NHTSA Complaint #11691898 — 2024 AUDI Q4 SPORTBACK E-TRON

I purchased a new 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron. The first malfunction occurred in January 2025 when a dashboard warning appeared stating the vehicle was “unable to read traffic or road signs.” The dealer confirmed a front-camera sensor failure and replaced the camera under Repair Order #193312 (1/17/25 – 1/29/25) at approximately 397 miles. In February 2025, the vehicle displayed repeated “drive system malfunction” warnings and would not start reliably. The dealer determined the issue was linked to the 12-volt battery and replaced it under RO #194457 (2/24/25 – 3/14/25, 866 miles). Soon after, persistent drive-system and electrical faults continued (RO #195096 and #195241 from 3/17 – 3/27 at 866–1,081 miles) but no repair was completed. On 4/10/25, an “AWD malfunction” occurred, and the vehicle was towed. Under RO #195846 (4/10/25 – 4/25/25, 1,594 miles), the front electric motor/drive unit was replaced. The vehicle remained out of service for extended periods. I was provided an EV loaner during the initial repair in January and gasoline loaner vehicles thereafter. In June 2025 (RO #198283 at 3,161 miles), a factory recall for the onboard charger was performed. The warning “Pedestrians cannot hear motor sound” appeared both before and after the motor replacement, suggesting a persistent fault in the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). These repeated electrical, sensor, and propulsion failures — all within 3,000 miles of use — raise concerns about the reliability and safety of the ADAS camera, drive unit, and pedestrian-alert system. Power loss and a nonfunctional pedestrian-warning feature could increase risk to the driver and others. The manufacturer has been notified, and both dealer and manufacturer-updated repair records — showing mileage inconsistencies between versions — are available for review upon request.