2019 Audi E-Tron Safety Report

2019 Audi E-Tron: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Persistent Electrical System, Battery Fire Risks, and Delayed Recall Remedies

71Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (13)Unknown Or Other (7)Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Power Train (6)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (5)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Engine (3)Visibility/Wiper (2)Visibility (2)Electrical System,Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi E-Tron

The 2019 Audi E-Tron presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for side impact, and 5 stars for rollover, with a respectable 4 stars for frontal impact, its recall history and complaint data raise significant concerns, particularly regarding its electrical and propulsion systems. There are 71 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury, which is notable for a vehicle of this age and type. The most common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the electrical system and propulsion system, with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' accounting for 13 complaints and 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' for 6. Several complaints detail sudden loss of propulsion, electrical malfunctions, and issues with the high-voltage battery and charging components. A recurring theme in complaints is the lack of a timely remedy for critical recalls, with owners reporting being unable to get repairs for over a year, leading to reduced charging capacity (limited to 80%) and persistent fire risk concerns. Moisture intrusion affecting various electrical components, including brake lights and the sunroof, is also reported. The vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls, many of which are critical and directly address the issues seen in complaints. These include recalls for potential high-voltage battery overheating (NHTSA 23V867), faulty charging socket seals leading to moisture intrusion and fire risk, and issues with the charging cable/onboard charger increasing fire risk. A recall for brake pedal detachment (NHTSA 24V-621) and a rearview camera software error also exist. The high number of complaints related to the electrical system and battery, coupled with multiple recalls addressing fire hazards and propulsion issues, indicates a significant area of concern despite the strong crash test performance. The delay in recall remedies further exacerbates these safety risks for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Audi E-Tron receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Audi E-Tron

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Audi E-Tron:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Voltage Battery Overheating/Fire Risk
Multiple recalls (e.g., NHTSA 23V867) and numerous complaints detail high-voltage battery modules overheating, leading to fire risk. Owners report long delays in recall remedies, with some vehicles having charging limited to 80% for over 18 months.		 High Common all miles
Loss Of Propulsion/Electrical Malfunction
Several complaints describe sudden and total loss of propulsion while driving, often linked to internal failure of electric motors due to coolant intrusion or general electrical malfunctions.		 High Occasional 50000-90000 miles
Charging System Failures (Port, Cable, Onboard Charger)
Issues with the high-voltage charging flap assembly failing, charge ports not latching, and recalls related to overheated charging cables or faulty charging socket seals leading to moisture intrusion and short-circuits.		 Medium Occasional all miles
Brake System Issues (Pedal Detachment, Faulty Lights)
A recall (NHTSA 24V-621) addresses potential brake pedal detachment. Separately, complaints mention brake lights becoming faulty due to moisture intrusion.		 High Rare all miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
A recall addresses a software error preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. Complaints also note poor visibility from the camera at night or in low light conditions.		 Medium Occasional all miles
Water Intrusion (Sunroof, Roof, Brake Lights)
Complaints detail water entering the vehicle through the roof/sunroof, leaking onto infotainment and other electronics, and affecting components like brake lights.		 Medium Occasional all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Audi E-Tron:

Electrical System 18% of complaints

The most frequently reported issues are related to the electrical system, including high-voltage battery malfunctions, charging system failures, and general electrical warnings, often linked to fire risks and propulsion loss.

Fuel/Propulsion System 8% of complaints

Significant problems with the propulsion system, including sudden loss of power, electric motor failures (e.g., due to coolant intrusion), and issues stemming from the high-voltage battery affecting vehicle movement.

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

A notable percentage of complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', indicating a variety of less categorized but still impactful issues, some of which may relate to the complex electrical and battery systems.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Issues related to the power train, often manifesting as loss of propulsion or unexpected vehicle behavior, are reported, sometimes overlapping with electrical system failures.

Service Brakes 3% of complaints

Complaints and a recall indicate problems with the service brakes, including potential brake pedal detachment and issues with brake lights due to moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi E-Tron

Is the 2019 Audi E-Tron safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Audi E-Tron received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, side, and rollover; 4-star frontal). However, it has 71 complaints, including 3 fires and 1 injury, and 5 recalls, many concerning critical electrical system and high-voltage battery fire risks. The safety is compromised by these known defects and reported delays in recall remedies.

What are common problems with the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

The most reported issues are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13 complaints) and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints). Common problems include high-voltage battery overheating with fire risk, sudden loss of propulsion, charging system failures (port, cable), and moisture intrusion affecting various electrical components and brake lights. There's also a recall for potential brake pedal detachment.

Are there any fire risks with the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

Yes, there are significant fire risks. NHTSA data shows 3 reported fires. Multiple recalls (e.g., 23V867) address high-voltage battery modules that may overheat, and faulty charging socket seals or overheated charging cables can also increase the risk of fire. Many owners have reported being unable to get these critical recall fixes, leading to ongoing concerns.

How many recalls does the 2019 Audi E-Tron have?

The 2019 Audi E-Tron has 5 recalls. These include issues with the rearview camera, brake pedal assembly, high-voltage battery overheating, charging cable/onboard charger, and moisture entering the high-voltage battery system through a faulty seal on the charging socket.

What should I do if I own a 2019 Audi E-Tron with open recalls?

If you own a 2019 Audi E-Tron with open recalls, especially those related to the high-voltage battery or charging system, contact your Audi dealer immediately to check the status of the remedy. Many owners have reported significant delays in getting these critical repairs, so it's important to stay informed and press for a resolution to mitigate potential safety hazards like fire risk or loss of propulsion.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant and recurring electrical system and high-voltage battery issues, including fire risks and propulsion loss, compounded by multiple recalls and reported delays in remedies. Thoroughly investigate the service history for all recall completions before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Audi E-Tron

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Audi E-Tron. The data includes 71 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Audi E-Tron an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.