What kind of problems does an Audi E-Tron usually have? In this blog, we’ve outlined the most important things you should watch out for when you’re in the market for an E-Tron. However, let’s first start with a quick answer.
The most important problems of the 2020 and 2021 Audi E-Tron are the loss of the ABS and ESC, which reduces control over the vehicle. Another problem is the short circuit risk in the 2019 E-Tron, which is fixed with a recall. Other minor problems include the overly sensitive sensors and software glitches in the 2019 model and the seatbelt and knee airbag deployment problems in the 2021 model.
That was the most straightforward answer possible. In the article below, we’ll discuss every problem in detail. This includes identifying it, fixing it, and determining how much it costs to repair. Read on!
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1. Loss of ABS and ESC
ABS is the Anti-Lock Brake System that prevents the brakes from locking while giving you more control of the vehicle as you apply the brakes. ESC is the Electronic Stability Control system that helps stabilize your vehicle using wheel-specific brakes and engine torque adjustment.
Both of these systems are vital in ensuring a safe and smooth ride; the loss of these systems results in poor vehicle control and difficult braking that requires more effort and increases the time taken for your vehicle to come to a stop. This will, of course, increase the risk of severe crashes and injuries for the driver and passengers.
A faulty brake booster causes the loss of these systems; this problem develops due to corrosion in the brake booster or failure of an improper weld within the brake booster. This brake booster failure can cause the ABS, ESC, speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
Audi issued a much-needed recall to fix this dangerous problem in 2021. As a part of the recall, the vehicles must be taken to the dealership, where the brake booster will be replaced free of charge.
If you’re in the market for a 2020 – 2021 Audi E-Tron or already own one, we urge you to check if your vehicle was a part of the recall and get the brake booster replaced if it is since the issue is a severe safety hazard.
2. Leakages and Short Circuit Risk
Many consumers have complained about water leakages in their Audi E-Tron, most complaints were focused on the sunroof, but a few complaints also included other areas such as the tailgate where water would leak into the luggage area. As one would expect, these leaks can cause considerable damage to the interior and upholstery.
However, the greater risk over here, one that warranted a recall, was of water reaching the high voltage system causing a short circuit and increasing the likelihood of a fire. Audi stated that if warning lights appear along with the message “Electrical system: fault,” vehicle use should be immediately stopped, the vehicle should not be charged, and it must be parked outdoors while Audi roadside assistance is contacted to tow the vehicle.
The dealership will install a new seal to prevent moisture or water from entering the area and replace the affected components free of charge as part of the recall.
The recall was issued for the 2019 model of the Audi E-Tron, so if you own a 2019 model or are interested in one, it’s worth checking for leakage issues and if it’s a part of the recall.
3. Seat Belt Problems
The rear seat belts of the 2021 Audi E Tron may seem perfectly fine upon initial inspection, but they fail to secure the passenger properly in the case of a crash which makes this a bit harder to check for at the local Audi dealership. A failure of such a vital safety feature can lead to serious, even fatal, injuries in the event of a crash.
The mechanism at fault here is the automatic locking retractor which deactivates prematurely. Audi had to issue a recall for this problem since it was a severe safety risk. Because of the said safety risk, the vehicle failed to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
As a part of the recall, the dealers will replace the rear seat belt assemblies as required, free of charge. The recall was issued in August 2021 and is relatively new, so it’s best to check if your vehicle is a part of the recall and if your dealership has the available parts to carry out the fix.
The parts for replacing a seatbelt cost around $50 to $150, including labor; the replacement will cost you about $100 to $250. There were multiple complaints about the dealership asking for too much to make the replacement, $400 to $750 for issues not a part of the recall, so many consumers opted to make the replacement themselves or at some other local workshop.
4. Knee Airbag Deployment Issue
This is another problem found in the 2021 Audi E-Tron that hinders the working of a safety feature. The hinge pin for the glove box may not be adequately secured and is what interferes with the knee airbag deployment. The failure of airbag deployment in a crash can result in serious injuries.
Once again, a recall was issued by Audi as a safety feature was disrupted. The recall is simple; the vehicles have to be taken to the dealership, where the hinge pin will be inspected and secured. Of course, it will be done free of charge.
5. Software and Sensor Problems
There were multiple complaints about software glitches in the Audi E-Tron, such as warning lights illuminating unnecessarily, MMI shortcut keys resetting to default or freezing, navigational guidance system problems, and connection issues with the Audi app. These issues posed no safety risk but were inconveniences not expected in such a car by Audi. Audi issued 103 manufacturer communications to deal with electrical problems of the 2019 E-Tron.
Another problem with the Audi E-Tron is overly sensitive sensors for the doors and tailgate. Many consumers complained that the tailgate would close while loading or unloading their trunk and that it was a common occurrence. So much so that they had to figure out safe places to stand near the tailgate, so they don’t get hit by it. The tailgate would even open when a hose was pointed at its sensor while washing the car!
The overly sensitive sensors meant that the vehicle’s security was compromised. The vehicle could easily unlock when the person with the keys was in the area, even if opening the car was not intended. There was no solution to this problem; users had to learn to live with it.
According to Consumer Reports, despite the Audi E-Tron having these problematic issues and glitches, most consumers (75%) would buy the E-Tron again if given a choice.
6. Soy-Coated Wiring
Soy-Coated wiring has become a common issue for most brands, including Audi. Most automakers switched to soy-based coating for their wiring because it was more biodegradable and so more eco-friendly. Although it’s better for the environment, it’s also better for the automaker as these soy-based coatings are cheaper than their plastic counterparts.
The problem with these soy-based coatings is that they attract rodents which then like to chew on them and use them as nesting material. This could cause an array of problems, any system that utilizes wires accessible to these rodents is at risk of failing. This has become quite the problem since there is no easy solution, and it’s a problem found in most vehicles by most automakers.
There are some simple steps to include into your routine to try and catch these rodents before they cause an expensive problem. This includes regularly opening the hood and looking for signs of rodent activity, looking for shredded pieces of wire where you park your cars, and cleaning out all the food in your vehicle.
What’s The Worst Year Of The Audi E-Tron?
The Audi E-Tron is a relatively new car that hit the market in 2019, but experts are impressed with its battery and estimate that it should last you around 300,000 miles to 400,000 miles. This means a good 10 to 15 years before needing a battery replacement. Some consumers have already reported crossing the 50,000 miles mark on their E-Tron without any significant issues, a welcome account for E-Tron enthusiasts.
The E-Tron has three model years in the market, and we’d like to tell you what model we think suits you best and what model you should avoid.
We would avoid the 2021 model of the Audi E-Tron for a straightforward reason, recalls. You’ll have to worry about recalls the most with this model and take trips to the dealership to get the work done. It only has four recalls, but that is still three more than the other two models. It’s also the latest model, so some problems may have yet to pop up, although we don’t expect anything profound.
The best model, in our opinion, is the 2020 Audi E-Tron which has one recall, the same as the 2019 model and has the least amount of complaints among the three models. Even though both the 2019 model and 2020 model are good options, the 2020 model improves on the software glitches of the 2019 model and doesn’t seem to have complaints about water leakages. Still, if you’re looking an Audi, I like the A8 and while it has problems, the issues are, on average, less severe.
Sources
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/AUDI/E-TRON#recalls
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/AUDI/E-TRON#recalls
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/e-tron/2021/overview/?pagestop
- https://www.timothyabeel.com/blog/growing-pains-of-the-audi-e-tron-cause-frustration-and-expense-for-new-owners/
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.