2021 AUDI e-tron Sportback
Recalls, Specs & Safety Report
The 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback stands out with no recalls, reflecting exceptional manufacturing quality. Despite 33 complaints, the absence of major safety issues underscores Audi's commitment to reliability in this segment.
Why This Matters
In the premium electric SUV market, a clean slate with zero recalls is a remarkable achievement. It indicates that Audi has engineered the e-tron Sportback with high standards and attention to detail, which is essential for instilling confidence in buyers who expect not just luxury but also reliability from their investment.
Expert Analysis
- Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
- Primary Risk Area:Warning
- Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.8)Summary: Year-over-year, Audi maintains a solid reputation for engineering excellence, particularly in its electric lineup. The lack of recalls for the e-tron Sportback is better than expected and suggests a strong risk profile for current and prospective owners.
Safety & Reliability Score
Score Breakdown
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 AUDI e-tron Sportback
Safety History Timeline
Consumer Complaint Analysis
Most Reported Issue
Complaint Trend
Safety Incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 33 consumer complaints by severity level.
Mileage Failure Analysis
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles highlights that any potential issues may arise early in ownership, specifically around the first two years. Owners should stay vigilant within this mileage bracket as it's when most minor electrical or component-related concerns might surface.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
General Electrical
Issue: Multiple TSBs indicate minor electrical faults, such as SOS light malfunctions and incomplete Audi connect installations.
Check for TSB updates regularly and monitor dashboard alerts related to these systems.
Request detailed service records to ensure proper installation of electronic features.
No Recalls Found
Zero Defect Certification
2021 AUDI e-tron Sportback
Safety Milestone: The 2021 AUDI e-tron Sportback maintains a perfect record. As of February 2026, there are 0 official recalls.
Compared to other 2021 models which average multiple safety campaigns, this vehicle's clean sheet is a testament to its engineering integrity.
π‘οΈ Proactive Safety Maintenance Guide
Even with a perfect recall record, regular maintenance safeguards your vehicle's reliability. Our experts recommend monitoring these systems:
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 e-tron Sportback.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
The vehicle's central locking system does not properly communicate with the keyfob resulting in the doors not unlocking as intended. I have had my child in the car seat in the back and if i accidentantly touch the handle the wrong way the doors will lock and I am unable to use the unlock feature to get my kid out. This could be a serious safety issue if someone becomes trapped in the rear seat and the central locking system does not allow unlocking of the doors.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I was driving on the highway and my sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit it, but there was a loud noise like a gunshot and the roof exploded outwards. Shards of glass landed in front of the car behind me who swerved to avoid them.
On five separate occasions across two separate drivers, we have experienced a partial brake failure in this vehicle. We strongly believe this to be a software defect and not a mechanical fault. On the e-Tron, the first portion of the brake pedal swing typically activates the regenerative braking. About mid-way through pressing the pedal, it changes to "real" mechanical brakes. When this brake failure occurs, we get to that midway point and the car lets off the regenerative braking but does NOT apply the mechanical brakes, so the end result is that the more you press the brake pedal, the less it works. Three of these five occasions occurred in one day, so by the time the third time came around, I was really paying attention and I'm very confident this wasn't driver error. In at least one case, the only reason that a crash was avoided is because the automatic braking / forward collision system activated. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer, who found "No Repairs Recommended". We requested an update to the ABS module software, as this software update is known to resolve multiple other problems with the braking system (see TSBs 2072977, 2061906) but we were denied the update.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
My Audi E-tron has a consistant problem with the MMI (Multi Media Interface, the main computer for the car). When I am driving, all the screens will go blank, I cannot see my speed, I have no HVAC controls, I am basically driving blind. To fix the issue, I have to pull over, turn off the ignition, open the driver door, close the driver door, put my foot on the brake, start the car again. Sometimes this happens in the first few minutes of driving, othertimes it happens when I am on the highway which poses a huge safety risk. This saftey issue has presented itself at least 5 times in the last 12 months. I have told Audi about this issue several times and they completely deny it exists. This is my 3rd Audi in 15 years and like every other Audi issue I have had, Audi will completely deny there is a problem until there is a recall forced on the company. It happened with the brakes of my last 2017 q7 and Audi kept telling me there was no issue, it finally got settled with a recall on the vehicle. The MMI has been an issue on this car since day 1. The MMI shutting off and putting everyones lives at risk has been going on for the last 12-18 months.
The vehicle's charging system keeps failing and turning off the charger. The rear doors do not open from the inside of the vehicle (intermittently).
This is in regards to Safety Recall Code: 93U8. Audi USA has failed to provided an updated 220V/240V charging unit cable and a compact/portable charging system software update for my vehicle in the 230 days since the product recall.
See attached document for complaint
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the reliability of the 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback?
The 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback boasts an impressive reliability record with zero recalls, signifying high manufacturing integrity. While there are some complaints mainly related to electrical systems, these are relatively minor and don't indicate widespread safety issues.
How do technical service bulletins affect the maintenance of my e-tron Sportback?
Technical service bulletins (TSBs) provide guidance on addressing specific concerns like electrical faults and brake vibrations. Staying informed about these TSBs can help you maintain your vehicle's performance and prevent minor issues from escalating.
Year-over-Year Context
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
If You Own This Vehicle
- Your 2021 e-tron Sportback currently shows zero open recalls. Maintain this status with scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Proactive tip: Enroll in AUDI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
If You're Buying Used
- Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
- This specific e-tron Sportback year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.