MODEL
Audi E-Tron
NHTSA safety across every Audi E-Tron model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Audi E-Tron we cover (2019 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 82. 25 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi E-Tron is a premium all-electric midsize SUV that debuted for 2019 and carried through 2023, targeting luxury buyers who want a smooth, upscale EV without sacrificing the refinement Audi's brand promises. Positioned against rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC, it competes squarely in the growing luxury electric SUV segment where safety credentials matter as much as badge prestige.
At MotorCaliber, we measure the Audi E-Tron's safety picture across five model years of federal NHTSA data, and the story is mostly encouraging with a few cautions worth your attention. The 2023 model year earns our highest recorded Safety Index for this vehicle at 93 out of 100, landing in our Exceptional band. Crash-test performance is a genuine strength: the E-Tron posts a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side and rollover protection, with frontal performance landing at a solid 4 out of 5 stars in its best year. That frontal result keeps the overall picture from being a clean sweep, and shoppers should weigh it accordingly. The recall count across the 2019 to 2023 span is the number that demands honest scrutiny: 25 recalls over five model years is a high figure for any nameplate, and it reflects the complexity of early EV engineering as Audi worked through software, electrical, and charging system issues common to first-generation electric platforms. Owner complaints total 110 across covered years, including 4 reported crash allegations and 4 fire allegations. These are unverified claims, but fire allegations on any EV deserve attention. The bottom line: the E-Tron's passive crash protection is genuinely strong, particularly in side and rollover scenarios, but the recall volume is a real consideration. Buyers should verify outstanding recalls on any specific VIN before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the E-Tron for its composed, hushed ride quality and the polished, premium feel of its interior, describing it as one of the more traditionally luxurious approaches to an electric SUV. Most note it prioritizes comfort and refinement over outright driving excitement or maximum driving range, which suits buyers coming from conventional Audi or Mercedes products rather than performance-focused EV shoppers.
- The 2023 E-Tron earns a 93 out of 100 Safety Index in our Exceptional band, making it the strongest safety year in this generation's run and a meaningful improvement over earlier model years.
- Side and rollover crash protection are standout results at 5 out of 5 stars, but the frontal crash rating of 4 out of 5 stars in the best recorded year means frontal protection is solid rather than perfect.
- Twenty-five recalls across the 2019 to 2023 model years is a high count that reflects the real-world development challenges of a first-generation EV platform. Always run a VIN check through NHTSA's database to confirm any open recalls are resolved before buying.
- Owner complaints include 4 unverified fire allegations across covered years. While these are unverified reports, any prospective EV buyer should review active NHTSA investigations and recall history related to the battery and charging system before finalizing a purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi E-Tron with 9 recalls.