This bulletin provides information when there is an electric drive motor leak; P0AA600.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Audi e-tron electrical problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the display of the Audi virtual cockpit is distorted due to a broken screen.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report catastrophic electrical failures causing complete loss of power and propulsion while driving on freeways at highway speeds. One owner had the vehicle for over five months at the dealer with five component replacements and no resolution. Another experienced motor shutdown at 70 mph with no restart capability and had to be towed; the dealership diagnosed front motor failure requiring replacement.
The MMI (main computer interface) goes blank multiple times per year during driving, eliminating the speed display and all controls. One owner states Audi denies the issue exists despite it happening since day one and being covered under Technical Service Bulletin 2066315. The fix requires pulling over, shutting off the car, opening and closing the driver door, then restarting—risky on highways.
Two critical recalls address the high-voltage battery modules self-discharging and overheating (recall 23V867) and the charging cable overloading home electrical infrastructure, causing burned outlets and breaker trips (recall 23V842). Both recalls have been open for months with parts unavailable. Owners also report rear door locks failing to respond to the keyfob, creating entrapment risk. The charging system itself keeps failing and shutting off. One owner had the AC system fail and spent 30 days without the vehicle while waiting for parts.
Same Audi e-tron electrical reports on nearby years: 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of electrical power and propulsion while driving
Vehicle experiences sudden electrical system malfunction, loss of all power, and motor shutdown while in motion on highway. Leaves driver coasting to shoulder with no acceleration or restart capability. Occurs with little to no warning despite being a newer vehicle with low mileage.
When: Reported at 19,282 miles and 26,000 miles; issue present since manufacturing for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Red flashing 'Electrical Malfunction' warning light; 'Electrical System Malfunction: Safely Stop the Vehicle' message; Motor turns off while driving; Complete loss of acceleration; Vehicle will not restart; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V867000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Front motor replacement performed at dealership after 3.5 weeks; one vehicle with dealer for 5+ months with 5 component replacements and no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi Corporate Technical team involved; NHTSA Recall 23V867 issued regarding high-voltage battery module self-discharge condition that may lead to thermal overload
MMI (Multi-Media Interface) display failures
Main computer display screens go blank while driving, eliminating visibility of speed, gauges, and HVAC controls. Occurs intermittently from first minutes of driving to highway driving. Requires pulling over, shutting off ignition, opening/closing driver door, engaging brake, and restarting vehicle to restore function.
When: Issue present since day 1; occurring at least 5 times over 12 months; 12-18 months of reported occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: All screens go blank during operation; Loss of speed display; Loss of HVAC controls; Loss of vehicle information display; Screens restore after power cycle ritual
Repairs/costs cited: Known issue covered under Technical Service Bulletin 2066315; dealer charged customer despite warranty coverage; parts for recall repair (USB Interface) quoted at $1,045.50
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi initially denies the issue exists; Technical Service Bulletin 2066315 exists for USB interface issues on this vehicle
High-voltage battery module failure and self-discharge
High-voltage battery modules experience uncontrolled self-discharge leading to thermal overload condition. Owners report loss of range and performance as early warning sign. Recall parts unavailable for extended period despite critical safety risk.
When: Recall notification issued December 2023; parts not yet available as of complaint filing
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of range; Loss of performance; Potential thermal overload; Risk of smoke or fire
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall 23V867, Manufacturer Recall 93V2
Repairs/costs cited: Battery module replacement required; parts not available at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V867 issued December 20, 2023 for critical self-discharge condition in high-voltage battery modules that may lead to thermal overload, smoke, or fire
Charging system and home electrical infrastructure fire risk
Portable charging cable used with 220V/240V wall outlet can cause overload of home wiring infrastructure. Charger overheats, trips breaker, causes burned wall outlets, and damaged charging cables. Risk of permanent damage to home socket and electrical infrastructure with fire hazard.
When: Ongoing issue; recall issued December 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Charger overheats; Charger trips breaker; Burned wall outlet; Damaged charging cable; Overheating of home infrastructure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall 23V842, Manufacturer Recall 93U6
Repairs/costs cited: Home wiring and charging infrastructure can sustain permanent damage requiring repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V842 issued December 19, 2023 regarding 220V/240V wall outlet overburden when compact/portable charging system cable is used; risk of home infrastructure fire
Rear door locking and unlocking malfunction
Central locking system does not properly communicate with keyfob, preventing doors from unlocking as intended. Doors lock unexpectedly when handles are touched, and unlock function does not work. Creates entrapment risk for child safety seats in rear seats.
When: Intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Doors fail to unlock via keyfob; Doors lock unexpectedly when handle is touched; Unlock feature does not function; Potential child entrapment in rear seat
Air conditioning system failure
AC system fails during operation. Requires component replacement and extended downtime. Parts availability causes 30-day service delay.
When: Reported failure occurred; 30-day repair duration
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced sensor (4M0-959-609), high pressure switch (87571950), and refrigerant; 30-day repair duration due to parts availability
USB Interface failure affecting recall completion
Internal malfunction of USB Interface module prevents completion of recall work. No external or user-caused damage. Dealer quotes $1,045.50 for replacement without itemized breakdown. Blocks ability to perform recall work.
When: Discovered during recall work attempt
Symptoms owners cite: USB Interface internal malfunction; Inability to complete recall work
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall 25V900 (Review Camera Software)
Repairs/costs cited: USB Interface replacement quoted at $1,045.50; Technical Service Bulletin 2066315 exists for similar USB issues on this vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 2066315 previously issued for USB interface issues
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
While operating the vehicle the air conditioning system failed. The vehicle was brought to dealer for diagnosis which confirmed the failure and was out of service for 30 days due to parts availability being SOP. The dealer provided a loaner and fuel reimbursement due my car being electric but refused to reimburse the lease payment for the 30 days out of service. The parts replaced were…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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).
Electrical malfunction system and car can stop while driving without warning
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Audi e-tron?
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 2021 Audi e-tron?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 17 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 26,000 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/2021/Audi/e-tron.
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.