Audi e-tron 55
Dual-motor setup with 300 kW system output and 95-kWh battery. Main e-tron variant with good range and strong performance. Fast charging at up to 150 kW.
Solid electric drive — competent, not exciting
408 hp electric drive for daily use — composed and quiet, but without a special driving character.
Engine Weaknesses 6
As an e-tron S sharing the GE platform, this model shares the battery issue (LG E61V) with the standard e-tron. Recall 93U9/93V2 affects MY 2018–2022, 42,668 vehicles worldwide.
Symptoms: Reduced range and occasional power loss as early warning signs. Audi recommendation: charge limit 80%.
Recall action for a defective brake servo on the Audi e-tron, which also affects the e-tron S. Cause and exact numbers documented per KBA notification.
Symptoms: Increased effort required to brake, longer stopping distances, warning light on dashboard.
The rear motor of the e-tron (Audi-EM-300) has a known series defect: a seal fails and allows coolant to enter the electric motor. Repair costs 7,000–10,000 EUR. Audi covered costs in some cases as goodwill.
Symptoms: Rear motor warning, sudden loss of all-wheel drive, vehicle breaks down. Coolant level drops.
Audi recalled approximately 7,000 e-trons in 2019 due to a defective battery seal. In heavy rain, moisture could enter via a low-voltage cable and cause a short circuit or fire risk.
Symptoms: Orange battery warning light illuminates, fast-charging function deactivated.
The same MMI system as in the standard e-tron shows the same crashes in the e-tron S. Infotainment, navigation and surround cameras fail. Workshop visits only solve the problem temporarily.
Symptoms: Black or frozen display, navigation system drops out, voice recognition unresponsive.
Users report charging issues at certain charging stations (including IONITY, Alperia), where the charging session aborts or fails to start. Communication delays of 1–2 minutes compared to rival EVs.
Symptoms: Charging session fails to start or aborts without fault code, LED indicator on vehicle flashes white/green instead of steady green.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Recall for production years 2018–2022: technical deviations in certain LG energy cells can cause voltage drop and thermal overload. Fire risk. KBA ref.: 013462.
In approximately 2% of vehicles (2019–2021), the rotor shaft seal fails, allowing coolant to enter the motor housing. Complete motor replacement required. Warranty extension in the US to 10 years; EU standard is only 3 years.
Water can enter the high-voltage charge port through a defective seal, potentially causing short circuits. 2019 recall. Many owners report recurring problems despite repair.
The e-tron GE 12V backup battery is a known weak point and fails early. If it fails, the vehicle can no longer be unlocked or started. Regular replacement recommended.
The optional camera-based virtual exterior mirrors of the first generation develop condensation internally, which clouds the camera image. Models without a heating element are especially affected.
Brake discs rust quickly due to the infrequent use of the mechanical brake caused by regenerative braking. Typical EV problem. Regular brake cleaning drives recommended.
Reports & Tests
104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2025). Most reported: Electrical (50), Other (25), Powertrain (17).