Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Audi E-Tron
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Audi E-Tron has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 36 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V900000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V867000 High-Voltage Battery Modules May Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V842000 Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V806000 Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V742000 Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V707000 Possible Loss of ABS from Brake Booster Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V606000 Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V595000 Glove Box May Interfere With Knee Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V569000 Loss of ABS/ESC NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 24 complaints
- Unknown or Other 10 complaints
- Power Train 9 complaints
- Engine 7 complaints
- Service Brakes 3 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint
Of the 36 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $12,000–$18,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Audi e-tron has experienced frequent electrical system issues and significant brake-related recalls. With multiple brake system recalls and numerous electrical complaints, prospective owners should be prepared for higher maintenance costs and potential safety-related repairs over the first five years of ownership.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 30,000–50,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | very common |
| Brake system | 40,000–60,000 miles | $800–$2,000 | common |
| Power train | 50,000–70,000 miles | $1,000–$3,000 | occasional |
| Battery module | 60,000–80,000 miles | $1,500–$4,000 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Battery inspection and maintenance
- Brake fluid replacement
- Cabin air filter replacement
- Tire rotation and alignment
- Transmission fluid replacement
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Loss of brake assist
- Frequent electrical failures
- Ineffective infotainment controls
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Audi E-Tron at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.