AUDI Q4 E-TRON · model year

2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON

31 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023AUDIQ4 E-TRON carries 31 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 Q4 E-TRON is electrical system with 8 filings, followed by service brakes (3) and vehicle speed control (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2023 Q4 E-TRON. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

31
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

31 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
SERVICE BRAKES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
ENGINE2
STEERING2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
AIR BAGS2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2
SEAT BELTS1
TIRES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
SUSPENSION1

Recalls (4)

25V12000027/02/2025

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. The instrument panel may not properly display the transmission gear lever indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa

24V36100022/05/2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number

23V18900022/03/2023

AIR BAGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Q4 E-Tron SUV and Q4 E-Tron Sportback vehicles. During deployment, the head curtain air bag could deform the door seal and expose the metal inlay within the seal, which could tear the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to c

23V84200013/12/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charg

Recent Complaints

20260209SUSPENSION

Front suspension ball joint failure occurred while driving approximately 70 mph on an interstate highway, resulting in sudden loss of vehicle control and requiring immediate emergency response. The vehicle is a 2023 Audi e-tron A5. Two weeks prior to the sudden failure, an Audi dealership inspected the same front corner of the vehicle following earlier damage and stated that the front suspension and wheel components were safe and the vehicle was fit to drive, replaced the rear right tire and recommended replacing the rear wheel housing after not being able to get the full car alignment to spec. I told them I wanted to defer that service until later in February unless it was catastrophic when we discussed the findings. They told me that the car was safe to drive and proceeded with the wheel alignment and replacement on the rear. The ball joint failure was catastrophic and presents a serious safety concern, particularly given the recent dealer inspection and the short time between ins

20260122CrashAIR BAGS

As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a frontal impact. The entire incident occurred within approximately two to three seconds, during which the vehicle accelerated rapidly. Despite the collision, the airbags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock, and neither the brake system warning nor the automatic braking system activated.

20260122CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a frontal impact. The entire incident occurred within approximately two to three seconds, during which the vehicle accelerated rapidly. Despite the collision, the airbags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock, and neither the brake system warning nor the automatic braking system activated.

20260122CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

As I began to move the car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. I attempted to brake before reaching the stop sign, but the car continued to gain speed. I estimate the vehicle reached approximately 60 mph. Within seconds, I collided with two vehicles and then a palm tree, sustaining a frontal impact. The entire incident occurred within approximately two to three seconds, during which the vehicle accelerated rapidly. Despite the collision, the airbags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock, and neither the brake system warning nor the automatic braking system activated.

20251211CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next to him, the car self accelerated after coming to complete stop, jumped a pakring block and crashed into my garage wall. Dealer had the car for 2-3 weeks and still couldn't replicate. Third incident was 10/30/25 while at a complete stop in traffic leaving a parking lot, the car was at complete stop and 'self-acclerated' into the vehicle in front. This incident caused my vehcile to be total-loss by insurance. Audi case was also open and they said no fault and told me it's an insurrance matter. I believe there are many cases like mine and they are aware. There are lots of discussion on the

20251211CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next to him, the car self accelerated after coming to complete stop, jumped a pakring block and crashed into my garage wall. Dealer had the car for 2-3 weeks and still couldn't replicate. Third incident was 10/30/25 while at a complete stop in traffic leaving a parking lot, the car was at complete stop and 'self-acclerated' into the vehicle in front. This incident caused my vehcile to be total-loss by insurance. Audi case was also open and they said no fault and told me it's an insurrance matter. I believe there are many cases like mine and they are aware. There are lots of discussion on the

20251211CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next to him, the car self accelerated after coming to complete stop, jumped a pakring block and crashed into my garage wall. Dealer had the car for 2-3 weeks and still couldn't replicate. Third incident was 10/30/25 while at a complete stop in traffic leaving a parking lot, the car was at complete stop and 'self-acclerated' into the vehicle in front. This incident caused my vehcile to be total-loss by insurance. Audi case was also open and they said no fault and told me it's an insurrance matter. I believe there are many cases like mine and they are aware. There are lots of discussion on the

20251105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Primary issue is electric shock hazard and limb dismemberment. It was confirmed by an Audi service tech that all Audi Q4s have dangerous gaps in every door. My child 8 years old got her finger caught between the panel and door frame. She could have cut or worse lost her finger should the door rapidly open or close. Wires are exposed leaving the easy situation of access to wires with sharp metal objects that a kid could do. Open door panels have sharp edges leading g to easy cuts. As the wires are colorful and visually appealing a kid would be enticed to try to acquire. The techs will not close the panel to frame since this is Audi’s deliberate design. Tech claims to have fixed but clearly was not touched. Audi should be required to redesign door paneling and reinstall proper paneling. All door paneling to the door frames should be closed and secured with zero gaps. Video claiming this normal is found here [XXX] &section=RECOMMENDATIONS&shouldOpenInspectionsReport=true INFORMATION R

20251105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Primary issue is electric shock hazard and limb dismemberment. It was confirmed by an Audi service tech that all Audi Q4s have dangerous gaps in every door. My child 8 years old got her finger caught between the panel and door frame. She could have cut or worse lost her finger should the door rapidly open or close. Wires are exposed leaving the easy situation of access to wires with sharp metal objects that a kid could do. Open door panels have sharp edges leading g to easy cuts. As the wires are colorful and visually appealing a kid would be enticed to try to acquire. The techs will not close the panel to frame since this is Audi’s deliberate design. Tech claims to have fixed but clearly was not touched. Audi should be required to redesign door paneling and reinstall proper paneling. All door paneling to the door frames should be closed and secured with zero gaps. Video claiming this normal is found here [XXX] &section=RECOMMENDATIONS&shouldOpenInspectionsReport=true INFORMATION R

20250924AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint.

20250924ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

See attached document for complaint.

20250924EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

See attached document for complaint.

20250404ENGINE

Car alarmed that my EV had a major electrical issue and made sirens outside as to warn others to not come close and keep distance as if the car will catch fire or explode. I replicated this warning again sitting in the car. Fearing the car will catch fire I had it moved out of my garage. My Audi Service Center was not able to replicate the issue and I provided video and photo evidence of the danger. They claim that car works normal. In the photo is the battery light and sos light on. In addition, all safety features failed to work. Audi Q4 Etron regularly crashes and driver lose federally required safety features. For example additional photos show the loss of speedometer reading stuck on 8 mph and other safety features. These crashes happen at least once a week.

20250404ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car alarmed that my EV had a major electrical issue and made sirens outside as to warn others to not come close and keep distance as if the car will catch fire or explode. I replicated this warning again sitting in the car. Fearing the car will catch fire I had it moved out of my garage. My Audi Service Center was not able to replicate the issue and I provided video and photo evidence of the danger. They claim that car works normal. In the photo is the battery light and sos light on. In addition, all safety features failed to work. Audi Q4 Etron regularly crashes and driver lose federally required safety features. For example additional photos show the loss of speedometer reading stuck on 8 mph and other safety features. These crashes happen at least once a week.

20250312ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 7/17/2024 at 11:39am at Bakersfield, CA.when weather temperature was in the 100s , when turn ignition on, lights on temperature control module (A/C, Heating) and emergency light switch started flashing unstoppable. I sent the video tu Audi of America and Audi of Bakersfield, CA. I got an email from Audi of America acknowledging the email was received. I’m afraid this is a dangerous electric issue that can start a fire. I have videos about this issue. Since I informed about this issue I still don’t get a solution from Audi.

20250312SERVICE BRAKES

I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already moved into the right or left lane (lanes next to mine) such sudden slow down from 50 mph to 0mph causes the cars behind me to stop suddenly and in several occasions almost ending in a rear ended crash against my car. I guess the radar identifies the traffic ahead next to my lane as a traffic “in front” of my car. Also, even when I am holding the steering wheel with one or 2 hands, frequently I received a message on the dashboard asking me to “Please take over steering” in yellow color, and if I don’t move the steering wheel side to side the yellow warning turns into a Red warning on the

20250312FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already moved into the right or left lane (lanes next to mine) such sudden slow down from 50 mph to 0mph causes the cars behind me to stop suddenly and in several occasions almost ending in a rear ended crash against my car. I guess the radar identifies the traffic ahead next to my lane as a traffic “in front” of my car. Also, even when I am holding the steering wheel with one or 2 hands, frequently I received a message on the dashboard asking me to “Please take over steering” in yellow color, and if I don’t move the steering wheel side to side the yellow warning turns into a Red warning on the

20250312STEERING

I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already moved into the right or left lane (lanes next to mine) such sudden slow down from 50 mph to 0mph causes the cars behind me to stop suddenly and in several occasions almost ending in a rear ended crash against my car. I guess the radar identifies the traffic ahead next to my lane as a traffic “in front” of my car. Also, even when I am holding the steering wheel with one or 2 hands, frequently I received a message on the dashboard asking me to “Please take over steering” in yellow color, and if I don’t move the steering wheel side to side the yellow warning turns into a Red warning on the

20250312STRUCTURE:BODY

In several occasions I have noticed my Audi Q4 windows and tailgate are open the next day in the morning in my garage, after I made sure all windows and doors are properly closed and locked, thank God hasn’t happened when parking in open public parking lots and or in raining days. Also many times after locking doors and applying brake properly (after double checking before getting out of my car) I receive on myAudi App the notification that “is not locked “, and after checking my car it’s “unlocked “. Sorry I don’t have pictures for this issue.

20250312ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In several occasions I have noticed my Audi Q4 windows and tailgate are open the next day in the morning in my garage, after I made sure all windows and doors are properly closed and locked, thank God hasn’t happened when parking in open public parking lots and or in raining days. Also many times after locking doors and applying brake properly (after double checking before getting out of my car) I receive on myAudi App the notification that “is not locked “, and after checking my car it’s “unlocked “. Sorry I don’t have pictures for this issue.

Compare 2023AUDIQ4 E-TRON to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON have?
The 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON has 31 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON?
Yes, the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON?
The most-complained component for the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.