RoadVitals

2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
16
Latest Jul 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Audi Q4 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

  • Electrical1034.5%
  • Driver assistance413.8%
  • Brakes310.3%
  • Steering26.9%
  • Engine26.9%
  • Airbags26.9%
  • Tires & wheels13.4%
  • Body & structure13.4%
  • Fuel system13.4%
  • Exterior lighting13.4%
  • Seat belts13.4%
  • Suspension13.4%

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.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 2026

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 · filed Dec 11, 2025
All 10 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 22, 2026

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 · filed Dec 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already moved into the right or left lane (lanes next to mine) such sudden slow down from 50 mph to 0mph causes the cars behind me to stop suddenly and in several occasions almost ending in a rear ended crash against my car. I guess the radar identifies the traffic ahead next to my lane as a traffic “in front” of my car. Also, even when I am holding the steering wheel with one or 2 hands, frequently I received a message on the dashboard asking me to “Please take over steering” in yellow color, and if I don’t move the steering wheel side to side the yellow warning turns into a Red warning on the dashboard saying “Please take over steering” and if I don’t steer side to side, I get several hard pulls on my seat belt and a load alarm. The only way to avoid such progress of “warnings” is by steering my steering wheel side to side (zigzagging) on my lane. Who ever see me doing that would think I’m drunk or distracted regaining control of my car.

NHTSA ID 11648000 · filed Mar 12, 2025

I was driving on the highway at a very slow speed (<5mph) due to heavy traffic. All of a sudden my car accelerated and hit the car in front of me twice because brakes would not apply. I found similar user reports online (links below). These cases suggest that my experience is not an isolated incident, which raises serious safety concerns. Links to other users who have reported similar issues: https://www.e-tronforum.com/threads/unintended-sudden-acceleration.7662/ https://www.e-tronforum.com/threads/sudden-acceleration-issue.2124/ https://www.cars.com › ... › 20232023 Audi Q4 e-tron Consumer Reviews

NHTSA ID 11625261 · filed Nov 14, 2024

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already moved into the right or left lane (lanes next to mine) such sudden slow down from 50 mph to 0mph causes the cars behind me to stop suddenly and in several occasions almost ending in a rear ended crash against my car. I guess the radar identifies the traffic ahead next to my lane as a traffic “in front” of my car. Also, even when I am holding the steering wheel with one or 2 hands, frequently I received a message on the dashboard asking me to “Please take over steering” in yellow color, and if I don’t move the steering wheel side to side the yellow warning turns into a Red warning on the dashboard saying “Please take over steering” and if I don’t steer side to side, I get several hard pulls on my seat belt and a load alarm. The only way to avoid such progress of “warnings” is by steering my steering wheel side to side (zigzagging) on my lane. Who ever see me doing that would think I’m drunk or distracted regaining control of my car.

NHTSA ID 11648000 · filed Mar 12, 2025

While moving downhill at approximately 20 mph, the car suddenly lost all power and went into park. This abrupt stop caused the safety belt to lock me into the seat. As a result, two cars following me were forced to take evasive action to avoid rear-ending me. This sequence of events repeated itself, culminating in a sudden lurch forward as if the pedal was fully pressed. I managed to get the car out of traffic and notified Audi that a tow was needed because driving was unsafe. The car is currently at Audi of Honolulu. This is not the first loss of power issue with this car. A few days after purchasing the car it lost power in my garage. No towing company could extract the car from the garage because of its height and width with the towing equipment. The car reset itself after four days, and it was towed to the dealership. This car poses an immediate and extreme risk to the driver, passengers, and the public. It is imperative that this issue is addressed without delay.

NHTSA ID 11609263 · filed Aug 18, 2024

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 4, 2025

While moving downhill at approximately 20 mph, the car suddenly lost all power and went into park. This abrupt stop caused the safety belt to lock me into the seat. As a result, two cars following me were forced to take evasive action to avoid rear-ending me. This sequence of events repeated itself, culminating in a sudden lurch forward as if the pedal was fully pressed. I managed to get the car out of traffic and notified Audi that a tow was needed because driving was unsafe. The car is currently at Audi of Honolulu. This is not the first loss of power issue with this car. A few days after purchasing the car it lost power in my garage. No towing company could extract the car from the garage because of its height and width with the towing equipment. The car reset itself after four days, and it was towed to the dealership. This car poses an immediate and extreme risk to the driver, passengers, and the public. It is imperative that this issue is addressed without delay.

NHTSA ID 11609263 · filed Aug 18, 2024

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 22, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11689510 · filed Sep 24, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi I take the liberty of writing that issue in relation to the tires of the vehicle, Audi Q-4 ETron 2023 (Bridgestone Alenza A/S Sport 235/55R19) which the vehicle came with. It has 5,200 runs, the tread is coming loose.

NHTSA ID 11610493 · filed Aug 23, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

In several occasions I have noticed my Audi Q4 windows and tailgate are open the next day in the morning in my garage, after I made sure all windows and doors are properly closed and locked, thank God hasn’t happened when parking in open public parking lots and or in raining days. Also many times after locking doors and applying brake properly (after double checking before getting out of my car) I receive on myAudi App the notification that “is not locked “, and after checking my car it’s “unlocked “. Sorry I don’t have pictures for this issue.

NHTSA ID 11648004 · filed Mar 12, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11689510 · filed Sep 24, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly powered off and then immediately restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the seat belt had failed, causing the vehicle to stop while driving. The seat belt for the front driver’s side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ID 11608904 · filed Aug 16, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 9, 2026

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

Data on this page last refreshed .