2022 Audi e-tron S Powertrain & Transmission Problems

The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e-tron models under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #2073858, where coolant breaches internal seals and compromises the gearbox oil, causing mechanical failure. The current dealership has taken a fluid sample but refuses to share the results, denying a high-voltage drivetrain warranty submission and demanding I pay out-of-pocket for a standalone "transmission" failure. Crucially, the dealership has explicitly documented on my file that "driving the car further will cause further damage," yet they are forcing me to pick up and drive this un-diagnosed, potentially hazardous vehicle off the lot on Monday. If the high-voltage motor shorts due to internal fluid contamination while driving, it creates a severe safety risk of a sudden loss of propulsion on active roadways.

I own a 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback that experienced multiple serious issues involving the high-voltage battery system. During service at Audi South Atlanta, the dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P29FF00 – Hybrid/EV Battery Thermal Runaway Detected. This code is related to battery overheating and potential thermal runaway, which is a critical safety condition in electric vehicles. Despite identifying this safety-related fault, the dealership did not perform any repair or replace any components. Instead, they cleared the fault codes and returned the vehicle to me stating it is operating as designed. Prior to and during this issue, the vehicle experienced: •Severe range reduction (approximately 60 miles at 60% charge) •Charging interruptions and warning messages •Regenerative braking malfunction •Abnormal energy consumption •Mechanical drag and braking irregularities These issues are consistent with a high-voltage battery or power system defect. The dealership’s decision to reset the fault code without addressing the underlying cause raises serious safety concerns. A thermal runaway-related fault should not be cleared and ignored, as it may indicate a risk of battery failure or fire. I am concerned that this vehicle may be unsafe to operate and that the defect was not properly diagnosed or repaired.

Sudden and complete power loss while accelerating at stop light into an intersection, causing car to stop in the intersection. Error message briefly flashed on dashboard screen indicating failure of all wheel drive module. Estimated mileage fluctuated from 57 miles to 22 miles back to 50 miles. I turned the vehicle off and on several times, after second restart power was restored and the car drove as normal.

The contact owns a 2022 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as designed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a message was displayed erroneously showing that the vehicle was heading in the wrong direction. The dealer was contacted, and a voicemail was left. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,707. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted. The dealership had possession of the vehicle for over 30 days and could not replicate the issues.