Audi e-tron Class Action Lawsuit: EV Battery Defect Alleged

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Audi e-tron EVs have a battery defect that causes power loss, diminished driving range, and poses fire risks.

Consumers Affected: Owners and lessees of Audi e-tron EVs from model years 2019 to 2024.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division

Audi of America and Volkswagen Group of America are facing legal action over alleged defects in the high-voltage lithium-ion batteries of their Audi e-tron electric SUVs. 

A new lawsuit claims the defect causes power loss, short circuits, and an increased risk of fires, leaving customers with unsafe vehicles and no clear resolution. The lawsuit covers Audi e-tron models from 2019 to 2024, with plaintiffs accusing the automakers of failing to disclose or adequately address the issue.

Audi e-tron EVs Suffer from Battery Defect, Lawsuit Claims

Georgia resident Dwight Kelly filed the proposed class action lawsuit after he discovered faults in his 2019 Audi e-tron quattro that he purchased in 2020 for around $70,000. Kelly alleges that Audi failed to inform him of the battery defect despite marketing the e-tron as a safe and reliable electric SUV. 

Since discovering the defect, Kelly and other owners have had to decide whether to stop using their vehicles altogether or risk sudden power loss or potential fires while driving, according to the lawsuit. Adding to the frustration, Audi dealerships reportedly lack an immediate remedy, leaving customers in limbo.

Battery Defect Poses Safety and Performance Risks, Consumers Allege

The lawsuit highlights how Audi and Volkswagen have issued piecemeal recalls since 2019, including a December 2023 recall affecting nearly 27,000 vehicles. However, the recalls have not addressed the root cause of the defect, the lawsuit alleges. Owners are advised to limit their vehicles' battery charge to 80%, significantly reducing the advertised range and requiring more frequent charging.

Audi’s proposed fix—a diagnostic software update to monitor battery performance—isn’t expected until the first quarter of 2025, raising questions about its effectiveness. In the meantime, owners are left with vehicles that fall short of safety and performance expectations, with diminished resale value as an added blow.

Audi and Volkswagen Face Other Legal Challenges Over Vehicle Defects

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges for Audi and Volkswagen. Recently, both automakers settled cases related to defective automatic emergency braking systems and excessive oil consumption in certain vehicles. 

The current lawsuit echoes similar allegations faced by Porsche over defective batteries in its Taycan EVs, which share components with the Audi e-tron. Plaintiffs in the Porsche case also report power loss and fire risks, pointing to broader challenges in EV battery technology. 

In the Audi e-tron battery defect class action lawsuit, Kelly wants to represent anyone in Georgia who owns or leases an affected vehicle. He is alleging fraudulent omission/concealment, negligent omission/concealment, and breach of implied warranty.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Kelly v. Audi Of America, LLC and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00071-ELR
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Roy T. Willey, IV (Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC)

Do you own an Audi e-tron EV? Share your experience with the battery performance in the comments below.