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Audi electrical recalls: battery fire risk and sudden power loss
Fifteen recalls with two themes running through them. The first is the high-voltage battery: e-tron modules that can overheat on 2019-2022 cars, short circuits inside e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT battery modules, Q5 and A7 plug-in hybrid batteries that can overheat, and a 220/240-volt portable charging cable that overheats at the industrial plug. The second is liquid reaching electronics — a faulty charging socket seal on the 2019 e-tron, moisture in the 2019-2020 A6's mild hybrid starter generator, and drinks spilled in the rear seat shorting the gateway control module on the 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 and the 2019-2022 A6 and A7, which shuts engine power down. The Q5, A6 and e-tron families keep reappearing.
Warning signs to watch for
- On the 2019 e-tron, warning lights together with an 'Electrical system: fault' message
- Sudden loss of engine or drive power, which the gateway module and on-board charger defects can cause without warning
- Heat at the 220/240-volt portable charging cable or its plug while charging
- A fuel gauge that sticks or shows a level that does not match the tank
- Several of these faults give no warning at all until the failure happens
Is it safe to keep driving?
These split sharply. The 2019 e-tron moisture recall is the strict one: keep driving unless warning lights and an 'Electrical system: fault' message appear, and then stop immediately, park outside away from structures, do not charge, and have the car towed. Several battery recalls restrict charging rather than driving — charge an e-tron GT to no more than 80 percent, stop charging an affected Q5 or A7 plug-in hybrid if Audi contacts you, and do not use the 220/240-volt portable cable. The rest permit normal driving until repair.
What the free repair involves
Battery fire recalls are handled with diagnostic monitoring software plus replacement of high-voltage battery modules where the data shows it is needed; e-tron owners may also get a new charging socket seal or portable charging cable. Spill and water recalls bring a protective cover for the gateway control module and a sealed underbody seam. Others replace the starter generator, on-board charger, crash sensors or fuel sender. All free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 8 |
| high | 4 |
| medium | 3 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
Common questions
Can I still charge my Audi e-tron or plug-in hybrid?
It depends on the recall. E-tron GT owners were told to charge to a maximum of 80 percent. Affected Q5 and A7 plug-in hybrid owners are contacted and advised not to charge until the battery is replaced. The 220/240-volt portable cable should not be used.
Why would a spilled drink stop my Audi from driving?
Liquid spilled in the rear seat can reach the gateway control module and shut it down, causing a loss of engine power on the Q5, SQ5, A6 and A7. Audi's fix is a protective cover, plus sealing an underbody seam as necessary.
What does the 'Electrical system: fault' message mean on my 2019 e-tron?
It is the warning named in Audi's high-voltage battery moisture recall. If it appears with warning lights, stop immediately, park outside away from structures, do not charge the vehicle, and have it towed to an Audi dealer.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.