Are there any recalls for the 2021 AUDI e-tron?

Yes, the 2021 AUDI e-tron has 8 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD.

How many recalls does the 2021 AUDI e-tron have?

The 2021 AUDI e-tron has 8 recalls issued by NHTSA.

Is the 2021 AUDI e-tron safe to drive?

The 2021 AUDI e-tron has 8 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed.

2021 AUDI e-tron

Name: 2021 AUDI e-tron Consumer Complaints Data
Creator: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Published: 2026-02-23T14:00:52.033Z
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

8RecallsNHTSA Verified 31ComplaintsNHTSA Data 2InvestigationsNHTSA Data

Expert Verdict

⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Audi e-tron demonstrates a notable reliance on high-tech features, but the presence of multiple recalls raises serious concerns about passenger safety, especially for children secured in the back seat. The documented issues with service brakes and seat belts must be addressed to ensure safety compliance and functionality.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

The identified defects in the Audi e-tron directly impact essential safety systems that safeguard passengers, particularly vulnerable children in the rear seats. The malfunctioning rear seat belt retractors can hinder the proper securing of child restraint systems, which is vital for their protection in a collision. Furthermore, issues with the service brakes and potential dysfunctions in airbag deployment present significant risks, highlighting the importance of addressing these recalls promptly to maintain safety standards.

Focus Area:Safety Profile

📊

Expert Analysis

The overall safety trend for the 2021 Audi e-tron appears less favorable due to its eight recalls linked to critical components. This is concerning, particularly when considering child passenger safety, which should always be prioritized. Compared to other vehicles in its class, this model exhibits a higher-than-expected risk profile that necessitates immediate attention from both current owners and prospective buyers.

Safety & Reliability Score

24/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-64

Complaint Impact-1.55

Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 AUDI e-tron

Model Year2021

MakeAUDI

Modele-tron

Fuel TypeGasoline

Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →

Jan21

NEWProduction

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

ISSUEFirst Report

Feb21

RECALLRecall Issued

May21

RECALLRecall Issued

May22

RECALLRecall Issued

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

10 complaints (32% of total)

➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable

No trend data

✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 31 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High

6(19%)

🟡Medium

7(23%)

🟢Low

18(58%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that many issues are likely to manifest early in ownership. This is particularly alarming for families who may assume that new vehicles are free from such defects. Owners should remain vigilant during this initial mileage period and address any irregularities immediately to protect their loved ones.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 9 of 31 complaints (29% coverage)

0-20k

6 reports (67%)

20k-40k

3 reports (33%)

40k-60k

0 reports (0%)

60k-80k

0 reports (0%)

80k-100k

0 reports (0%)

100k+

0 reports (0%)

* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSTRUCTUREBACK OVER PREVENTIONEQUIPMENTELECTRICAL SYSTEM

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

Service Brakes

Issue: Corrosion may lead to brake system failure affecting stability and control.

✅

Have your braking system inspected by a qualified mechanic without delay.

🔍

Inquire about brake system maintenance records before purchasing.

Seat Belts

Issue: Rear seat belt retractors may deactivate early, hindering child seat protection.

✅

Check for recall notifications regarding rear seat belts and address them urgently.

🔍

Ensure all recall repairs have been completed prior to purchase.

Airbags

Issue: Glove box interference could compromise knee airbag deployment effectiveness during an accident.

✅

'Inspect glove box hinges for securement; report any anomalies immediately.'

🔍

'Confirm that necessary repairs have been enacted as per any active recall.'

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your AUDI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (8)

Campaign: 21V606000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

05/08/2021

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 21V707000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

13/09/2021

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.

Consequence

A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 21V595000

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

02/08/2021

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 68H6.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 21V569000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

26/07/2021

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.

Consequence

Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 22V742000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

05/10/2022

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 22V806000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

26/10/2022

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V842000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

13/12/2023

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V867000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE

20/12/2023

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 e-tron.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding e-tron performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 19,245

INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding e-tron performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 54,648

Consumer Complaints

31 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 e-tron.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning32%

Battery13%

Display10%

Leak10%

Stall10%

Accident6%

Burn6%

Fire6%

Acceleration Issues6%

Jerk6%

Electrical🔶 Medium

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Other⚠️ High

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Brakes🔶 Medium

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

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).

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

See attached document for complaint

Electrical⚠️ High

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Charger overheats Charger trips breaker Charging damaged burned wall outlet Charging damaged breaker

Electrical🔵 Low

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "Electrical System Malfunction: Safely Stop the Vehicle," after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System) and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues with the 2021 Audi e-tron related to child passenger safety?'

'Common issues include malfunctioning rear seat belt retractors which can fail to secure child restraint systems properly. This is critical as it directly impacts how securely a child can be fastened in their car seat during travel.'

'How does the brake system performance affect the overall safety of the Audi e-tron?'

'The brake system's integrity is paramount; corrosion leading to failures can result in loss of control or extended stopping distances, significantly increasing crash risk. Ensuring that any brake-related recalls are addressed promptly is essential for safe driving experiences.'

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified AUDI service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in AUDI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.

🛒

If You're Buying Used

Critical: Demand official documentation showing every AUDI recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later e-tron iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a AUDI specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

⚖️

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Safety Alert

📋Why This Matters

Expert Analysis

Safety & Reliability Score

Score Breakdown

Technical Specifications

Safety History Timeline

Consumer Complaint Analysis

Most Reported Issue

Complaint Trend

Safety Incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Mileage Failure Analysis

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Primary Risk Areas

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Service Brakes

Seat Belts

Airbags

Official Safety Recalls (8)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

NHTSA Investigations

Consumer Complaints

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

🧭What This Means for You

If You Own This Vehicle

If You're Buying Used

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