Last updated: 2026-03-27
2021 Audi E-Tron Reliability Report
The 2021 Audi E-Tron scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 9 recalls and 32 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
9
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
38.7
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$987
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
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
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?
The 2021 Audi E-Tron scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2021 is year 3 of the First generation (2019).
With 32 owner complaints and 9 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (15) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (15) is essential before committing.
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: Several recurring issues with the 2021 Audi E-Tron's electrical system (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 Lexus RX
Reliability: 86/100
2021 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 58/100
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 higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
38.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 16.9
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.
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-Tron Repair 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.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Audi E-Tron.
Inspect for electrical system error messages during a test drive
Check for any signs of coolant leaks around the motor
Test the brakes for smooth transition from regenerative to mechanical braking
Verify that the charging system does not overheat or trip breakers
Ensure all doors unlock properly from both inside and outside
Test the MMI system for stability during operation
Buying a 2021 E-Tron? Check Its History First
Every 2021 Audi E-Tron has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2021 Audi E-Tron Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Audi E-Tron's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's Multi Media Interface (MMI) going blank while driving, causing loss of access to speed and HVAC controls. Additionally, owners describe issues with the charging system, such as overheating chargers and tripping breakers, which can damage outlets. Another common concern is the failure of the central locking system, leading to situations where doors cannot be unlocked from the outside, posing potential safety risks. Some owners note these issues occurring within the first year of ownership or at mileage as low as 19,282 miles. Safety implications include reports of vehicles losing power while driving and potential fire risks associated with battery and charging system malfunctions.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Audi E-Tron frequently report sudden loss of propulsion power accompanied by warning messages such as "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." These incidents often leave vehicles stranded and require towing, with some cases occurring while driving at higher speeds or in traffic. The typical mileage at which these issues occur ranges from approximately 9,800 to 25,000 miles. Multiple complaints also mention the need for motor replacements due to fluid leaks or coolant infiltration, leading to extended repair times. Safety implications are significant, as the loss of drive power can result in the vehicle being stuck in traffic or in hazardous locations, posing risks to occupants and other road users.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Audi E-Tron report several issues under the unknown or other category, with notable safety implications. One complaint describes a spontaneous sunroof explosion while driving on the highway, resulting in glass shards landing on the road. Another owner reports a fire incident caused by a failed Audi charger that burned the charge point leading into their house. Additionally, there are reports of water leaks from the car roof, which may track into the vehicle's electrical system, posing a potential fire risk in this electronic vehicle. Lastly, multiple owners note the absence of AM radio, which they were unaware of at the time of purchase, citing it as a missing safety feature for accessing traffic updates. These issues do not specify mileage ranges or timelines, but they highlight significant concerns for potential buyers regarding safety and feature expectations.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Audi E-Tron report issues related to the service brakes, with frequent mentions of partial brake failure. Specifically, they describe a failure in the transition from regenerative to mechanical braking, where pressing the brake pedal further results in reduced braking effectiveness. This issue has been observed on multiple occasions, sometimes occurring several times in one day, and in at least one instance, the automatic braking system was needed to prevent a collision. Additionally, another complaint highlights a problem with the brakes sticking to the rotors, causing the vehicle to be immobile until significant accelerator force is applied, which is described as potentially dangerous. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of loss of control and difficulty in stopping the vehicle.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Audi E-Tron report issues with the front motor related to coolant leakage. Complaints frequently mention the electrical malfunction warning light activating, followed by a need to replace the front motor due to coolant seepage. Reported symptoms include the vehicle dying in traffic, as described by one owner who experienced a sudden loss of power while driving. These issues are noted at mileages of approximately 9,300 to 20,759 miles. The safety implications include the risk of the vehicle stopping abruptly in traffic, which could be hazardous in high-speed or congested conditions.
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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi E-Tron Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi E-Tron year is 2020 with a reliability score of 62/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (55/100) and 2025 (50/100).
2020
2021
(Current Model)
2025
Audi E-Tron Years to Avoid
No Audi E-Tron years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Audi E-Tron maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Audi E-Tron Reliability Score Trend
Audi E-Tron reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 51/100.
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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi E-Tron have?
Is the 2021 Audi E-Tron expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Audi E-Tron without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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