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Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron engine: faults and reliability

Audi e-tron (GE) and Q8 e-tron: dos motores asíncronos and baterías de 71 a 114 kWh · Audi

We have found no documented faults with the electric motor or the power electronics; what is on record are two precautionary high-voltage battery recalls: moisture at the connection (first 2019 units) and cell modules with a risk of overheating (built 2018-2022). Check the chassis number and the battery's state of health.[1][2][3]

Risk index
43
Moderate risk · what it is
Documented faults
2
2 of high or critical severity
Timing
—
Technical data[4]
Production
2019–2025
1 model on this site

8 sourcesHow we work

Which Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron versions should you buy?

Our verdict for each version, based on the documented faults.

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

Known faults of the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

Sorted from most to least important (severity × frequency).

What the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron is

The e-tron (GE) was Audi's first series-production electric car: it was unveiled in September 2018, first deliveries were in 2019 and production ended in February 2025. In 2022 it was renamed Q8 e-tron with a technical update.[4]

It has one asynchronous motor per axle (quattro all-wheel drive). The e-tron 55 and S produce 300 to 370 kW depending on boost mode; the e-tron 50 uses a smaller battery and 230 kW. The Q8 e-tron 50 and 55 drop to 183 and 220 kW with 95 and 114 kWh gross batteries.[4]

DC rapid charging reaches around 150 kW on the original e-tron (120 kW on the 50) and 150-170 kW on the Q8 e-tron. On AC, 11 kW as standard in Europe and 22 kW optional from mid-2021.[4][5]

Open sources record no faults with the motor, reduction gear or inverter. The ADAC puts the share of electric-car faults caused by the traction battery, motor or charging at just 4.4%, compared with the 12 V battery, although that statistic does not break down the e-tron.[6][7]

Manufacturer
Audi (Grupo Volkswagen)
Family
e-tron (GE)
Type
Electrical
Engine
Dos motores asíncronos (uno por eje, tracción total quattro); el SQ8 e-tron suma un tercero
Battery
71–114 kWh
Power
249–503 hp
Peak torque
973 Nm
Production
2019–2025
Makes
Audi

Technical data[4]

What changed between versions

  1. 2019–2022

    e-tron 55 quattro and S, 95 kWh gross battery (2019-2022)

    95 kWh gross battery (83.6 kWh usable, 86.5 after an update) and two 300 kW asynchronous motors with boost (370 kW in the S). Rapid charging of around 150 kW. Includes standard and Sportback bodies.[4][5]

  2. 2020–2022

    e-tron 50 quattro, 71 kWh gross battery (2020-2022)

    Entry version: 71 kWh gross battery (64.7 kWh usable), motors of 100 kW at the front and 130 kW at the rear (230 kW in total) and DC rapid charging limited to around 120 kW.[4][5]

  3. 2022–2025

    Q8 e-tron 50 / 55 and SQ8, 95 and 114 kWh gross batteries (2022-2025)

    2022 update: Q8 e-tron 50 with 95 kWh gross (89 usable) and 183 kW; Q8 e-tron 55 with 114 kWh gross (106 usable) and 220 kW; SQ8 at 370 kW. DC rapid charging rises to 150-170 kW.[4]

Cars fitted with the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

1 model sold in Spain. Open each one to see all its faults and the buying checklist.

Audi

  • Audi e-trone-tron 50 quattro · e-tron 55 quattro · e-tron S · e-tron Sportback · Q8 e-tron 50 · Q8 e-tron 55 · SQ8 e-tron2019–2025[4][5][8]

Compare the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

Maintenance parts for the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

The parts replaced at services and when the timing belt or chain is changed, searched for this engine. Confirm the part number with the registration plate or VIN.

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Are you buying a car with the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron?

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Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had, at how many kilometres and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi e-tron (2018 - 2022): recall por sobrecarga térmica de la batería (alerta Safety Gate 8/2024)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 26 February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026
  2. Audi-Rückruf: Defekte Akkuzellen - Brandgefahr beim E-Tronauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Schlechter Start: Audi muss verkaufte E-Trons in die Werkstatt rufenWinFuture · General press · published 11 June 2019 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  4. Audi e-tron (2018) - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  5. Gebrauchtwagen-Check Audi e-tron (GE): Günstiger als ein elektrischer Fiat Grande PandaAutoScout24 Magazin · Motoring press · published 14 March 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. ADAC-Pannenstatistik zu E-Autos: Die 12-Volt-Batterie ist das größte ProblemWinFuture · General press · published 28 June 2021 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  7. ADAC Pannenstatistik 2026: Immer mehr Elektroauto-Pannen wegen Batterieproblemenauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 10 March 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  8. Audi e-tron: recalls (car-recalls.eu)car-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026