In 2021, Audi released another electric SUV, the Q4 e-tron. This sleek-looking hunk of electrified metal is designed for those who want an EV that does not sacrifice luxury, technology, or style. The very first Audi EV, the e-tron SUV was not really all that reliable when it first came out, but Audi has upped their ante with the latest EVs.
It is still too early to tell if the Q4 e-tron is going to be as reliable as all the other VAG EVs based on the MEB platform. Most MEB VAG cars are reliable and aren’t showing any major issues across the board, but there are some issues worth talking about. After all, no car is perfect as every single one of them has a niggle or two at the very least.
The most common Q4 e-tron issues are associated with the airbags, the electrical powertrain, the infotainment system, the Audi phone application that controls the car, and issues related to cold weather. Most of these are related to software which means that they are likely going to be ironed out in the next few model years.
The Q4 is still a fairly new addition to the EV world and we can’t say for certain that these are the only issues that are going to plague the Q4. We will have to wait and see how the Q4 fares in the coming years, but as of right now, the w is a reliable vehicle.
Audi Q4 e-tron airbag issues
It’s no surprise that a brand new car gets recalled a few months after it leaves the factory as that is the case with all major car brands out there. The reason why some Q4 models were recalled is due to the side airbag that was not developed for the market but rather for testing purposes.
This was an honest mistake on Audi’s part and they recalled only a few dozen Q4 models and replaced those airbags with fully sanctioned ones. The recall code is 69CT, so if you are interested you can look into every Q4 e-tron model and ask your Audi dealer if the car you are looking at needs this issue to be fixed.
Audi Q4 e-tron electrical powertrain issues
There are a few instances in which owners complained about the Q4 either losing power or being hesitant to accelerate. Some experts state that these issues are down to software and should be ironed out before long. Others deem that issue is related to the car’s cooling system, but there is little to no evidence to back up that claim.
Either way, it seems like this issue has been reported only a handful of times by now so it does not have to be an issue that affects all Q4 models. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to test out a Q4 thoroughly in all modes and states of charge to see if there are any issues that might cause headaches during ownership.
Audi Q4 e-tron infotainment system issues
The Q4 e-tron is a complex machine packed with loads of features designed to both entertain you and keep you safe. However, a few owners and automotive journalists complained that the MMI infotainment is sometimes known to completely freeze or turn off which disables some of your safety features as well.
There are no indications that any of these have ever caused an accident or anything similar, but should definitely be mentioned. Granted, most modern-day cars experience issues with infotainment systems because these are complex and delicate. Technology is not as robust as mechanics are so this is something you are likely going to face with most cars at some point.
Audi Q4 e-tron Audi app issues
As is the case with most EVs these days, the Q4 also comes with a dedicated phone app that can control and monitor a wide variety of controls such as pre-heat the cabin, check the car’s charging status, and various other pieces of information. However, many owners have complained that the app does not show much else besides the state of charge.
Owners have complained that many competing automakers enable you to pre-select a navigation destination from your phone before you enter the car. They are also saying that you can not schedule remote charging with the Q4.
Audi Q4 e-tron cold weather issues
Wintertime is the kryptonite to some EVs and it seems like the Q4 is Superman. Many owners have complained about the car having issues maintaining a steady battery charge while driving the car in cold conditions.
Some of them also complained about the car’s charging port and charger malfunctioning and refusing to charge the car up due to cold weather.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi Q4 e-tron worth it?
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a really cool car that offers the most important factors most EV buyers look for in a car. First of all, the Q4 looks extremely futuristic on the outside thanks to sharp lines and a bunch of features that are sure to attract attention. The interior of the Q4 is equally as futuristic and is packed with loads of state-of-the-art features.
There are cars out that that offer more miles per dollar, but most people aren’t as interested in that as one might think. As such, the Q4 is worth it as it is one of the best Audi EVs and is likely going to be a really popular car.
Is the Audi Q4 e-tron a practical car?
The Audi Q4 e-tron is similar in size to the Q5, but it is not as practical as the Q5 because it offers less seating and cargo space than the Q5. On the other hand, the Q4 does not come with a large central transmission tunnel which means that it can seat three adults in the back a bit easier.
The headspace is not as good, but the overall space is likely going to satisfy most people out there.
How long can the Audi e-tron last?
The Audi Q4 e-tron should easily be able to last a few hundred thousand miles without needing major overhauls. EVs seem to hold up well during ownership besides the battery which will need replacing at some point.
However, the Q4 has at least 10-15 years of use before this will be necessary. All in all, you should not worry about the Q4 longevity as it is better than many Audi ICE cars.