2022 Audi E-Tron Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Audi E-Tron, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1738.6%
- Brakes818.2%
- Driver assistance613.6%
- Engine511.4%
- Powertrain (other)36.8%
- Steering12.3%
- Fuel system12.3%
- Exterior lighting12.3%
- Other / unspecified12.3%
- Airbags12.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, the vehicle displayed three simultaneous warnings — “Drive system malfunction, safely stop vehicle,” “Electrical system malfunction, restart not possible, contact service,” and “All-wheel drive malfunction, limited stability” — and lost propulsion completely. This occurred on at least two separate occasions while driving. After each event, the vehicle would not restart for approximately 15 minutes, after which it began working again temporarily. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Audi dealer, which found no coolant in the front drive motor and diagnosed a fault in the SX6 high-voltage battery switching module, which controls connection of the high-voltage battery. The SX6 module was replaced. This followed a separate repair approximately three months earlier for a failure of the J1050 high-voltage battery charger control module, which had to be replaced twice due to communication failures with the vehicle’s electrical system. I am concerned this represents a recurring high-voltage electrical system defect that creates a risk of sudden loss of vehicle control/propulsion while driving.
The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but active 'Electrical system: malfunction!' safety alert on the dashboard and myAudi app, caused by an internal high-voltage battery cell circuit fault (Diagnostic Trouble Code P0DB400 / U04A300) and a failure in the battery thermal runaway detection system. When the fault occurs, the vehicle suffers a complete loss of regenerative braking, severely affecting stopping predictability and vehicle handling. An authorized Audi dealership (Audi West Chester) confirmed the internal module failure under TAC Case NF-1675032 and directed a full battery module replacement. Diagnostic scans have confirmed two highly critical manufacturer trouble codes: P0DB400 (Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit "C") and U04A300 (Invalid Data Received From Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module "C"). However, a second dealership (Audi Cherry Hill) is refusing to honor the High-Voltage Battery Warranty or perform the necessary repairs because the safety code is currently showing as 'static' during their stationary test. Leaving an active high-voltage balancing and thermal tracking defect unaddressed poses an immediate risk of a sudden vehicle shutdown while driving or a potential thermal event.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but active 'Electrical system: malfunction!' safety alert on the dashboard and myAudi app, caused by an internal high-voltage battery cell circuit fault (Diagnostic Trouble Code P0DB400 / U04A300) and a failure in the battery thermal runaway detection system. When the fault occurs, the vehicle suffers a complete loss of regenerative braking, severely affecting stopping predictability and vehicle handling. An authorized Audi dealership (Audi West Chester) confirmed the internal module failure under TAC Case NF-1675032 and directed a full battery module replacement. Diagnostic scans have confirmed two highly critical manufacturer trouble codes: P0DB400 (Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit "C") and U04A300 (Invalid Data Received From Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module "C"). However, a second dealership (Audi Cherry Hill) is refusing to honor the High-Voltage Battery Warranty or perform the necessary repairs because the safety code is currently showing as 'static' during their stationary test. Leaving an active high-voltage balancing and thermal tracking defect unaddressed poses an immediate risk of a sudden vehicle shutdown while driving or a potential thermal event.
Brakes were replaced by Audi with genuine Audi parts and within 2 months, the brake rotors became warped, requiring a resurfacing. After driving another 2 months, they once again became warped, making the entire car lurch and shake during braking.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My drive motors keep failing (so far 3 times) and my emergency braking abruptly stops my vehicle when no true danger is present and I’m in complete control of my vehicle. Currently my vehicle has a constant shuddering while braking which doesn’t feel safe because it’s not braking properly. Audi regional and the dealership refuses to take ownership of the issue. Dealer has confirmed issue and replaced drive motors three times. Each time my braking system has gotten worse. The part was replaced each time under warranty but Audi has not confirmed that a fix has been found and corrected. This means it can occur again and abruptly which can absolutely be a safety hazard as it was each time it failed on me.
The vehicles software system regularly crashes and/or does not load leaving all camera functionality and safety alerts inoperable. I have had the vehicle in to address these concerns 5 times with no resolve from the manufacturer. Even with video evidence they claim the vehicle is functioning as intended. This is in direct violation of FMVSS 111 as the rearview camera is regularly not available. Sometimes the system reboots within seconds and sometimes it takes 10 minutes or more.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car occasionally does not respond to pushing the pedal to accelerate. The first time it happened, I though it was user error after sitting at a light. Well within the same 30 minutes it happened again entering a carwash. Today I was sitting at a light waiting for it to turn green. Once green, I pushed the accelerator to go and the car would not accelerate. This is the second time in two weeks and approximately fifth time since I purchased the car in October 2023. No dashboard warning prior to this.
I was driving on the interstate freeway in normal conditions when my 2022 Audi E-tron suddenly showed a message "Electrical system malfunction!" and lost all power to the motors. Thankfully I was in the rightmost lane already and I was able to steer and coast over to the shoulder even while pressing the gas pedal had no effect. If I had been in another lane it could have led to a major accident if my car stalled in the middle of a busy freeway. I had the vehicle towed to the local Audi dealer service center, but so far they have not been able to diagnose the problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My drive motors keep failing (so far 3 times) and my emergency braking abruptly stops my vehicle when no true danger is present and I’m in complete control of my vehicle. Currently my vehicle has a constant shuddering while braking which doesn’t feel safe because it’s not braking properly. Audi regional and the dealership refuses to take ownership of the issue. Dealer has confirmed issue and replaced drive motors three times. Each time my braking system has gotten worse. The part was replaced each time under warranty but Audi has not confirmed that a fix has been found and corrected. This means it can occur again and abruptly which can absolutely be a safety hazard as it was each time it failed on me.
I was driving on the interstate freeway in normal conditions when my 2022 Audi E-tron suddenly showed a message "Electrical system malfunction!" and lost all power to the motors. Thankfully I was in the rightmost lane already and I was able to steer and coast over to the shoulder even while pressing the gas pedal had no effect. If I had been in another lane it could have led to a major accident if my car stalled in the middle of a busy freeway. I had the vehicle towed to the local Audi dealer service center, but so far they have not been able to diagnose the problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 1/18/23, I was driving my 2022 E-tron on a roadway that had no center lane markings. I had my seatbelt and cruise control on. I was traveling at 34mph straight on the right side of the roadway. Suddenly, and without warning, my car took control, drove off the road to the right, and crashed into a tree. I suffered severe injuries, including but not limited to, loss of consciousness, concussion with vertigo, vision problems, neck, back, left arm/hand, and left leg injuries. I continue to suffer from my injuries to this day.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Electric car that does not hold power. Ad says full charge can get you to 220 mi, however i can barely get 170 mi of full charge.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Reverse lights do not meet minimum required illumination under J593c. Consequently, when dark, it is impossible to see objects or curbs behind the vehicle in the backup camera screen even on maximum brightness creating a safety hazard.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. The brakes all of a sudden failed. We were at an elementary school in carpool line - near children- the brake pedal did not work at all, nothing. Warning message to stop driving brake failure. The Audi-Sense alert did at least put on the emergency parking brake before hitting a car ahead of us. Turned off and on, checking if computer vs actual brake issue (see below, computer issues as well). The car lurched forward, then warning, got out of line onto side of parking lot. After turning off and on again, it worked to drive again. Unclear right now if brakes actually gone but European recall Sept 2021 suggests this is really a brake issue and recall exactly as described here (I bought this car three months later, which suggests gross negligence on part of Audi here). 2. Tire sensors do not work, wrong readings on pressure. Safety issue. Similar e-tron recalled, but not mine - again, Audi negligence not properly recalling all impacted vehicles. 3. Additional computer errors. The screen goes black when in use and cannot be accessed while driving. Not a safety issue, but controls and visibility are lost. As I can only list 3 problems here will open a second issue for remaining failures on this 9 month old vehicle. Thank you, this model should not be sold in US. Unsafe.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 1/18/23, I was driving my 2022 E-tron on a roadway that had no center lane markings. I had my seatbelt and cruise control on. I was traveling at 34mph straight on the right side of the roadway. Suddenly, and without warning, my car took control, drove off the road to the right, and crashed into a tree. I suffered severe injuries, including but not limited to, loss of consciousness, concussion with vertigo, vision problems, neck, back, left arm/hand, and left leg injuries. I continue to suffer from my injuries to this day.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .