The most-documented Audi e-tron problems are high-voltage battery module recall 23V867 on 2019–2022 models (fire risk), charging-socket seal recall 19V434 on 2019 models, brake-pedal fastener recalls 24V621 and 26V240, portable charging-cable recall 23V842 and a 12-volt battery drain bulletin after charging. Q8 e-tron models are included where campaigns cover them.
CarWhere lists 8 documented e-tron (Q8 e-tron) issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.
e-tron (Q8 e-tron) generations at a glance
Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) generations and the known issues listed for each
High-voltage battery modules can overheat (recall 23V867) (2019–2022)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2019–2022
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
Audi recalled 2019–2022 e-tron and 2020–2022 e-tron Sportback because certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat and increase the risk of fire. Dealers install onboard diagnostic software to monitor module performance and replace affected modules; owner letters went out April 3, 2025.
Symptoms
High-voltage battery warning
Reduced range or charging limits
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Ask whether any battery modules were replaced and get the paperwork
Charging-socket seal can let moisture into the battery (recall 19V434) (2019)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
A faulty seal on the charging socket of some 2019 e-trons can let moisture into the high-voltage battery system and cause a short circuit, increasing fire risk. NHTSA’s notice tells owners who see an “Electrical system: fault” message to stop, park outdoors and not charge. Dealers fit a new seal and replace affected parts.
Symptoms
“Electrical system: fault” message with warning lights
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Integrated brake system rotor/shaft weld can separate (recall 21V569) (2020–2021)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2020–2021
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
An improperly welded rotor and shaft inside the integrated brake system of some 2021 e-tron and 2020–2021 e-tron Sportback can separate, reducing brake assist and disabling ABS and stability control. Dealers replace the brake booster.
Symptoms
Brake warning light
Hard brake pedal
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Brake pedal can detach from the booster (recalls 24V621 / 26V240) (2019–2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2019–2024
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
The fastener joining the brake pedal to the brake booster may have been assembled improperly, so the pedal can detach and braking can be lost. 24V621 covered 2019–2024 e-tron and 2020–2024 e-tron Sportback; 26V240 expanded it to more 2019–2023 e-tron and 2024 Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron models.
Symptoms
Brake pedal feels loose or has excess play
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Confirm the VIN shows both 24V621 and 26V240 as complete or not applicable
240V portable charging cable can overheat outlets (recall 23V842) (2019–2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2019–2024
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
When the compact 220V/240V charging cable is used at the 100% setting, some home outlets cannot handle the current and the outlet or cable can overheat. Audi told owners of 2019–2024 e-tron and 2020–2024 e-tron Sportback (and other plug-in Audis) to stop using that cable, and dealers supply a new one with a temperature sensor.
Symptoms
Hot or discolored wall outlet or plug
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Ask whether the replacement portable cable with a temperature sensor came with the car
12-volt battery goes flat after charging (Audi bulletin) (2020–2022)
Minor
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
Audi bulletin TSB 2074707 covers 2020–2022 e-tron Sportback and 2021 e-tron models whose 12-volt battery is discharged after a high-voltage charging cycle, leaving the car unable to unlock or start. Audi lists a software issue as the cause, with updated software provided under campaign 93N1.
Symptoms
Car will not unlock or start after charging
Dead 12-volt battery
Check before buying
Ask whether campaign 93N1 software was installed
Ask the seller whether the car has needed 12-volt jump starts
Brake pressure line connection may fail (recall 24V428) (2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric (Q8 e-tron)
A brake line connection on a small number of 2024 Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron may have been over-tightened and fail, leaking brake fluid and reducing braking. Dealers inspect and replace the line as needed.
Symptoms
Longer pedal travel
Brake fluid warning
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Rear camera image may not display (recall 25V900) (2019–2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
GE (2019–2024)
Years:
2019–2024
Powertrain:
Dual-motor electric
A software error in many 2019–2026 Audis, including e-tron models, may stop the rearview camera image from displaying, failing FMVSS 111. Dealers update the software.
Symptoms
Blank rearview camera when reversing
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask an Audi dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Owners filed 181 complaints about the Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) with NHTSA for the model years below, the most for the 2019 model year (84). The components cited most often are electrical system, unknown or other and power train. Counts are raw filings, not rates: newer and higher-volume years naturally collect more, and a complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect.
NHTSA owner complaints for the Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) by model year (all US body styles and S/RS variants, de-duplicated by NHTSA complaint number), as of November 2026
Model year
Complaints
Crash or fire reported
Injury reported
Safety-critical component
2024
1
0
0
1
2023
6
2
0
4
2022
45
2
2
25
2021
41
1
0
17
2020
4
0
0
1
2019
84
7
1
41
Most-cited components across these years: Electrical system (99) · Unknown or other (37) · Power train (29) · Engine (25) · Fuel/propulsion system (23) · Service brakes (23). A complaint can name more than one component.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints database, queried by CarWhere for every NHTSA model name filed for this nameplate (AUDI E-TRON, AUDI E-TRON S, AUDI E-TRON S SPORTBACK, AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK, E-TRON, E-TRON SPORTBACK, Q8 E-TRON). “Safety-critical component” counts complaints that report a crash, fire, injury or death, or name the engine, power train, steering, service brakes or fuel system.
Related e-tron (Q8 e-tron) research
This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Audi build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Is there a battery fire recall on the Audi e-tron?
Yes. Recall 23V867 covers 2019–2022 e-tron and 2020–2022 e-tron Sportback because certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat. Dealers install monitoring software and replace affected modules free of charge.
What is the Audi e-tron charging-socket recall?
Recall 19V434 covers some 2019 e-trons whose charging-socket seal can let moisture into the high-voltage battery and cause a short circuit. Dealers install a new seal and replace damaged parts.
Does the Audi e-tron have brake recalls?
Yes. 24V621 and its expansion 26V240 cover a brake pedal fastener that can let the pedal detach from the booster on 2019–2024 models, and 21V569 replaced the brake booster on some 2020–2021 models.
Why does my Audi e-tron’s 12-volt battery go flat?
Audi bulletin TSB 2074707 says a software issue can drain the 12-volt battery after a high-voltage charge on 2020–2022 e-tron Sportback and 2021 e-tron, and updated software is provided under campaign 93N1.
How do I check a used Audi e-tron for open recalls?
Enter the 17-digit VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask an Audi dealer to check it. Ask specifically about 23V867, because battery-module replacement is VIN-specific.
Sources
Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by AUDI AG or Audi of America. Audi, quattro, TFSI, S tronic, e-tron and the model names are trademarks of their owners.