IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2021 Audi e-tron SUV

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 2021 Audi e-tron SUV. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

5
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Coolant Leak into Drive Motor

SeriousEngine

Coolant can leak into the electric motor housing, potentially causing motor failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Warranty) – £4,000+
Warning Signs:

Electrical system fault warning, Loss of drive

What to Inspect:
  • Check for any history of motor replacement or software updates related to motor cooling
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Battery Cell Degradation and Recall

SeriousEngine

LG battery cells in early e-trons can degrade prematurely or develop fire risk. Audi issued recalls to check and replace faulty battery modules, and some cars are limited to 80% charge.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall) – £5,000+
Warning Signs:

Reduced range over time, Battery recall notification via app, Charging limited to 80% by Audi, Battery fault warning

What to Inspect:
  • Check Audi recall database by VIN for battery campaigns
  • Ask if battery software update 93HV has been applied
  • Verify battery health via MMI
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Charging Port and Onboard Charger Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The motorised charge port lock can fail trapping the cable, and the onboard AC charger module can develop faults preventing home charging while DC rapids still work.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Charge cable stuck or won't insert, MMI shows charging malfunction, Works at DC rapids but not home charger, Slow or no AC charging

What to Inspect:
  • Test charging at both home and public chargers
  • Check for charge port lock operation
  • Verify no charging error messages in MMI
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air Suspension Leaks

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The optional air suspension can develop leaks causing the car to sag unevenly, with compressor failure if left unrepaired.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Uneven ride height after parking, Compressor running constantly, Suspension warning light

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect ride height after standing overnight
  • Cycle through height settings
  • Listen for hissing from wheel arches
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Software Glitches and MMI Issues

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The MMI infotainment system can suffer screen freezes, spontaneous reboots, and connectivity problems, sometimes resolved by software updates.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£300
Warning Signs:

MMI screen freezing or going black, Bluetooth and app connectivity drops, Phantom warning messages

What to Inspect:
  • Check for pending software updates
  • Test all connectivity features
  • Verify MMI behaves consistently
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2021 Audi e-tron SUV

  • Check for any "Electrical System Fault" warnings
  • Verify the panoramic roof drains are clear to avoid interior leaks
  • Ensure the air suspension raises and lowers smoothly
  • Check charging port door operation