Audi e-tron Problems What To Know Before Buying
The Audi e-tron, introduced in 2019, was Audi’s first fully electric SUV and a significant move into the premium EV market. While it delivers comfort, performance, and advanced tech, many owners have reported recurring issues that potential buyers and current drivers should be aware of. Here is some Audi e-tron Problems:
1. Battery and Charging System Issues
Charging Errors
Some e-tron owners have experienced charging problems, where the car fails to start charging or throws error messages mid-session. These issues can occur at both home chargers and public stations.
Battery Recalls
Audi issued recalls on certain e-tron models due to moisture entering the battery compartment, which posed a risk of short circuits and fire. Vehicles affected needed dealer service for inspection and sealing.
2. Electrical System Malfunctions
Infotainment Glitches
The e-tron’s MMI system may freeze, crash, or reboot during use. These glitches can interrupt navigation, media playback, and access to vehicle settings.
Sensor Failures
Drivers have reported issues with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist, which either behave erratically or stop working altogether.
Drive motor units
The e-tron’s electric motors have mechanical seals that, by design, allow a small amount of coolant to leak over time. This is not a defect but a characteristic of the motor’s construction, intended to lubricate and cool the seals themselves. To prevent this coolant from accumulating and potentially flooding the motor—leading to catastrophic failure—Audi incorporated coolant reservoirs (or cartridges) to catch the leakage. There’s a front motor coolant catch cavity and a rear motor coolant reservoir, often referred to as a “cartridge.” Audi’s maintenance schedule, as noted in posts on Audi, recommends emptying the front reservoir and replacing the rear cartridge every 20,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first, to ensure no overflow occurs. If the seals are healthy, only a few drops accumulate over this interval, but if a seal fails, the reservoir can fill rapidly, risking motor damage if not addressed. Keep eye on coolant level there is float. Coolant reservoir is sealed permanently to avoid access more likely for that purpose to monitor coolant loss.
3. Software and Firmware Challenges
Over-the-Air Update Failures
While convenient, OTA updates have failed for some users, leading to incomplete installations or inoperable features. In some cases, the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership for a manual reset.
Driver Assistance System Bugs
Some owners report false lane-keeping alerts, misaligned adaptive cruise control behavior, and other erratic responses from driver assist systems.
4. Mechanical Concerns
Brake System Anomalies
A few e-tron drivers have experienced squealing brakes, inconsistent pedal feel, and poor braking performance under certain conditions, particularly during regen-to-hydraulic transition.
Suspension Issues
Complaints include rough ride quality, unexpected noises, or vibrations at certain speeds. Some of these issues were linked to suspension bushings or uneven tire wear.
5. Cold Weather Performance
Reduced Driving Range
Like most EVs, the e-tron suffers from significantly lower range in cold temperatures due to battery chemistry limitations and increased energy consumption for cabin heating.
Charging in Freezing Conditions
Some users experience slow or failed charging attempts in extreme cold, especially at public DC fast chargers. Ensuring pre-conditioning before charging can help mitigate this.
Conclusion
The Audi e-tron is a premium electric SUV with impressive features and performance. However, prospective buyers should be aware of its known issues, particularly with electronics, charging systems, and software. Regular updates, proper maintenance, and addressing recalls promptly can improve long-term ownership satisfaction.
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