Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Audi e-tron Reliability Report
The 2021 Audi E-Tron has mixed reliability. Its main problem is sudden loss of drive power after an electrical system warning.
Recalls
9
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
38.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$987
EV Range
218–222 mi
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Among the stronger E-Tron years, but owners report sudden power loss after electrical warnings, and the 2020 model has far fewer complaints.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (2019).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 1st generation e-tron (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: First generation (2019) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (2019).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi e-tron?
Buy with caution. Reliability is mixed. Within the E-Tron lineup this is one of the stronger years, but against other 2021 SUVs it sits well below average. The 2020 rates better and the 2022 rates worse. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.
The main problem is electrical. A yellow Electrical System Malfunction warning can escalate to a "safely stop vehicle" alert, and then the motor shuts off while driving, even at highway speed. Some cars will not restart, and dealers sometimes cannot find a cause. Owners report these power losses between roughly 9,300 and 25,000 miles. In two reports, coolant got into the front motor, and the fix was a whole new motor. Two owners describe brakes that fade or stick. Federal records list 9 recalls, including service brakes and electrical system. Some owners say dealers could not finish open recall repairs because parts were unavailable.
Consider a 2020 first. If you stay with a 2021, get proof that every recall repair is done, and ask for any history of electrical warnings or front motor work.
Compared to the 2022 Audi e-tron, which scored 6 points lower. See also the 2020 Audi e-tron for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 32 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (17 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Audi e-tron With
2021 Tesla Model Y
Reliability: 46/100
2021 Tesla Model X
Reliability: 51/100
2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 58/100
2021 Lexus RX
Reliability: 86/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2021 Audi e-tron has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
38.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Audi e-tron Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi e-tron. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2021 Audi e-tron? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Audi e-tron, and 9 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Audi e-tron NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.2%
Safety Technologies
Audi e-tronRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$987
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2021 Audi e-tron Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake Hose Replacement | $174 – $202 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $275 – $403 |
| Power Mirror Switch Replacement | $268 – $321 |
| HVAC Air Door Actuator Replacement | $1,176 – $1,243 |
| Exhaust Manifold Replacement | $2,042 – $2,672 |
| Engine Control Module (ECM) Replacement | $1,414 – $1,471 |
| Transmission Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| Instrument Cluster Replacement | $3,606 – $3,678 |
| Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement | $153 – $224 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement | $510 – $610 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Electric
218–222 mi range
Fuel cost: $1,000/yr
Fuel only
43.409–43.981 kWh/100mi · 10 hrs @ 240V
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-tron | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 222 mi | 43.4 | $1,000 |
| e-tron Sportback | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 218 mi | 44.0 | $1,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Audi e-tron.
Check the VIN in federal recall records and get written proof that every recall repair is done, not waiting on parts.
Ask for service records showing any front motor replacement, coolant leak repair, or battery controller work.
Drive at least half an hour, including highway speed, and watch for any electrical system or drive system warning.
Watch the center screens during the whole test drive and reject the car if any screen goes blank.
Open every door with the key fob and from inside, including both rear doors.
At low speed, press the brake gradually from light to firm and confirm the braking keeps getting stronger.
Inspect the headliner and sunroof area for water stains, and check the sunroof glass for cracks.
Look over the charging cable and plug for scorch marks, and confirm a full charge session finishes without stopping.
2021 Audi e-tron Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaintsA yellow "Electrical System Malfunction" warning can turn into a "safely stop vehicle" alert, and then the motor shuts off while driving, even at highway speed. Some cars will not restart, and dealers sometimes cannot find a cause. Several complaints are about open recall repairs that dealers cannot finish because parts are not available. Other reports describe the center screens going blank while driving, doors that will not unlock with the key fob, rear doors that will not open from inside, home charging that overheats or trips breakers, and an A/C failure that kept a car in the shop for 30 days while waiting for parts.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsDrive power cuts out suddenly after an electrical system warning. The car coasts to a stop or stalls, sometimes in an intersection or a traffic lane, and has to be towed. Some owners say it has happened more than once. Reported repairs include a front motor replaced after coolant got into it and a master controller replaced in the battery. Reports cluster between about 13,090 miles and under 25K. A separate complaint describes the car shutting off and shifting into Park at low speed after overnight charging. The dealer called that normal.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedSeveral unrelated problems show up here. One fire-flagged report says the charger failed and burned the household charge point. Other owners describe a roof leak that lets water into the cabin, and a sunroof that burst outward on the highway with a loud bang, throwing glass onto the road behind. One complaint notes the car has no AM radio, which the buyer was not told about at purchase. Each problem appears in only one complaint.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsBraking can fade partway through the pedal stroke. In these reports, regenerative braking lets off at the midpoint but the mechanical brakes do not engage, so pressing harder slows the car less. One owner says this happened five times with two different drivers. Another complaint describes brakes sticking to the rotors so the car will not move, with loud noises when forced. The dealer called that normal. Both problems raise a clear crash risk.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsCoolant seeps into the front electric motor and kills it. A contact-service warning comes first, then a pull-over alert, and then the car can jerk and die in traffic before the driver can reach the shoulder. Dealers fix it by replacing the whole front motor, and one report cites a turnaround of 2 weeks or more. The failures in these reports happen between 9,300 and 20,759 miles. One of the two reports describes a 2022 car.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and came to a complete stop. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was able to restart after 10-15 attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,780.
When Do 2021 Audi e-tron Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi e-tron Years
Best Audi e-tron Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020
2021
(Current Model)
2018
Audi e-tron Years to Avoid
No Audi e-tron years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 46 and 62 across 8 scored model years.
Audi e-tron Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 49/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 50/100 | Mixed |
Audi e-tron Reliability Compared to Other Years
2021 Audi e-tron Common Questions
10 questions from 2021 Audi e-tron owners.
Obd2 reads error
Obd2 will not read only says error after battrie arck Nothing More than a month
This Repair Pal shop will only use OEM parts and not aftermarket
Endurance warranty participates in Repairpals network and uses them as Certified Repair shops. This repair pals shop will not use the parts provided by Endurance (aftermarket) and will only use OEM to provide the 12k mile warranty. Is this right? More than a month
Light indicator
What does a triangle with exclamation point in it light mean? Started today
Why would Audi A4 smell like gas while car is running?
Why would Audi A4 smell like gas while car is running? More than a week
camshaft position sensor
i've been looking for the camshaft position sensor for my 1992 audi s4. I believe that it is hiding behind the timing belt cover and timing gear but I'm not sure and don't wanna rip it all apart and have it be somewhere else. if someone can help tell me where this sensor is and how I can get to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Audi E-Tron reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
Does the 2021 Audi E-Tron have sudden power loss problems?
Does the 2021 Audi E-Tron have brake problems?
Is the 2021 Audi E-Tron better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Audi e-tron without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Audi e-tron
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Audi e-tron does best on how many systems draw complaints (85/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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