Audi Q4 e-tron 2021-2026 (2021–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 37+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
26
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2021–2026
4
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2021-2026 Q4 e-tron is mixed and leans critical.
8 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentWireless charging pad overheats phones and fails to charge them effectively
- RecurrentInterior uses hard, cheap, scratchy plastics
- RecurrentInfotainment software is poor and lacks simple features such as personalized electric seat memory
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRear drum brakes
- IsolatedRear trunk/hatch opening sensor works inconsistently
- IsolatedSonos sound system disappointing compared with a previous B&O system
- IsolatedCold-weather problems severe enough to prompt lemon-law buyback proceedings
- IsolatedFront seat belt retractor torsion bar may have been damaged during production, prompting a recall on 2026 Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron vehicles
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the quattro version, with one owner noting the non-quattro was chosen in a snow-free country, and the 45 Sportback quattro with the Black optik package drawing positive owner feedback on its S-Line bronze wheels and smooth ride.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4.
Is a 2021–2026 Q4 e-tron right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2021-2026 Q4 e-tron is mixed and leans critical. Owners praise the smooth, pleasant driving experience, strong adaptive cruise control and lane assist, and the striking S-Line bronze wheels, but they consistently criticize the interior for hard, cheap, scratchy plastics, call the infotainment software "pants" and embarrassing in its lack of simple features, and complain about the wireless charging pad overheating phones. Some owners report serious reliability problems severe enough to pursue lemon-law buybacks, while others describe the range as exactly what they expected. Later model years draw similar praise for driving dynamics but the same interior and software complaints, and a 2026 facelift is noted as switching the front rings from 3D to a 2D graphic.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Q4 as essentially the same vehicle as the Volkswagen ID.4 but more expensive and less Audi-like in quality, with one owner calling its quality the worst of all Audis from that generation. Against the Tesla Model Y, at least one frustrated owner said they would have been angry at themselves for not choosing the Model Y instead. The Q4 is also compared internally against the larger e-tron, which owners describe as nicer inside with a smoother ride, though they prefer the Q4's climate controls.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. Owners mention the 2023 Q4 40 Premium as leasing well with a generous lease incentive and tax rebate applied, and the 2022 Q4 Prestige as a trim they own, but no clear configuration recommendation emerges from the discussions.
General recommendations
Owners considering this generation should test drive before buying, particularly to judge interior materials and software for themselves, since those are the most repeated criticisms. Buyers who value a smooth ride and strong driver-assistance features report being happy, while those expecting Audi-typical interior quality report disappointment. Owners pursuing buybacks advise documenting problems early, noting that a lemon-law attorney can work at no charge to the consumer and that buybacks can take 30-60 days with paperwork required. One owner suggests checking the production date on the door sill to identify potentially affected batches. For charging, owners warn against cheaping out on electrical adapters and stress using properly rated equipment for Level 2 charging.
Remarks
Owners note that Audi Care prepaid maintenance is hard to justify on an EV because there is little to check, and that independent Audi-certified mechanics quote far less for 10k-mile services; on a lease, Audi Care can bump the residual and soften the monthly impact, and it makes more sense if you intend to keep the car after the lease. One owner observes that EV disc rotors tend to rust and stay rusty because regenerative braking means the friction brakes are rarely used. The 360-degree camera was supposed to be available on the Q4 but disappeared from configuration tools, with only a few cars randomly arriving in the US with it. Analysis based on approximately 37 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2024 | 22 | 3 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2025 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 25V125000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2024 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 24V361000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2024 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 25V125000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.