Thinking of buying a used Audi e-tron 55 quattro and assuming there's nothing to go wrong because it hasn't got a petrol or diesel engine? I wish it were that simple! Audi's first electric SUV is now appearing on the used car market, and there's plenty to like about it – it's quiet, comfortable and lovely to drive. But there are a few things you really need to check before handing over your money. Because with an electric car, the most important things aren't necessarily what you see when you lift the bonnet. Let me explain what to look for, which Audi e-tron 55 quattro problems to watch out for and how to look after the car so that owning it stays a pleasure rather than becoming a headache.
Which generation of Audi e-tron am I looking at, and what's the difference between the 50 and 55?
We're talking about the Audi e-tron GE, built from 2018 to 2022. After that, the model continued under the Q8 e-tron name. You'll come across two main versions – the e-tron 50 and e-tron 55 – with different battery sizes and power outputs. There's also the Sportback if you prefer that body shape. Both versions have two electric motors, quattro all-wheel drive and air suspension to keep the ride comfortable. It all sounds great on paper, but when you're buying used, the condition of the car matters far more than the badge on the back.
What are the most common Audi e-tron 55 quattro problems?
The battery and charging system
I'll start with the most important thing – the battery. I'm not just interested in how many kilometres the dashboard shows or what range the car promises on a full charge. I want to know how healthy the battery actually is and how much capacity it still has. I also check the car's onboard charger and charging socket. Because a healthy battery isn't much use if the car has trouble charging. These are things you check with proper diagnostics, not guesswork.
The brakes
Here's something that surprises a lot of owners. The Audi e-tron does most of its braking using the electric motors, slowing the car down while putting energy back into the battery. That's great, but it also means the conventional brakes don't get used as much. And when the brake discs aren't used enough, they start to rust. That's why I always inspect the discs carefully, even if the car seems to brake perfectly normally. Don't assume everything is fine just because there's no noise or vibration.
The 12-volt battery
Imagine having a big electric SUV with an enormous battery that suddenly refuses to wake up. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But the problem could be the ordinary 12-volt battery. It's tiny compared with the main battery, but it has an important job in the car's electrical system. When it gets weak, your big electric SUV can end up completely dead. So don't overlook it just because you're driving an electric car.
The air suspension
The air suspension is one of the reasons the e-tron is so comfortable to drive. But it needs attention too, especially when you're buying a used car. If you notice the car sinking, sitting unevenly or struggling to maintain its normal ride height, don't brush it off as something minor. You need to find out exactly what's causing the problem rather than throwing new parts at it and hoping for the best. I've explained how the system works and why it can cause trouble in my article about air suspension problems.
The software
With the e-tron, it's not all about mechanical parts. Software controls a huge amount of what the car does, and some problems can be fixed with an update. So when the car starts behaving strangely, I don't immediately blame an expensive component. First, I check what the diagnostics are telling me and whether the car needs any software updates. Sometimes that's exactly where the solution lies. The important thing is to find the cause, not just clear the fault codes and send the car on its way.
What should I definitely check before buying?
If you've found an e-tron you like, don't rely on a quick drive around the dealership. The car might be quiet, accelerate beautifully and still have a problem you'd never notice from behind the wheel. I'd start with a few checks that I consider absolutely essential.
- High-voltage battery health – have it checked with proper diagnostics that show its actual condition, not just the remaining range displayed on the dashboard.
- AC and DC charging – make sure the car charges properly using both methods.
- Completed recalls and service campaigns – check that all the necessary work has been carried out.
- Brake discs and air suspension – inspect both carefully, because a comfortable ride doesn't prove everything is working properly.
I wouldn't skip any of these checks. Especially the battery. A proper pre-purchase inspection gives you a much clearer picture of what you're actually buying. It's far better to know the condition of the car before you buy it than to discover the problems afterwards. I'm telling you this because, once you've bought it, you're the one paying the repair bills.
How do you maintain an Audi e-tron?
An electric car doesn't need the same routine servicing as a petrol or diesel car, but that doesn't mean it should never visit a workshop. At Das Auto Service, I recommend an inspection every 6 months. That way, we can spot anything that needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem. There are a few important things you shouldn't overlook.
- Change the brake fluid every 2 years. The brakes also need careful inspection because the discs get used less frequently.
- Replace the cabin filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Check the high-voltage battery cooling system. It's important for keeping the battery working properly.
- At every visit, check the software and whether any updates are needed.
And don't forget that how you use the car matters too. During the colder months, have a read of my guide to hybrid and electric cars in winter. And if you're planning to charge at home, take a look at which charging cable you need. Get yourself prepared beforehand so you can enjoy the car without unnecessary worries.
WARNING! Buying an electric car without checking the battery is buying blind. Don't rely on the range displayed on the dashboard. Insist on a proper battery diagnostic check before making your decision.
Is a used Audi e-tron 50 or 55 worth buying?
My answer is yes, but with two important conditions. The battery needs to be healthy, and you need a convenient way to charge the car at home. If you've got both of those covered, the e-tron is a quiet, comfortable and genuinely lovely car to drive. I wouldn't choose between the 50 and 55 based purely on power or battery size. I'd check the condition of the actual car first. Because a well-maintained e-tron is a much smarter buy than one with loads of fancy extras but no clear service history.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: Keep your charging cable neatly stored in the boot rather than letting it roll around among everything else. A proper charging cable bag does the job nicely. And most importantly, don't put off inspections just because your car is electric.
I hope you've found this article useful! If you have, I'd really appreciate you sharing it with a friend who owns an Audi e-tron or is thinking of buying one. My mission is simple – when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. Because having the right information can save you a lot of trouble and unnecessary expense.
The solution in our shop
Genuine Audi/Volkswagen DOT 4 brake fluid B000750M3 1l
Genuine DOT 4 brake fluid is an important part of maintaining the braking system. Even in an electric car that mainly uses its electric motors to slow down, the brake fluid still needs changing on time.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Audi e-tron problems?
The main things to check are the high-voltage battery, charging system, 12-volt battery, brake discs, air suspension and software. Not every problem will show up during a test drive.
Should I choose an Audi e-tron 50 or 55?
The two versions have different battery sizes and power outputs. I'd choose the car with the better-verified condition rather than simply going for the more powerful version.
How do you check the battery health of an Audi e-tron?
Proper diagnostics are used to check the condition and capacity of the high-voltage battery. The range displayed on the dashboard isn't enough to tell you whether the battery is healthy.
Does an Audi e-tron need regular servicing?
Yes. I recommend an inspection every 6 months, changing the brake fluid every 2 years and checking the battery cooling system and software.