2019 Audi e-tron: What to check before buying

Sudden "Electrical system malfunction, safely stop vehicle" warnings are followed by the motors shutting down, which leaves the car immobile and needing a tow. Reported causes include coolant leaking into the front motor at about 87k miles and a part dealers call SX6 failing twice, at 52,991 and 104,741 miles. Many complaints are about a high-voltage battery recall. Owners say it still lacks a final fix, with charging capped and dealers short on parts. One car caught fire at a charging station. Another lurched forward at a red light with the brake pressed.

In Drive or Reverse, the car rolls freely when the accelerator is released before a full stop, much as if it were in neutral. On driveways and hills it can roll backward quickly. Brake hold works only after a full stop with the pedal held. One rollback ended in a crash into a structure. Other reports describe a total loss of propulsion from coolant getting into the rear motor, with warranty coverage refused. Some describe charge port or charge flap failures soon after battery recall service, including a constant warning chime.

On the freeway, an electrical failure warning appears and tells the driver to leave the road. In one case the front motor had flooded at about 63,000 miles, and a bad battery module was suspected when the failure came back. In another, a DC fast charger port caught fire and melted the high-voltage pins. Most other complaints concern the battery fire-risk recall. Owners describe charging limits in place of a repair, no repair path from dealers, falling range from weak cells, and lower resale value.

"Brake System Fault" and "Parking Brake Malfunction" warnings appear repeatedly, along with clicking or resistance at the brake pedal. One driver at 50 to 55 mph on cruise control had the car brake hard for a split second under an Audi Pre Sense alert, with no hazard ahead. Other complaints describe a loud brake squeal that keeps getting worse after dealer advice. One buyer found worn pads and rotors days after buying the car from a dealer.

At night and in low light, the rear backup camera image is dark and grainy, which makes pedestrians, curbs, and other cars hard to see when reversing. The owner says a clean lens does not help. Another complaint describes the rear wiper firing once at stops after rain has set off the automatic front wipers. That owner says it began after a rear camera software update done as recall service.

Water leaks in through the sunroof even when it is fully closed. Rain runs onto the infotainment system, the shifter, and other electronics, and it pools in the footwell. One owner links the leak to a sunroof limited warranty extension service bulletin. Another, at 170,000 miles, says the dealer did not diagnose or repair the leak and Audi referred them to the federal hotline instead.

Several warning lights come on, then the car loses motive power, sometimes with a "Major System Failure" message. In one case the car stalled during a left turn at about 35 mph, and the dealer could not find a cause on two visits. One owner had the drive unit replaced at about 30,000 miles. Another car of similar mileage caught fire while parked and unoccupied in a garage, with flames from the front compartment and rear underbody, and was destroyed.

Emergency braking sets off with nothing ahead. In one case Audi Pre Sense braked hard in a dip in the road, and the car behind nearly hit it. With adaptive cruise assist on, the car can also stop suddenly for vehicles sitting in a left-turn lane beside it. A separate fault shows a "cruise assist currently unavailable" message and turns the feature off for random stretches during highway driving.

One report describes a complete loss of braking. Brake warnings came on, then alerts lit up for the suspension, drivetrain, and most other systems. Neither the brakes nor the paddles slowed the car, and the driver coasted to a stop on the shoulder. Another owner reports sudden acceleration twice without cruise control, once on the highway and once under 15 mph. Pumping the brakes regained control both times, and the dealer confirmed the floor mats were secure.