AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK · model year

2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK

23 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023AUDIQ4 E-TRON SPORTBACK carries 23 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 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 SPORTBACK is electrical system with 7 filings, followed by service brakes (3) and fuel/propulsion system (2). 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.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2023 Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK. 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.

23
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

23 filings

Crashes Reported

8 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 SYSTEM7
SERVICE BRAKES3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
WHEELS1
STEERING1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
ENGINE1
POWER TRAIN1

Recent Complaints

20240423ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, the car lost power, stalled, and rolled backwards down an incline. Fortunately, the brakes worked allowing me to bring the car to a safe stop. The dealer has been trying to repair the car for 40 days (the repair is not complete). The repair included replacing the front motor. When I went online to the Audi forums, it appears many drivers have experienced the same problem. Some type of refrigerant leak causes a failure of the front electric motor which causes the car to lose drive power (stall). I can't tell from the online forums how prevalent (or rare) this problem is, but it is clear that I am not the only Audi Q4 owner who has experienced the same sequence of events.

20240423ENGINE

While driving, the car lost power, stalled, and rolled backwards down an incline. Fortunately, the brakes worked allowing me to bring the car to a safe stop. The dealer has been trying to repair the car for 40 days (the repair is not complete). The repair included replacing the front motor. When I went online to the Audi forums, it appears many drivers have experienced the same problem. Some type of refrigerant leak causes a failure of the front electric motor which causes the car to lose drive power (stall). I can't tell from the online forums how prevalent (or rare) this problem is, but it is clear that I am not the only Audi Q4 owner who has experienced the same sequence of events.

20240423POWER TRAIN

While driving, the car lost power, stalled, and rolled backwards down an incline. Fortunately, the brakes worked allowing me to bring the car to a safe stop. The dealer has been trying to repair the car for 40 days (the repair is not complete). The repair included replacing the front motor. When I went online to the Audi forums, it appears many drivers have experienced the same problem. Some type of refrigerant leak causes a failure of the front electric motor which causes the car to lose drive power (stall). I can't tell from the online forums how prevalent (or rare) this problem is, but it is clear that I am not the only Audi Q4 owner who has experienced the same sequence of events.

20240209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be charged using the home charging station. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact later received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V842000 (Electrical System) regarding the home power outlet and charging cable. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Mileage: 8,000

20240208ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle to 80 percent, the vehicle only achieved 91 miles of travel time. The help system warning light was continuously illuminating. The contact stated that the turn signal intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the Lane Keep Assist intermittently failed to operate as designed, and the doors occasionally failed to open with the key fob nearby. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V842000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that they would no longer service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provide no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 85

20240208LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle to 80 percent, the vehicle only achieved 91 miles of travel time. The help system warning light was continuously illuminating. The contact stated that the turn signal intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the Lane Keep Assist intermittently failed to operate as designed, and the doors occasionally failed to open with the key fob nearby. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V842000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that they would no longer service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provide no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 85

20240208LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle to 80 percent, the vehicle only achieved 91 miles of travel time. The help system warning light was continuously illuminating. The contact stated that the turn signal intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the Lane Keep Assist intermittently failed to operate as designed, and the doors occasionally failed to open with the key fob nearby. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V842000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that they would no longer service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provide no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 85

20240208SERVICE BRAKES

Component/System failed: Brake Servo part number 1eb-614-106-t Safety put at risk: Car was unable to move and completely locked up while in "Drive". If this had happened at a stop light or in traffic, it would have dangerously obstructed traffic, as the car could not be put into neutral or any other gear and could not move. Tow truck with dollies was required to move vehicle. A flatbed could not be used since the wheels were all locked up. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer's service department at the Audi dealer. This is a video of the warnings: [XXX] While stopped, but still in Drive mode, in a drive through lane of a fast food restaurant, the car's check engine light turned on, and the car shut off. When the the car Start/Stop button was pressed to turn the car back on, many warning messages were displayed on the dash, and the car refused to shift into Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. The service department at the dealer has had the car for over a month (Since [XXX]

20240208BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Component/System failed: Brake Servo part number 1eb-614-106-t Safety put at risk: Car was unable to move and completely locked up while in "Drive". If this had happened at a stop light or in traffic, it would have dangerously obstructed traffic, as the car could not be put into neutral or any other gear and could not move. Tow truck with dollies was required to move vehicle. A flatbed could not be used since the wheels were all locked up. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer's service department at the Audi dealer. This is a video of the warnings: [XXX] While stopped, but still in Drive mode, in a drive through lane of a fast food restaurant, the car's check engine light turned on, and the car shut off. When the the car Start/Stop button was pressed to turn the car back on, many warning messages were displayed on the dash, and the car refused to shift into Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. The service department at the dealer has had the car for over a month (Since [XXX]

20240208FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Component/System failed: Brake Servo part number 1eb-614-106-t Safety put at risk: Car was unable to move and completely locked up while in "Drive". If this had happened at a stop light or in traffic, it would have dangerously obstructed traffic, as the car could not be put into neutral or any other gear and could not move. Tow truck with dollies was required to move vehicle. A flatbed could not be used since the wheels were all locked up. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer's service department at the Audi dealer. This is a video of the warnings: [XXX] While stopped, but still in Drive mode, in a drive through lane of a fast food restaurant, the car's check engine light turned on, and the car shut off. When the the car Start/Stop button was pressed to turn the car back on, many warning messages were displayed on the dash, and the car refused to shift into Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. The service department at the dealer has had the car for over a month (Since [XXX]

20240123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V842000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he had plugged the compact portable charging system into a 220/240V wall socket that licensed electricians had installed. The contact stated that after returning to the residence a short time later, there was a burning plastic odor inside the garage. The contact checked the charging cable and the wall socket and became aware that the socket was partially melted. The contact disconnected the portable charger from the wall socket. The contact stated that the 220/240V wall socket was no longer operable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 1,500

20231004ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

the horn is at an extremely low volume/pitch. Can barely hear it especially for other drivers inside their vehicle. Someone almost crashed into me and I pressed the horn but it was barely audible.

20231004CrashSERVICE BRAKES

On September 22, 2023, I was parking the car in a parking garage and I had my foot on the brake. I was about to shift to reverse when my car suddenly accelerated on its own into a cement wall. My foot had remained on the brake the entire time. There have been other similar incidents with Audi Q4 eTrons as reported on this page: [XXX] - Unknown what component or system failed or malfunctioned as the vehicle is currently at a collision center for repairs. - If others had been near by, serious injury or death could have occurred. I experienced neck and back pain from the impact. - The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer yet - The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or others yet - No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms appeared prior to the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231004CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On September 22, 2023, I was parking the car in a parking garage and I had my foot on the brake. I was about to shift to reverse when my car suddenly accelerated on its own into a cement wall. My foot had remained on the brake the entire time. There have been other similar incidents with Audi Q4 eTrons as reported on this page: [XXX] - Unknown what component or system failed or malfunctioned as the vehicle is currently at a collision center for repairs. - If others had been near by, serious injury or death could have occurred. I experienced neck and back pain from the impact. - The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer yet - The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or others yet - No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms appeared prior to the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230903CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

As I was starting to make a right hand turn into a parking space in a parking garage, the car suddenly accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the stopping distance was not long enough. The car crashed into the steel cabling and concrete pole. The airbags deployed and the damage was significant enough to total the car. I sustained bruising and back muscle pain from the force of the impact. I only had the car for 11 days when this happened. I requested black box data for the car from the collision center and insurance company - neither would provide. I also reported the incident to my Audi dealer. Had there been a car in the parking spot next to me or directly in front of me, there would have been significant damage to other vehicles.

20230903CrashSERVICE BRAKES

As I was starting to make a right hand turn into a parking space in a parking garage, the car suddenly accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the stopping distance was not long enough. The car crashed into the steel cabling and concrete pole. The airbags deployed and the damage was significant enough to total the car. I sustained bruising and back muscle pain from the force of the impact. I only had the car for 11 days when this happened. I requested black box data for the car from the collision center and insurance company - neither would provide. I also reported the incident to my Audi dealer. Had there been a car in the parking spot next to me or directly in front of me, there would have been significant damage to other vehicles.

20230903CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

As I was starting to make a right hand turn into a parking space in a parking garage, the car suddenly accelerated. I slammed on the brakes, but the stopping distance was not long enough. The car crashed into the steel cabling and concrete pole. The airbags deployed and the damage was significant enough to total the car. I sustained bruising and back muscle pain from the force of the impact. I only had the car for 11 days when this happened. I requested black box data for the car from the collision center and insurance company - neither would provide. I also reported the incident to my Audi dealer. Had there been a car in the parking spot next to me or directly in front of me, there would have been significant damage to other vehicles.

20230724ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1) Battery Icon Warning: Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service. 2) Triangle Icon with Exclamation Warning: Electric drive defective. Please contact your Audi service partner! 3) Charging not possible. A technical error occurred.

20230724UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1) Battery Icon Warning: Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service. 2) Triangle Icon with Exclamation Warning: Electric drive defective. Please contact your Audi service partner! 3) Charging not possible. A technical error occurred.

20230724FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1) Battery Icon Warning: Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service. 2) Triangle Icon with Exclamation Warning: Electric drive defective. Please contact your Audi service partner! 3) Charging not possible. A technical error occurred.

Compare 2023AUDIQ4 E-TRON SPORTBACK to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK have?
The 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK has 23 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK?
The most-complained component for the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2023 AUDI Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK 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.