NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi E-Tron Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi E-Tron scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Despite genuinely impressive NHTSA crash-test performance, a defect record subscore of 10/20 prevents the 2021 Audi E-Tron from reaching the top tier of safety. Nine recall campaigns, in particular, temper its overall showing. The E-Tron achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the "Strong" band, a competent safety choice with meaningful caveats.
The 2021 Audi E-Tron SUV AWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi E-Tron ranks 53 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 53 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
The 2021 Audi E-Tron’s defect record markedly impacts its overall safety assessment. Scoring just 10/20 in this subcategory, nine recall campaigns were issued for this single model year. These recalls address critical systems, including battery thermal management software, onboard charging hardware, the backup camera, and the infotainment display. For an electric vehicle, recalls affecting propulsion and charging components are particularly significant. This concern is further underscored by 35 owner complaints, many of which cite alleged electrical system issues. Despite these defect-related concerns, the 2021 E-Tron demonstrates strong crash protection. Its crash protection subscore of 65/70 reflects solid NHTSA performance. The vehicle also achieved a perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all included as standard features. Overall, the 2021 E-Tron earns a Safety Index of 85/100, placing it within the Strong band. This represents a three-point decrease from the 2020 model's 88/100. The divergence between its excellent crash-test results and its substantial defect record defines the safety profile of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi E-Tron perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi E-Tron achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance each received a 5 star rating. The E-Tron's rollover risk was assessed at 9 percent, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip. Frontal crash protection earned 4 out of 5 stars, the only category where the vehicle did not receive the maximum rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15607
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi E-Tron have any recalls?
Yes, nine recall campaigns cover this model year. Key components include the backup camera sensing system, battery thermal management software affecting the propulsion system, the onboard charging cable, the infotainment touchscreen, and the backup camera display function. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify each campaign's remedy status by VIN.
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
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
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT22V806000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Reported 2022-10-26
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V707000
Risk: A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.
Reported 2021-09-13
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD21V595000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 68H6.
Reported 2021-08-02
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V569000
Risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
Reported 2021-07-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
Owners have filed 35 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The Electrical System dominates with 23 alleged reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 10, Power Train at 9, and Engine at 7. One fire allegation is among the reported incidents. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
Nine recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Audi E-Tron, making verification of all completed remedies essential for any prospective owner. The two campaigns pertaining to battery thermal management software and the charging cable are of particular note, given their direct impact on the vehicle's core electric systems.
- The 2021 model year carries nine NHTSA recall campaigns, a count that directly drove the defect-record subscore down to 10/20 and pulled the Safety Index three points below the 2020 model's 88/100.
- Battery thermal management software and the onboard charging cable are among the recalled systems, which are core to the electric-vehicle architecture of this specific model year.
- NHTSA crash testing awarded the 2021 E-Tron a 5-star overall rating, with a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, but the frontal category landed at 4 out of 5 stars.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year total 35 unverified allegations, with 23 targeting the Electrical System and one alleging a fire, making electrical concerns the most frequently reported area.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi E-Tron places
The 2021 Audi E-Tron qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi E-Tron safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi E-Tron crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi E-Tron, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2021 Audi E-Tron crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi E-Tron have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi E-Tron. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi E-Tron?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi E-Tron. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other E-Tron years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15607), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi E-Tron 2021.
- 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 53 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.