If you are an owner of an Audi e-tron or you plan to buy one, you should be aware of some of the most common Audi e-tron problems. This car comes with many great features, but it also has some issues that can be very problematic.
How to avoid these issues, and how to make your Audi e-tron safer? We explain more about this subject in this article.
What Are the Audi E-tron Problems?
There are some Audi e-tron problems that you should not overlook. The Audi e-tron represents a car that needs attention, from battery problems to software issues.
The Audi e-tron is a crossover that is powered by a battery. It was introduced to the larger audience as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Audi has produced it since 2019. In 2021 they announced that 100 000 e-tron vehicles are already made. [1]
This car was the first vehicle by Audi that hit mass production as a battery electric car.
It is essential to know that the Audi e-tron was not made equal in all production years. There are years that are better, and there are production years that you should avoid.
For example, the 2019 Audi e-tron has some significant issues that cannot be overlooked. These issues are apparent and can be very dangerous if you do not take care of the vehicle.
Some of the most common Audi e-tron problems are around battery, software, charging, moisture build-up as well as suspension and braking system problems. All these issues are problematic, and you can avoid them by regular checks at the dealership or local workshop.
Some of the problems are part of the recall by the Audi company, and you can fix these problems free of charge.
Audi E-Tron Battery Problems
Some Audi e-tron battery problems were the reason for the Audi company to recall more than 1,600 vehicles in 2019. Some of these vehicles showed malfunction in the area of the car where the battery was located. [2]
The main problem was in the faulty grommet seal, and this is the part of the battery that sits between the charging point and the battery area. The tests showed that the grommet allowed moisture to affect the battery. This problem could lead to a short circuit. It could also lead to a fire.
These issues were the reason why Audi recalled so many cars from the market.
At the same time, there were concerns that Lithium-ion batteries contain harmful chemicals that could be very dangerous. These batteries could also produce fire, which is why the drivers were suggested to check the yellow light on the dashboard.
As soon as the yellow light starts to blink, it might be a sign that something is wrong with the battery. The driver should immediately stop the car and leave the car in the open area.
The automaker is not able to recall all of the vehicles. That is why they suggest the drivers watch for the yellow light and be cautious when it comes to possible issues.
The Audi e-tron is equipped with one of the available batteries. There are 95kWh and 71kWh batteries that are developed to deliver power to the vehicle.
Lithium-ion cells are inside the batteries, and these cells have the role of continually delivering the power.
Audi offers a guarantee to the battery life, which is eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If there is a need for the replacement of the battery, it will cost you around $6,000.
Audi E-tron Software Issues
Many drivers of the Audi e-tron have noticed many software issues in this car.
First of all, there are problems with GPS location in the car. The home charger function that works with the GPS location usually does not work. If you want to enable the timer mode automatically, it is not possible.
Instead, you need to manually adjust the timer button that must be charged at home. This solution is very impractical, and many drivers are annoyed by this.
The second critical software issue is the remote control which stops working often. In order to make it function again, you need to delete it and reinstall the whole system again. This solution is very impractical, and you can have trouble opening a garage and parking your car.
At the same time, there are additional navigation problems. The system in a car forgets the home address easily, which means you need to manually enter it all over again.
There is also navigation guidance that cannot be visible in the instrument cluster. This problem can create other navigation issues, and you may need to restart the whole system in order to make it function again.
All of the mentioned Audi e-tron software issues could be solved, but you need time and patience in the whole process. You also have additional costs if you search for a mechanic to improve things.
All these things are part of the experience with the Audi e-tron, and you should get familiar with these problems if you drive this car.
Audi E-tron Charging Problems
Audi e-tron may have difficulties with starting a charge session. This problem can be very frustrating, and you may need the help of a dealer or mechanic.
Difficulties with starting a charge session are usually there because of the connector issues. The connector cannot make proper contact, and this affects the connection between the car and the charger.
This problem with starting a charge session is what makes drivers wonder how to charge their Audi e-tron properly.
You must make sure that the connector is pushed firmly into the charge port. This movement will create the connection, and you should be able to start the charging session.
You may experience other kinds of Audi e-tron charging problems in different situations. The car may not release the connector, and you should make some adequate steps in this case.
First of all, make sure that the car is unlocked. Secondly, find the button that is located next to the charging port and press it several times. This button is the button that opens the charge port.
If the car does not release the connector in the next 30 seconds, there are some actions you should take. You can use the emergency release to remove the connector.
The emergency release is in the motor compartment. To use this option, you should open the bonnet in the motor compartment. There is also a cover in this area that you should open.
There is a holder on the side of the connector, and you can release the yellow ring from this holder. After this step, you should be able to unlock the connector.
As you can see, there are some difficulties with charging that you may face if you drive an Audi e-tron. Fortunately, you can solve most of the issues by yourself. If you are not sure what to do, you can always call the dealer and explain the problem.
If the car is under warranty protection, the dealership will solve your Audi e-tron issue within a reasonable time frame.
Audi E-tron Moisture Build-up
There are many Audi e-tron vehicles that have moisture build-up problems. This issue is especially noticeable in Audi e-tron cars that were built in the 2019 production year.
These cars tend to build up moisture in the electrical system. In general, moisture is not a good companion to the electrical system, and it can cause many troubles.
In Audi e-trons, moisture can enter the high voltage system inside the car. This accident happens when there is a faulty seal on the system’s charging socket.
The result of this situation when the moisture is inside the system could be fatal for the vehicle’s interior. It can lead to a short circuit, and it can provoke fire. [3]
The vehicle can be at risk if there is moisture inside the system. To prevent the more significant issue, the drivers of the Audi e-tron cars need to look at the display.
As part of the display unit, there is a warning like “electrical system: fault,” and this could be a sign that something is wrong with the car.
In this situation, the driver should immediately stop the car and turn off the vehicle. Make sure that you park your can in the open space and away from the structures. Also, do not charge the car.
Call the Audi assistance company or a towing company near your place. The road assistance will come and tow the car to the safe space where there are no structures.
The moisture build-up can be hazardous, and Audi e-tron drivers should pay attention to this issue. If there is a sign on the display that signifies the moisture inside the system, the driver must immediately act and prevent further problems.
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Audi E-tron Suspension and Braking System Problems
All of the mentioned Audi e-tron problems are the reasons for the Audi recalls. The company has made many recalls in the past, and these recalls are there to solve potential problems.
There is one more issue with Audi e-tron cars that requires special attention. It is a problem with the suspension and braking system.
This problem might be the biggest issue of the car because it can provoke some dangerous outcomes. When the suspension and braking system is not working correctly, it can lead to many problems.
The company has noticed there are troubles with antilock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
These problems were most visible in the models of the car mentioned below:
- 2020-2021 Audi E-tron Quattro
- 2020-2021 Audi E-tron Sportback Quattros
The company recalled these models and offered assistance in solving the problems.
The main reason for the recall was the experience of many drivers who had a hard time braking safely. There were reductions in braking performance, and this significantly affected the safety on the road.
Most drivers have noticed the resistance during braking maneuvers. As a result, the failure of the ABS and ESC can lead to a major collision.
The reduced ability to break safely is a large problem for drivers who have specific braking habits. Many drivers brake fast, and they need a car that can be exceptionally responsive.
When the braking system is slower, it requires more distance in order to stop the vehicle. This kind of problem, when the braking system is slow, can affect the habits of most drivers.
In this case, the stopping distance must be longer, and the drivers must be fully attentive when they are in a traffic jam.
There are reasons for this issue inside the Audi e-tron vehicles. Most of the problems can be solved with the assistance of the local dealership or the local mechanic workshop.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has come to the conclusion that there were specific production problems that led to the failure of the braking systems.
There was one kind of sub-standard welding within the rotor and the shaft inside the ABS units. This problem affected the entire braking system and caused the vehicle to become slower during the braking practice.
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Conclusion
In this Audi e-tron long-term review, you can see what makes the major issues with this car. Aside from these issues, the car has some good points. You can drive your vehicle for eight years under the warranty or 100,000 miles. This means you can call your dealer anytime and ask for advice.
The Audi car maker recalled many Audi e-tron cars in the past, and they tend to be very careful in giving official information. In this light, we can say that these Audi e-tron vehicles need special attention.
If you plan to buy an Audi e-tron, you must take into account the mentioned Audi e-tron problems. Not every Audi e-tron has these issues, and this is why you should pay attention to the production year and the condition that your car comes to you. Once you are familiar with them, you can make your decision and get your car if you find yourself prepared for the possible issues.
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