RoadVitals

2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Aug 16, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Feb 27, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 790 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1134.4%
  • Driver assistance412.5%
  • Engine39.4%
  • Brakes39.4%
  • Airbags26.3%
  • Fuel system26.3%
  • Steering26.3%
  • Exterior lighting13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Feb 27, 2025
60,490 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. The instrument panel may not properly display the transmission gear lever indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
The risk: Failure to display the gear position may result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the brake control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97H3. Audi's number for this recall is 454R.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number Audi: 454R VW: 97H3View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

May 22, 2024
17,797 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Incorrect headlight control module software may cause the parking lights not to operate as intended when the headlights are turned on and the turn signals are activated, which can reduce vehicle visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the headlight control module with a new data set, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 941L.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 941LView on NHTSA.gov

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

Dec 13, 2023
93,196 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 93U6/93U8View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 16, 2026

On Friday, XXX, I stopped my vehicle in a parking spot, exited, and returned to my vehicle. I put it in drive, moved from the parking spot, and before I could reach 10 mph, the vehicle began to shake/vibrate violently, and the dash lit up with electrical system malfunction warning. On Saturday, XXX, my [XXX] daughter, who was driving my [XXX] and [XXX] daughters home, called me to tell me that the vehicle failed and that she had "safely pulled into someone’s driveway". We had been out of town, and she was caring for her sisters and my vehicle has the carseats. My [XXX] daughters frequently drive my car. She was a mile away from home, so she did “the routine”. She had to do this 5 times - with me on the phone - just to get the vehicle home and her sisters to safety. After my husband and I returned home Saturday, XXX, we got in the vehicle so that we could possibly get it on video. We were able to finally get video evidence of the problem so that we can no longer be turned away from Audi with the excuse of “no evidence” of a problem. The history: XXX, I had my vehicle towed to Audi, because the electrical system malfunctioned in our driveway not in motion. I was told that the problem could not be replicated and, therefore, not resolved and that Audi “requests vehicle to be released to the customer”. On XXX, we contacted Audi once again to report two instances of the same problem, both which occurred while in motion. The vehicle then went limp and brought me to a stop on the side of the road, on a sharp bend, with, again, my two youngest children in the back seat. Then, my husband and I were in the vehicle and had stopped at a traffic light on a 55 mph road. XXX diagnosis: “Could not duplicate customer concern during several test drives, found no relevant fault codes” and “no obvious electrical or mechanical failures during hoist inspection at this time” were the notes in the report back to us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11757319
Incident
Aug 15, 2026
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 17, 2026

I am reporting a severe safety recall compliance failure and fraudulent reporting by an authorized dealership regarding a 2023 Audi electric vehicle. On May 30, 2024, under Repair Order 227719, the dealership officially certified to the NHTSA and Audi that Safety Recall 93U6 (Compact/Portable Charging System Cable) was fully completed. The dealership never actually removed or replaced the hazardous, fire-prone charging hardware. The original recalled cable (Part Number: 8V4.971.675.BB) remains in my home and is available for inspection. The dealer falsely reported a federal safety remedy as remedied while leaving a fire-hazardous component in a consumer's possession. The vehicle suffers from chronic, sporadic overnight charging failures where the vehicle indicates it is charging via a green indicator light but fails to draw power overnight. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer in July 2026 for this defect, at which point the false historical recall reporting was discovered on the printed history report

NHTSA ID
11751185
Incident
May 30, 2024
Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 2026

Front suspension ball joint failure occurred while driving approximately 70 mph on an interstate highway, resulting in sudden loss of vehicle control and requiring immediate emergency response. The vehicle is a 2023 Audi e-tron A5. Two weeks prior to the sudden failure, an Audi dealership inspected the same front corner of the vehicle following earlier damage and stated that the front suspension and wheel components were safe and the vehicle was fit to drive, replaced the rear right tire and recommended replacing the rear wheel housing after not being able to get the full car alignment to spec. I told them I wanted to defer that service until later in February unless it was catastrophic when we discussed the findings. They told me that the car was safe to drive and proceeded with the wheel alignment and replacement on the rear. The ball joint failure was catastrophic and presents a serious safety concern, particularly given the recent dealer inspection and the short time between inspection and failure. Warranty coverage was later denied by the dealership, despite having just inspected the car for damage and claimed that the failure of the front ball joint was caused by deferring the rear wheel housing service. I am submitting this complaint due to the safety implications of a suspension component failure at highway speed and concern that the defect may have existed and should have been detected during the prior inspection.

NHTSA ID
11716747
Incident
Jan 22, 2026
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Jan 22, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a frontal impact. The entire incident occurred within approximately two to three seconds, during which the vehicle accelerated rapidly. Despite the collision, the airbags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock, and neither the brake system warning nor the automatic braking system activated.

NHTSA ID
11712662
Incident
Jan 13, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Dec 11, 2025
Crash reported

I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next to him, the car self accelerated after coming to complete stop, jumped a pakring block and crashed into my garage wall. Dealer had the car for 2-3 weeks and still couldn't replicate. Third incident was 10/30/25 while at a complete stop in traffic leaving a parking lot, the car was at complete stop and 'self-acclerated' into the vehicle in front. This incident caused my vehcile to be total-loss by insurance. Audi case was also open and they said no fault and told me it's an insurrance matter. I believe there are many cases like mine and they are aware. There are lots of discussion on the defective 'self-accelreation' on Audi Q4 Etron. take a look at this link "https://www.reddit.com/r/etron/comments/16ta6qe/beware_of_the_q4_etron_sudden_acceleration/"

NHTSA ID
11704429
Incident
Oct 30, 2025
Electrical
Filed Nov 5, 2025
1 injury reported

Primary issue is electric shock hazard and limb dismemberment. It was confirmed by an Audi service tech that all Audi Q4s have dangerous gaps in every door. My child 8 years old got her finger caught between the panel and door frame. She could have cut or worse lost her finger should the door rapidly open or close. Wires are exposed leaving the easy situation of access to wires with sharp metal objects that a kid could do. Open door panels have sharp edges leading g to easy cuts. As the wires are colorful and visually appealing a kid would be enticed to try to acquire. The techs will not close the panel to frame since this is Audi’s deliberate design. Tech claims to have fixed but clearly was not touched. Audi should be required to redesign door paneling and reinstall proper paneling. All door paneling to the door frames should be closed and secured with zero gaps. Video claiming this normal is found here [XXX] &section=RECOMMENDATIONS&shouldOpenInspectionsReport=true INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11697683
Incident
Oct 31, 2025
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 24, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11689510
Incident
Aug 21, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 4, 2025

Car alarmed that my EV had a major electrical issue and made sirens outside as to warn others to not come close and keep distance as if the car will catch fire or explode. I replicated this warning again sitting in the car. Fearing the car will catch fire I had it moved out of my garage. My Audi Service Center was not able to replicate the issue and I provided video and photo evidence of the danger. They claim that car works normal. In the photo is the battery light and sos light on. In addition, all safety features failed to work. Audi Q4 Etron regularly crashes and driver lose federally required safety features. For example additional photos show the loss of speedometer reading stuck on 8 mph and other safety features. These crashes happen at least once a week.

NHTSA ID
11652841
Incident
Apr 3, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2082976_2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.

TSB_2074436_3

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

TSB_2068999_4

STRUCTURE:BODY

This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.

TSB_2069078_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

TSB_2067132_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.

TSB_2064681_6

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi Q4 E-Tron by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025410—
2024223059.0
2023Viewing174065.9
2022350—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.