2021 Audi e-tron Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 2nd of 4 e-tron years we score.

Owner complaints: 41; 5 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 41.1; 8,764 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.67×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 17; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 10
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 e-tron 2022 e-tron →

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi e-tron?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi e-tron is 75 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 4 e-tron years we score.

The most reported problem is the electric drive motor or inverter (6 of 41 complaints). Owners also complain about loss of power and EV charging. 17 of the 41 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 10 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the sunroof and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2022 scores 71.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-09 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 75
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Electric drive motor or inverter failure6 complaints
Loss of power (cause not stated)5 complaints
EV charging failure3 complaints

How the 2021 e-tron Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.67×	−8
Everyday problems	0.68×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.65×	−7
Recalls	0.98×	−6
Score		75

What Owners Report

We read all 41 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi e-tron, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 41.

Electric drive motor or inverter failure
6 complaints (15%)
A failure that needed a new part. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (12%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
EV charging failure
3 complaints (7%)
A failure, overheating and problems that come and go.
Hybrid battery failure
3 complaints (7%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Brakes: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (5%)
Sticking or stiffness and loss of braking. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (5%)
Warning lights.
Screen and audio: stopped working
2 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
2 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (17)

Show the 17 problems reported once

A/C failure
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
Battery drain: draining the battery
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Climate controls: stopped working
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Fuel economy: reduced range
Headlights: warning lights
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
Noise (cause not stated)
Regenerative braking: stopped working
Phone and navigation failure
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Shifter or park: the system acting on its own
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure

How the 2021 Audi e-tron Compares With Other Years

The other e-tron years of the 1st generation, 2019 to 2023, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2023	Good	75	0.71×	15.4	3	Automatic emergency braking: the system not working when needed
2022	Good	71	0.74×	36.9	6	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2021 This year	Good	75	0.67×	41.1	10	Electric drive motor or inverter failure
2020	Not scored	–	–	50.4	5	Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2019	Good	72	0.75×	66.2	5	Hybrid battery failure

See every e-tron year

2021 Audi e-tron Recalls

Ten recalls cover the 2021 Audi e-tron. The most recent was issued in April 2026: “Brake Pedal May Detach from Brake Booster.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Brake Pedal May Detach from Brake Booster
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 26V240000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2026. By the second quarter of 2026, 44% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V900000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
High-Voltage Battery Modules May Overheat
A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 23V867000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 20, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 63% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 23V842000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V806000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 26, 2022. By the first quarter of 2025, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V742000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 4 more recalls

Possible Loss of ABS from Brake Booster Corrosion
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. A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V707000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Glove Box May Interfere With Knee Air Bag
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. An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
NHTSA 21V595000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 2, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 98% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Loss of ABS/ESC
An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system. 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.
NHTSA 21V569000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 26, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2021 Audi e-tron Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi e-tron, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the sunroof and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-09
Water leaks through the closed sunroof
The problem:
Water can leak into the cabin from the sunroof even when it is fully closed.
The fix:
An Audi dealer fixes the leak and the water damage it caused. Audi pays 35 to 90 percent of the cost, depending on model year, age and mileage.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2019 to 2021 Q3, Q8 and e-tron in the class action settlement. Not covered: a sunroof not fully closed, broken glass, unchecked clogged drains, non-dealer repairs, and totaled or salvage title cars.
Coverage:
7 years or 80,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first, on a prorated basis.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2021 Audi e-tron NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2021 Audi e-tron. It has closed.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound standard to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. NHTSA's file lists Audi hybrid and electric models from 2013 to 2022, including the e-tron, A3 e-tron, Q5, A7 and A8. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 e-tron ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and Sportback SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2021 e-tron, from its ten recalls, two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Brake Pedal May Detach from Brake Booster NHTSA 26V240000
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 25V900000
High-Voltage Battery Modules May Overheat NHTSA 23V867000
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA 23V842000
Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 22V806000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 recalls and which are still open.

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-23-09: water leaks through the closed sunroof
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Electric drive motor or inverter
Loss of power
EV charging
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All e-tron Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.