The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Audi e-tron powertrain problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain 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 powertrain 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 additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin providesi nformation when various DTCs are stored; high maximum temperature recorded for clutch K1.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when a cracking noise can be heard from the vehicle front or rear end while changing direction.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Vehicle traveling when electrical systems malfunction message came on. Said pull over safely and call for service. After car was slowed to a stop, the vehicle was disabled with no forward or reverse drive possible. The car was stranded close to the middle right of the street. Car had to be towed to the nearest dealership around midnight. Problem has been confirmed with the dealer and they are…
While I was on vacation a couple states away, I drove the Audi Etron Sportback for the first time since three days before when I drove to the vacation destination. After several minutes driving I got an "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE" notification. Several minutes later I got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - STOP VEHICLE". I immediately…
While on the highway, the car threw the following error message: "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle" I was able to drive for a mile or so to pull into a residential street and at that point, the vehicle just wouldn't move. It was essentially stalled, and I had to call roadside assistance to have it towed. After a few days, I receive an update from the dealer that the motor needs…
My vehicle has 13,090 miles on it. I have had two electrical issues that affected the A/C button not working on the panel display, which were both fixed by the dealership. Last week, after dropping my children off at school, a warning sign came on my display that said "Electrical system malfunction - Safely Stop the Vehicle." I wasn't in a spot to stop the vehicle safely so I started to drive…
Twice in the span of 3 months my 2021 Audi eTron with less than 25K miles shutdown while driving with an error message "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point the drive train is completely disengaged and all that can be done is coast to a stop with limited ability to steer or control the vehicle. The vehicle must then be towed to a dealership. If this had happened…
Repeated sudden loss of forward propulsion power associated with multiple warning messages about drive system and electrical system malfunction. Because the problem is sudden and the car has no forward propulsion power the car is left blocking traffic with occupants still inside. This has occurred multiple times over the last 6 months and no cause has been identified yet.
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…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2021 Audi e-tron?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.