AUDI E TRON Sportback Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used AUDI E TRON Sportback options? We analyzed 3 model years (2020–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the AUDI E TRON Sportback has 42 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls across model years 2020–2022. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- E TRON Sportback
- Model years analyzed
- 2020–2022 (3 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 42
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (38 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
AUDI E TRON Sportback: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe AUDI E TRON SPORTBACK has 42 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 42 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 4 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
4 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2020–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 42 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
42 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Car was serviced for recall work and returned next day with con box failure which controls SOS feature on car. The Con box failures can be caused from battery voltage events and software resets . The car had approximately 38k miles on it at the time of service . The dealer and Audi would not accept any responsibility for the failure of the con box. This feature also controls the phone app and last connected the next day after the service . I tried to contact Audi for a goodwill service request and they denied it. THe SOS is afederal mandated system that no longer works now and cost of repair is $2000 .
Sunroof leaked. Not directly safety, but can be as water was getting on interior electronics. Dealer referenced TSB 2056944/10 and warranty extension U63 Sunroof WrtyExt 7yr/80k, but noted that we were not included in the warranty extension.
I have been dealing with an unresolved recall issue on my Audi for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to contact Audi Atlanta, I have not received any meaningful assistance. Each time I call, I’m told that a solution has not yet been provided for the recall. Additionally, my vehicle has experienced multiple issues, including overheating. Audi Atlanta has been unable to diagnose or resolve the problem, even after keeping the car for several days on multiple occasions. Most recently, water has begun leaking into the interior, and this issue also remains unfixed. I have tried repeatedly to reach out to Audi Atlanta, but my calls are now being ignored. This ongoing lack of support is extremely frustrating. My vehicle is rapidly depreciating, and I’m unable to sell it due to the unresolved recall. I feel completely abandoned by the dealership and Audi as a brand. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving these issues.
Audi etron sportback lost power while driving on a busy roadway at 60mph. Car lost about 10-15 mph speed within seconds due to the vehicle weight. By the time the "drive system malfunction" and "electical system malfunction " warning lights came on I realized I could not accelerate, and and coasted to a stop on the shoulder over maybe 15 20 seconds.Was able to break and steer. After several restarts, drove some again, but same warning came on unable to drive requiring tow. 7 weeks at this point at Audi dealer service, no fix or diagnosis. The issue has been redemonstrated at dealership. Told it was "fixed", picked up car, and 4 miles from dealer car shut down again /lost power at 45mph on a major road, and back to dealership. Apparently many similar reports of loss of power randomly with this error. Very luck to not have had a crash, injury, or loss of life either time. Obviously an issue to not be able to accelerate and randomly lose power and this if not already will lead to deaths especially at high rates of speed, congested roads, up hills or mountains, train tracks, when passing or merging, etc. No error code, so possibly other crashes were a result of this and no one would know, as multiple vehicles with same issue and random mileage reported on audi forums and nhtsa reports. Mine is at 35000 miles, no previous issues. Still under warranty. Audi TAC case supposedly created for audi engineers.
While driving my 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback Prestige, the high-voltage battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, regenerative braking stopped functioning, resulting in reduced energy recovery and a noticeable decrease in driving range. Before taking the vehicle to an Audi dealership, I had the diagnostic trouble codes read by an independent repair shop. The technician advised me to take the vehicle to Audi because the diagnostic information reportedly indicated a potential high-voltage battery thermal runaway condition. I took the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership. The dealer cleared the fault codes and returned the vehicle to me without replacing any high-voltage battery components or performing repairs. I was not advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. A few weeks later, the high-voltage battery warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was informed that a high-voltage battery module had failed. The dealer has now recommended replacing the battery module at an estimated cost of approximately $12,000. I am concerned that the vehicle was returned to me after a reported high-voltage battery fault was simply cleared rather than repaired. I am also concerned that replacing only a single battery module may not address the underlying issue. Additionally, I am aware of high-voltage battery recalls involving other Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen electric vehicles, and I believe this failure should be evaluated to determine whether it represents a similar safety defect. This issue presents a significant safety concern because it involves the high-voltage battery system, loss of regenerative braking, reduced vehicle range, and a reported battery thermal-related fault. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a broader safety issue affecting 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback vehicles.
Moisture build-up in the high-voltage electrical system through a faulty seal on the charging socket, which can cause a short circuit and significantly increase the risk of a vehicle fire. If you get a warning light saying "electrical system: fault," you should stop driving immediately, park outdoors away from structures, and not charge the vehicle. Braking problems caused by sub-standard welding within the ABS rotor and shaft. High-voltage battery modules that may overheat, also increasing the risk of fire. An infotainment unit that can become internally damaged when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display a federal safety standard violation. This clearly shows the vehicle was badly manufactured, during a chip shortage in 2020. This vehicle is a complete failure by Audi and puts so many innocent peoples lives at risk.
Read 14 more owner reports
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - While on highway the vehicle loosed all Power indicating Electrical Malfunction How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It happened on I-35 Freeway twice putting me in danger of 18 wheelers around me. I am afraid to be in the vehicle even if they return it to me. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes and Dealer has reproduced it and has the car with them for 5 Plus months. Have replaced many components and are not able to resolve it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? South Austin Audi Dealer has been working with Audi Corporate Technical team and have replaced 5 parts to no resolution. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Electrical Malfunction - Red light flashing to pull the care over to the emergency lane but there is no acceleration - you are left to depend on whatever momentum is left on the car. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing. Based on records this issue has been present on the car since it rolled off manufacturing.
Audi dealership charged fee for a repair that they the,selves acknowledged is under a technical service bulletin and despite my having extended warranty that is supposed to cover such repairs. This is for the main media interface going blank repeatedly every ~5 minutes or so while driving. Audi charged me for a repair that is a known safetyissue and is covered under warranty.
Tied with NHTSA Recall 25V900 - Review Camera Software. Dealer was unable to complete the recall due to internal malfunction of USB Interface on vehicle. Dealer quoted a non itemized Repair Estimate of $1,045.50 to replace the interface in order to be able to complete the open recall. No visible user caused damage to interface and prior Technical Support Bulletin (2066315) for issues with USB covering specific vehicle. Given the dependence on software within our vehicles, the USB interface used to perform required recall work should be covered when failure is internal to the interface module.
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
Charger overheats Charger trips breaker Charging damaged burned wall outlet Charging damaged breaker
Showing 20 of 42 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact AUDI E TRON Sportback
These pages show model-year patterns across 3 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used AUDI E TRON Sportback, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI E TRON Sportback has 42 complaints on record across 3 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI E TRON Sportback has 4 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the AUDI E TRON Sportback's 42 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI E TRON Sportback vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two AUDI E TRON Sportback vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI E TRON Sportback has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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AUDI E TRON Sportback reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the AUDI E TRON Sportback reliable?
Average. The AUDI E TRON Sportback has 42 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which AUDI E TRON Sportback years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (38 complaints), 2020 (4 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common AUDI E TRON Sportback problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints); POWER TRAIN (9 complaints).
Does the AUDI E TRON Sportback have recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the AUDI E TRON Sportback. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.