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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Audi A7 electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Audi A7 have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 19 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Audi A7, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cascade of electrical failures in the 2019 A7. The primary issue is a defective 48V alternator/start-stop generator that causes sudden, complete electrical shutdown without warning—engine, dash, power steering, brakes, and all screens go dark. This happens most often while driving on highways, forcing owners to coast to safety or into traffic. Multiple owners experienced this between 18,500 and 45,000 miles.
Before total failure, vehicles typically flash rapid warnings: electrical system malfunction, start/stop malfunction, transmission failure, steering failure, and parking aids all trigger in quick succession. Owners report dealerships confirm the 48V alternator as the culprit, but replacement parts remain unavailable due to supply chain issues. Repair wait time is 3–4 months minimum; individual dealerships report 30–50 vehicles queued for this repair.
Beyond the alternator, owners describe intermittent sensor faults from driver assistance systems (lane departure, cruise control, collision avoidance, parking aids) that trigger false warnings randomly, sometimes multiple times per trip. Dashboard displays go blank, the MMI infotainment screen fails to turn on, backup cameras don't work, and the fuel gauge reads inaccurately. Door locks and trunk motors have also failed mechanically. One owner mentioned an Audi stop-sale issued for 2012–2018 models due to faulty sensors, and a software update (TSB 27-22-45) that some claim is the fix, though a 2019 owner reports uncertainty whether this applies to their year.
Failure modes owners describe
48V Alternator/Start-Stop Generator Failure
Complete electrical system failure caused by defective 48V alternator/start-stop generator in the mild hybrid system. Vehicle loses all power, including engine, dash, screens, door locks, power steering, brakes, and hazards. Multiple warning cascades precede total shutdown.
When: Between 18,500 and 45,000 miles; failures occurred over extended ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical system malfunction warning; Start/stop malfunction warning; Rapid cascade of secondary warnings (transmission, steering, parking aid, spoiler); Complete loss of all electrical power; Engine stall while driving; Dashboard and all screens go dark; Loss of power steering and braking; Transmission goes into neutral; Vehicle cannot restart
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 22V155000, Mild Hybrid 48V Battery fault
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator/start-stop generator replacement required; parts unavailable due to supply chain issues. Repair wait time 3–4 months or longer. Over 30–50 vehicles per dealership waiting for parts. Alternative: TSB Software Update 27-22-45 (Version 527) mentioned by some owners as potential workaround for 2019–2020 vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V155000 issued; parts not available. Software update TSB 27-22-45 (Version 527) referenced as known fix by owners; recall and mandatory software update recommended by complainants but status unclear.
Sensor Malfunction Cascade (Driver Assistance/Safety Systems)
Intermittent false warnings from multiple driver assistance sensors and safety systems triggering erratically while driving. Warnings appear randomly with no consistent pattern or external cause.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; may occur multiple times on single trip or not at all
Symptoms owners cite: Lane departure warning firing with false positives; Adaptive/cruise control sensor warning shutting off cruise control; Hand-on-wheel warning despite hands on wheel; Collision avoidance malfunction warning; Lock sensor malfunction warning; Rear spoiler malfunction warning; Vehicle light malfunction warning (triangle/exclamation icon); Random appearance of warnings 3–5 times on single 45-mile trip
Codes mentioned: Various sensor fault codes (not specified by owners), Central locking error code
Repairs/costs cited: At least one owner reports sensor replacement performed at dealer visit; no detail on which sensor or outcome. Issue persists after multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stop-sale issued by Audi for 2012–2018 model years due to faulty sensors; 2019 owner affected but unclear if recall applies. No documented fix or TSB mentioned for 2019 model.
MMI Screen and Infotainment Malfunction
MMI display randomly fails to power on and infotainment system hangs, requiring multiple car restarts and repeated screen touching to restore function.
When: Intermittent; duration not specified
Symptoms owners cite: MMI screen randomly does not come on; Screen shows 'phone in use' state after call ends; Radio does not return to audio after phone disconnection; MMI screen remains unresponsive until multiple restarts and repeated touching
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; workaround is repeated restarts and touching screen.
Inaccurate Fuel Gauge
Fuel gauge provides inaccurate reading of remaining range. Gauge drops rapidly with minimal driving distance, or refueling does not update gauge correctly.
When: At approximately 18,500–19,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge shows 650 miles to empty, drops to 600 miles after 2 miles of driving; Gauge indicates quarter tank but is inaccurate after refueling; No warning light illuminated in some cases
Codes mentioned: Related to NHTSA Campaign 22V155000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired due to parts unavailability tied to Campaign 22V155000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V155000 (Electrical System) issued; repair parts not available. No manufacturer assistance provided.
Door Lock and Latch Assembly Failure
Door lock and latch assemblies fail to function properly, preventing doors from locking or opening as intended. Internal latch mechanism fails to allow interior handle/cable to reach closed position.
When: Starting September 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Doors do not lock or unlock properly; Central locking error code triggered; Interior door handle unable to reach closed position; All doors affected with complications
Codes mentioned: Central locking error code
Repairs/costs cited: Driver front door lock/latch assembly replacement required due to mechanical failure of internal latch mechanism.
Trunk/Hatch Motor Failure
Trunk and rear hatch motors fail mechanically, preventing trunk from opening via door latch or key fob. Manual opening required as workaround.
When: Starting September 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk does not open with key fob; Trunk does not open with interior door latch; Manual trunk opening required
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear hatch motors require replacement due to mechanical failure.
Apple CarPlay Connection Failure
Apple CarPlay does not connect consistently, preventing hands-free operation and creating safety concern for driver distraction.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Apple CarPlay fails to connect
Dashboard and Gauge Display Blackout
Dashboard displays, including speedometer and gauge cluster, go blank during operation or fail to function.
When: Intermittent during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer display goes blank while driving; Electronic dash goes blank; Dashboard cluster loses function; Windshield display of speed and other info blinks on/off then goes dark
Vehicle Shuddering and Acceleration Issues
Vehicle shudders during turning and exhibits poor acceleration. Oil warning light illuminates. Issue first appeared after sensor replacement and headlight repair at dealer.
When: Intermittent; first reported at initial dealer visit; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering when attempting to turn; Feels like something is stopping the vehicle; Vehicle fails to accelerate as needed; Oil warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement and headlight repair performed at initial dealer visit; issue persists. No resolution documented.
Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera fails to function while reversing, making it non-operational when needed.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera does not work while reversing
Pre-Sense/Collision Avoidance System False Activation
Pre-Sense/collision avoidance system activates and applies brakes or causes sudden swerving with no obstacle present, creating immediate safety hazard.
When: Intermittent; occurred at 65 mph on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-Sense applies brakes on freeway with nothing ahead; Vehicle swerves hard during highway driving at speed; Collision avoidance malfunction warning
Memory Seat Position Failure
Seats randomly do not remember settings from key fob, requiring manual adjustment each use.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Seats do not remember key fob assignments
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Dashboard stated “Electrical Malfunction” and yellow battery icon was illuminated. Eventually, the battery icon flashed red and message was to pull over immediately. The A7 was towed to an Audi dealership and the issue diagnosed as a “catastrophic generator failure”.
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was providing inaccurate reading and would indicate 650 miles to empty; however, after driving 2 miles, the fuel gauge indicated 600 miles to empty. There was no warning…
My vehicle had a complete electrical failure, when caused everything to shut down. The engine, door locks, hazards, power steering, e brake, etc. were all inoperable. On Sunday, Nov 20th, I received a yellow warning light that said, "electrical system malfunction, please contact service." I parked the car and called the dealer the following morning to ask how sever this warning was (could I…
Electric failure warning and car is undriveable. Power steering, brakes, etc won’t operate.
1st- having numerous sensor warning lights coming on at indiscriminate times while highway driving including telling me to put my hands on the wheel when they are on the wheel, cruise control sensor warning comes on and shuts of the cruise control and the lane guidance sensor comes on with warnings. I may get all three warnings appear on one 45 mile trip or I may not get any.sometimes it's the…
Among many other issues, the screen that includes the speedometer goes blank during drive, backup camera doesn't work while reversing, pre-sense applied brakes on freeway while nothing was ahead and the car swerve hard on the freeway while driving at speed 65 miles/hour
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fuel gauge indicated there was a quarter tank of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. However, after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge reading was inaccurate. The local dealer was…
2019 Audi A7 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 53336 Fuel Pump and Starter Battery Failure Car stalls during operation. Confirmed by Tyson Audi Dealer wants to charge me for the repair of the said parts. Warning light appeared, then went off. Vehicle was taken to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car shut-off on three separate occasions while driving on [XXX] in Wesley Chapel, FL (twice) and once while traveling south on [XXX] in Orlando. There were multiple warning lamps and messages and I am requesting the BSG be replaced on this vehicle and the dealership refuses to replace it, although there is a manufacturer recall on this part that is a ticking time-bomb that may cause the car…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Audi A7?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Audi A7?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 22,880 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Audi/A7.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.