Last updated: 2026-03-27

2023 Audi E-Tron Reliability Report
The 2023 Audi E-Tron scores 46/100 ("Mixed"). With 22 recalls and 30 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
22
Complaints
30
Complaint Rate
196.7
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 (21)
- STEERING (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 received a facelift (renamed to q8 e-tron) update for the First generation (2019).
- Changes: New branding; Updated features.
- Year 5 in this generation (2019–2023).
- 1st generation E-Tron (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2019: First generation (2019) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year (Refresh)
2023 received a facelift (renamed to q8 e-tron) update for the First generation (2019).
Should You Buy the 2023 Audi E-Tron?
The 2023 Audi E-Tron scores 46/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2023 received a facelift (renamed to q8 e-tron) update for the First generation (2019).
With 30 owner complaints and 22 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system and electrical system (15) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system and electrical system (15) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2024 Audi E-Tron, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2022 Audi E-Tron for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 30 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM complaints dominate (53%)
Compare 2023 Audi E-Tron With

2023 Tesla Model Y
Reliability: 53/100

2023 Tesla Model X
Reliability: 47/100

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
Reliability: 56/100

2023 BMW X5
Reliability: 65/100

2023 Lexus RX
Reliability: 85/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 22 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
- STEERING (4)
Recall Overview
22
recalls on record
The 2023 Audi E-Tron has 22 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
196.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Audi E-Tron Recall Details
22 recalls have been issued for the 2023 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 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.
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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."
Consequence
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.
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.
Showing 10 of 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2023 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.
2023 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 2023 Audi E-Tron.
Test for unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
Inspect charging system for overheating or melting at wall sockets
Verify brake functionality, especially at low speeds
Check for any unresolved recalls related to electrical or braking systems
Inspect suspension components for wear or damage, especially ball joints
Test infotainment and electronic systems for random malfunctions
Buying a 2023 E-Tron? Check Its History First
Every 2023 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.
2023 Audi E-Tron Common Problems by Component
30 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2023 Audi E-Tron's electrical system, with a significant number of complaints about unintended acceleration, which in some cases led to crashes and injuries. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes when at a complete stop, and issues with charging systems, such as failure to charge and overheating of wall sockets. Multiple owners mention electronic malfunctions like emergency warnings and alarms without cause, and problems with doors and windows not locking or unlocking as intended. These issues often arise at low mileage, with some reports indicating occurrences as early as 1,500 miles. The unintended acceleration and charging malfunctions pose notable safety risks, including potential for vehicle control loss and fire hazards.
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron frequently report issues related to unexpected steering and braking behavior. Multiple complaints describe sudden, unanticipated braking or loss of power, often leading to near rear-end collisions, with one report involving an actual crash. Some owners mention receiving persistent dashboard warnings to "take over steering," even when they are already holding the wheel, requiring them to zigzag to clear the alerts. Additionally, there are reports of electrical and steering malfunctions that remain unresolved despite repeated dealership visits. These symptoms appear at various mileage ranges shortly after purchase, indicating potential safety risks during regular driving scenarios.
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, with symptoms including complete brake failure and unintended acceleration. Multiple complaints describe instances where the brake pedal is pressed fully to the floor without the vehicle stopping, sometimes requiring the ABS or pre-collision system to engage. In one case, a crash occurred when the car accelerated despite the brake being applied, resulting in a collision with parked vehicles. Complaints also mention the vehicle becoming immobilized with locked wheels, requiring specialized towing. These issues are reported across varying mileages and include references to ongoing service challenges and recalls, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron report issues with the power train, particularly involving a loss of acceleration and power. Typical symptoms include the vehicle failing to accelerate from a stop and losing power while driving, with one account mentioning the car stalling and rolling backwards on an incline. These issues have been noted at low mileage, around 380 miles in one case. Safety implications are evident as the loss of power can lead to loss of control, although brakes reportedly remain functional. Some complaints mention that the problem may be linked to a refrigerant leak affecting the front electric motor.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron report issues with sudden unintended acceleration and heating system failures. In one instance, a driver describes the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating while reversing, resulting in a collision with another car. This issue appears to occur without the driver pressing the accelerator, as noted by multiple owners. Additionally, some drivers experience failures in the heating system, which blows cold air instead of hot, posing a safety risk in cold climates. These problems are reported without specific mileage details, but the heating issue is noted in Canadian recalls for 2021-2023 models.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron report incidents of sudden unintentional acceleration, particularly during low-speed maneuvers such as turning. Complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly launching forward when the brake is released, resulting in collisions with stationary objects. These incidents often occur shortly after acquiring the vehicle, with one owner reporting the issue within 11 days of ownership. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, airbag deployment, and one injury involving bruising and back muscle pain. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially when considering vehicles with low mileage or recent purchase dates.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Audi E-Tron report suspension issues primarily involving front suspension ball joint failures and air suspension malfunctions. Typical symptoms include sudden loss of vehicle control at highway speeds and loud thump noises followed by error messages and abnormal lowering of the vehicle. These problems occur within the first year of ownership, with one owner noting a catastrophic failure at approximately 70 mph on an interstate highway. Safety implications are significant, as one report details a sudden loss of control that required emergency response. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues, especially regarding potential safety risks and the reported difficulty in obtaining warranty coverage for related repairs.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedAs 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.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintHi 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.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintThe 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.
When Do 2023 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).
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
2023 Audi E-Tron Common Questions
10 questions from 2023 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 2023 Audi E-Tron reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Audi E-Tron?
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi E-Tron have?
Is the 2023 Audi E-Tron expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Audi E-Tron without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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.
Browse More Audi Models

Audi A4
Score: 81/100

Audi A5
Score: 77/100

Audi E-Tron-GT
Score: 75/100

Audi Q3
Score: 75/100

Audi Q5
Score: 76/100

Audi Q7
Score: 68/100
Browse More 2023 Vehicles

2023 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100

2023 Nissan Altima
Score: 84/100

2023 Toyota Crown
Score: 84/100

2023 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100

2023 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100

2023 KIA Carnival
Score: 82/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue