2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Problems

The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e-tron models under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #2073858, where coolant breaches internal seals and compromises the gearbox oil, causing mechanical failure. The current dealership has taken a fluid sample but refuses to share the results, denying a high-voltage drivetrain warranty submission and demanding I pay out-of-pocket for a standalone "transmission" failure. Crucially, the dealership has explicitly documented on my file that "driving the car further will cause further damage," yet they are forcing me to pick up and drive this un-diagnosed, potentially hazardous vehicle off the lot on Monday. If the high-voltage motor shorts due to internal fluid contamination while driving, it creates a severe safety risk of a sudden loss of propulsion on active roadways.

A vehicle was taken to a collision repair facility following minor front-end damage. At intake, the repair facility documented visible exterior damage but did not perform or document an underbody inspection, which is necessary to assess high-voltage battery integrity in electric vehicles. After the vehicle entered teardown, the repair facility later claimed that the high-voltage battery was damaged and recommended that the vehicle be declared a total loss. This determination was made without documented evidence of required OEM diagnostic procedures and without initial intake documentation supporting battery damage. The sequence and timing of documentation raises concern that the battery damage determination was made after teardown rather than through proper inspection protocols. A subsequent manufacturer-level evaluation did not support the claim of battery damage. This situation presents a safety concern regarding whether proper high-voltage battery inspection and handling procedures are being followed by collision repair facilities. Misidentifying or improperly handling high-voltage battery conditions in electric vehicles can pose safety risks, including potential thermal events, improper classification of vehicle safety, or unsafe return to service. This complaint is submitted to request review of whether proper safety and OEM procedures were followed in evaluating the high-voltage battery, and whether this reflects a broader safety issue in electric vehicle collision repair practices.

Component/System: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Brake Pedal Assembly / Steering Linkage Description of Defect: A progressive mechanical noise and physical sensation occurs during driving transitions involving the brake, accelerator, and steering column. After the brake pedal is fully released and the accelerator is pressed, or when the steering wheel is turned, a distinct loud "thunk" and a sliding/dragging sound emanate from the brake pedal assembly area. When the accelerator is released, a secondary "click" sound is heard and felt through the controls. This condition did not exist when the vehicle was new and has progressively worsened in frequency and volume. The symptoms suggest a binding mechanical linkage, failing master cylinder pushrod bushing, or interference with the steering column shaft, potentially compromising braking response or causing pedal entrapment. Safety Risk: The physical sliding sensation and mechanical degradation pose a severe safety risk. Mechanical binding or un-isolated movement within the pedal box can cause unexpected resistance or delay when transitioning to emergency braking, increasing stopping distances or causing total failure of the brake pedal to actuate or return properly, increasing crash risk. Dealer / Manufacturer Actions: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Audi dealership. Comprehensive video and audio evidence explicitly capturing the exact "thunk," dragging noise, and click during vehicle operation was sent directly to dealership staff. Despite having irrefutable video confirmation of the defect, the dealer has refused to properly diagnose or address the issue. The dealership is now completely ignoring all communication, failing to return calls, and disregarding this critical safety defect. Warning Symptoms: No electronic dashboard warning lights or fault messages. Symptoms are strictly mechanical and acoustic, amplifying over time.

After dealership service and recall-related calibration work, my vehicle developed multiple safety-related issues that did not exist prior to service. The dealership documented a diagnostic trouble code for “Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected” (P29FF00), a critical high-voltage battery safety fault. Instead of diagnosing and repairing the root cause, the dealership cleared the fault code and returned the vehicle to me, stating it was operating as designed. Following this, the vehicle has exhibited abnormal and unsafe behavior, including significant and inconsistent loss of driving range, irregular energy consumption, regenerative braking issues, and braking concerns such as squealing, mechanical drag, and rotor heat buildup affecting stopping performance. Additionally, multiple control modules associated with the recall and calibration work are affected, including systems related to driver assistance and vehicle operation. These systems required recalibration, and the vehicle’s behavior changed following this process, raising concerns about improper calibration of safety-critical systems such as lane keeping and stability functions. The dealership’s documentation confirms fault codes were erased without confirmed repair or root cause resolution. No clear diagnostic explanation was provided for the battery fault or related system issues. Audi of America has been notified and has refused further escalation or assistance, directing all responsibility back to the dealership despite unresolved safety concerns. I am concerned the vehicle is operating with unresolved high-voltage battery and system faults that pose a serious safety risk, including potential battery failure, loss of braking performance, and malfunctioning driver assistance systems

The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e-tron models under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #2073858, where coolant breaches internal seals and compromises the gearbox oil, causing mechanical failure. The current dealership has taken a fluid sample but refuses to share the results, denying a high-voltage drivetrain warranty submission and demanding I pay out-of-pocket for a standalone "transmission" failure. Crucially, the dealership has explicitly documented on my file that "driving the car further will cause further damage," yet they are forcing me to pick up and drive this un-diagnosed, potentially hazardous vehicle off the lot on Monday. If the high-voltage motor shorts due to internal fluid contamination while driving, it creates a severe safety risk of a sudden loss of propulsion on active roadways.

A vehicle was taken to a collision repair facility following minor front-end damage. At intake, the repair facility documented visible exterior damage but did not perform or document an underbody inspection, which is necessary to assess high-voltage battery integrity in electric vehicles. After the vehicle entered teardown, the repair facility later claimed that the high-voltage battery was damaged and recommended that the vehicle be declared a total loss. This determination was made without documented evidence of required OEM diagnostic procedures and without initial intake documentation supporting battery damage. The sequence and timing of documentation raises concern that the battery damage determination was made after teardown rather than through proper inspection protocols. A subsequent manufacturer-level evaluation did not support the claim of battery damage. This situation presents a safety concern regarding whether proper high-voltage battery inspection and handling procedures are being followed by collision repair facilities. Misidentifying or improperly handling high-voltage battery conditions in electric vehicles can pose safety risks, including potential thermal events, improper classification of vehicle safety, or unsafe return to service. This complaint is submitted to request review of whether proper safety and OEM procedures were followed in evaluating the high-voltage battery, and whether this reflects a broader safety issue in electric vehicle collision repair practices.

The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e-tron models under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #2073858, where coolant breaches internal seals and compromises the gearbox oil, causing mechanical failure. The current dealership has taken a fluid sample but refuses to share the results, denying a high-voltage drivetrain warranty submission and demanding I pay out-of-pocket for a standalone "transmission" failure. Crucially, the dealership has explicitly documented on my file that "driving the car further will cause further damage," yet they are forcing me to pick up and drive this un-diagnosed, potentially hazardous vehicle off the lot on Monday. If the high-voltage motor shorts due to internal fluid contamination while driving, it creates a severe safety risk of a sudden loss of propulsion on active roadways.

I own a 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback that experienced multiple serious issues involving the high-voltage battery system. During service at Audi South Atlanta, the dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P29FF00 – Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected. This code is related to battery overheating and potential thermal runaway, which is a critical safety condition in electric vehicles. Despite identifying this safety-related fault, the dealership did not perform any repair or replace any components. Instead, they cleared the fault codes and returned the vehicle to me stating it is operating as designed. Prior to and during this issue, the vehicle experienced: •Severe range reduction (approximately 60 miles at 60% charge) •Charging interruptions and warning messages •Regenerative braking malfunction •Abnormal energy consumption •Mechanical drag and braking irregularities These issues are consistent with a high-voltage battery or power system defect. The dealership’s decision to reset the fault code without addressing the underlying cause raises serious safety concerns. A thermal runaway-related fault should not be cleared and ignored, as it may indicate a risk of battery failure or fire. I am concerned that this vehicle may be unsafe to operate and that the defect was not properly diagnosed or repaired.

Component/System: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Brake Pedal Assembly / Steering Linkage Description of Defect: A progressive mechanical noise and physical sensation occurs during driving transitions involving the brake, accelerator, and steering column. After the brake pedal is fully released and the accelerator is pressed, or when the steering wheel is turned, a distinct loud "thunk" and a sliding/dragging sound emanate from the brake pedal assembly area. When the accelerator is released, a secondary "click" sound is heard and felt through the controls. This condition did not exist when the vehicle was new and has progressively worsened in frequency and volume. The symptoms suggest a binding mechanical linkage, failing master cylinder pushrod bushing, or interference with the steering column shaft, potentially compromising braking response or causing pedal entrapment. Safety Risk: The physical sliding sensation and mechanical degradation pose a severe safety risk. Mechanical binding or un-isolated movement within the pedal box can cause unexpected resistance or delay when transitioning to emergency braking, increasing stopping distances or causing total failure of the brake pedal to actuate or return properly, increasing crash risk. Dealer / Manufacturer Actions: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Audi dealership. Comprehensive video and audio evidence explicitly capturing the exact "thunk," dragging noise, and click during vehicle operation was sent directly to dealership staff. Despite having irrefutable video confirmation of the defect, the dealer has refused to properly diagnose or address the issue. The dealership is now completely ignoring all communication, failing to return calls, and disregarding this critical safety defect. Warning Symptoms: No electronic dashboard warning lights or fault messages. Symptoms are strictly mechanical and acoustic, amplifying over time.

The AEB system engages periodically with any obstacles while at a high speed. Suffered whiplash and anxiety as problems occurs without warning. Vehicle is available for inspection. Unprovoked Braking at high speeds on highway can be dangerous. Dealer has not responded to complaints of the issue on 2-3 service appointments. Dealer states there are no codes and no follow up was given. No previous errors notes vehicle was bought new and we are first owners.

A vehicle was taken to a collision repair facility following minor front-end damage. At intake, the repair facility documented visible exterior damage but did not perform or document an underbody inspection, which is necessary to assess high-voltage battery integrity in electric vehicles. After the vehicle entered teardown, the repair facility later claimed that the high-voltage battery was damaged and recommended that the vehicle be declared a total loss. This determination was made without documented evidence of required OEM diagnostic procedures and without initial intake documentation supporting battery damage. The sequence and timing of documentation raises concern that the battery damage determination was made after teardown rather than through proper inspection protocols. A subsequent manufacturer-level evaluation did not support the claim of battery damage. This situation presents a safety concern regarding whether proper high-voltage battery inspection and handling procedures are being followed by collision repair facilities. Misidentifying or improperly handling high-voltage battery conditions in electric vehicles can pose safety risks, including potential thermal events, improper classification of vehicle safety, or unsafe return to service. This complaint is submitted to request review of whether proper safety and OEM procedures were followed in evaluating the high-voltage battery, and whether this reflects a broader safety issue in electric vehicle collision repair practices.

Complete electrical system had a complete and unintended shut down making the vehicle totally inoperable for minute 15 seconds until electric (EV) power to the vehicle was restored. Occurred at a red light stop, if the power had failed while I was driving my 2022 Audi eTRON EV on Almaden Expressway, San JOse, CA would have had the potential to be catastrophic. Received a warning on the dashboard approximately 30 seconds prior to the unintended power failure to the vehicle indicating' "Malfunction of Driver Assistance". Vehicle also had experienced numerous false warning of traveling in the wrong direction on a one way road. This was incorrect as the warning indicated a street I was not driving on, that is approx. 85 miles away. This has happened approximately 4x prior to the unintended power disruption incident.