2021 Audi E-tron

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Audi e-tron include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 18 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “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 repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure.” (NHTSA Complaint #11689755)

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Audi e-tron include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 10 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “Tied with NHTSA Recall 25V900 – Review Camera Software. Dealer was unable to complete the recall due to internal malfunction of USB Interface on vehicle. Dealer quoted a non itemized Repair Estimate of $1,045.50 to replace the interface in order to be able to complete the open recall. No visible user caused damage to interface and prior Technical Support Bulletin (2066315) for issues with USB covering specific vehicle. Given the dependence on software within our vehicles, the USB interface used to perform required recall work should be covered when failure is internal to the interface module.” (NHTSA Complaint #11718481)

Other Systems

The 2021 Audi e-tron has generated 8 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I was driving on the highway and my sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing hit it, but there was a loud noise like a gunshot and the roof exploded outwards. Shards of glass landed in front of the car behind me who swerved to avoid them.” (NHTSA Complaint #11657083)

Brakes

Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2021 Audi e-tron has generated 4 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “On five separate occasions across two separate drivers, we have experienced a partial brake failure in this vehicle. We strongly believe this to be a software defect and not a mechanical fault. On the e-Tron, the first portion of the brake pedal swing typically activates the regenerative braking. About mid-way through pressing the pedal, it changes to “real” mechanical brakes. When this brake failure occurs, we get to that midway point and the car lets off the regenerative braking but does NOT apply the mechanical brakes, so the end result is that the more you press the brake pedal, the less it works. Three of these five occasions occurred in one day, so by the time the third time came around, I was really paying attention and I’m very confident this wasn’t driver error. In at least one case, the only reason that a crash was avoided is because the automatic braking / forward collision system activated. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer, who found “No Repairs Recommended”. We requested an update to the ABS module software, as this software update is known to resolve multiple other problems with the braking system (see TSBs 2072977, 2061906) but we were denied the update.” (NHTSA Complaint #11639800)

Power Train,Electrical System,Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Audi e-tron have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 4 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “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 on a busy multi-lane highway, there is a high probability of an accident occurring putting occupants of the car and other cars at risk. In both cases there was no prior warning of any problem with the vehicle. The first repair in July required Audi to replace the master controller located in the battery pack and replace the front engine due to a fluid leak. This took 6+ weeks to complete. I had the car back 5 weeks after the first repair when it happened again. I am still waiting diagnosis on second repair.” (NHTSA Complaint #11544436)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Audi e-tron

The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi e-tron by the NHTSA or Audi. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Audi e-tron:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Audi to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Audi e-tron qualifies as a lemon under California law, Audi may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Audi pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Audi willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Audi e-tron Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Audi a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Audi dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Audi pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Audi a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Audi e-tron Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Audi e-tron as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Audi pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Audi e-tron?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.