MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Audi E-Tron

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Audi E-Tron Safety Ratings

The 2019 Audi E-Tron scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 74 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

5Recalls
74Complaints
1Investigations
VERDICT

The 2019 Audi E-Tron achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band, yet this rating is tempered by a defect-record sub-score of 9.75 out of 20. Five recalls contribute to this lower defect score. The vehicle otherwise demonstrated an impressive performance in NHTSA's crash tests. Overall, its safety profile is solid but not without meaningful concerns.

The 2019 Audi E-Tron received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, derived exclusively from NHTSA crash, recall, and complaint data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi E-Tron ranks 43 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2019 Audi E-Tron safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index82 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 5 stars
Rollover risk9.2%
Recalls on file5
Owner complaints74 (unverified allegations)
Class rank43 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

The 2019 E-Tron exhibits a strong crash protection profile, contributing 65 of a possible 70 points to its 82 out of 100 Safety Index score. This performance is anchored by near-perfect NHTSA star ratings. Avoidance technology adds 7 of 10 points, with standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is not included. The defect record, however, represents a visible stumble for this launch year, earning only 9.75 out of 20. Five recalls have been issued, notably an inaugural high-voltage battery moisture recall filed in 2019 that is specific to this model year. The 74 owner complaints heavily cite electrical and propulsion systems, aligning with the recall patterns and the inherent complexity of a new electric vehicle platform. While the crash structure performs at a high level for a first-model-year vehicle, the defect record prevents a higher overall Safety Index.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi E-Tron perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Audi E-Tron achieves an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance across most crashworthiness categories. Side impact and rollover protection each earned a perfect 5 stars, with a low 9 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, the sole category not to receive the highest possible mark.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13722

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record9.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi E-Tron have any recalls?

Five recall campaigns cover this vehicle. The earliest, from mid-2019, targets moisture intrusion into the high-voltage battery system, a concern specific to the inaugural 2019 E-Tron. Later campaigns address brake pedal and linkage integrity, traction battery thermal management software, onboard charging cable hardware, and back-over camera sensing. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but the brake and battery campaigns warrant close attention.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000

Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Reported 2025-12-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES24V621000

Risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 1, 2024, and November 22, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46P6.

Reported 2024-08-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE23V867000

Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install onboard diagnostic software to monitor battery module performance, and replace affected battery modules where necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U9 and 93V2.

Reported 2023-12-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD23V842000

Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's num

Reported 2023-12-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY19V434000

Risk: Moisture in the high-voltage system can cause a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire. If warning lights appear along with the message "Electrical system: fault," immediately stop driving the vehicle, park outdoors away from structures, do not charge the vehicle, and contact Audi Roadside Assistance at 1-800-411-9988 to have the vehicle towed.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a new seal and, as necessary, replace the affected system components, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2019. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 93E8.

Reported 2019-06-10

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

Owners have filed 74 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The Electrical System leads all categories with 31 reported complaints, followed by Unknown or Other at 16, Fuel and Propulsion System at 14, Power Train at 9, Engine at 8, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 6. Four alleged crashes and three alleged fires are included in those figures.

74 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
3reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 31Unknown Or Other 16Fuel/Propulsion System 14Power Train 9Engine 8Forward Collision Avoidance 6

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

Any shopper considering a used 2019 E-Tron should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase. With five campaigns on record, including the launch-year high-voltage battery recall, confirming that each remedy has been completed is a necessary step, not an optional one.

  • The 2019 model year carries a launch-year-specific recall addressing moisture intrusion into the high-voltage battery system, a campaign that does not extend to later E-Tron production years and makes VIN verification especially important for this year.
  • The defect record sub-score of 9.75 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 82 out of 100 Safety Index, reflecting five accumulated recall campaigns rather than any weakness in the physical crash structure.
  • Owner complaints total 74 unverified allegations, with 31 targeting the Electrical System and three alleging fire incidents, a complaint pattern that aligns directly with the battery and charging-related recall campaigns on file.
  • Lane departure warning is absent as standard equipment on this model year, leaving forward collision warning and electronic stability control as the two crash-avoidance technologies that contribute to the 7 out of 10 avoidance tech sub-score.

RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi E-Tron places

The 2019 Audi E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2019 Audi E-Tron safety questions

Was the 2019 Audi E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2019 Audi E-Tron crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi E-Tron earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2019 Audi E-Tron have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi E-Tron?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 74 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi E-Tron. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other E-Tron years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Safest SUV rivals, 2019 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2019 Tesla Model X 60d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X 75d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X 90d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X P100d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X P90d94/1005 of 50
2019 Nissan Murano93/1005 of 51
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13722), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi E-Tron 2019.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 43 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.