 Audi e-tron?
- Electrical System complaints make up 67% of all reported issues (24 of 36 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 26,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Audi e-tron have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls affecting the 2021 e-tron, covering areas including the brake booster, high-voltage battery modules, infotainment software, seat belts, and the glove box hinge. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 e-tron compare to the 2019 e-tron?
- The 2019 e-tron has a Complaint Index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, versus 60 for 2021, making 2019 the worse year among the two.