S e-tron vs Model S

The LG E61V battery cell modules can develop voltage losses, causing reduced range, power limitation, and in extreme cases thermal runaway or fire. Audi issued recalls 93U9/93V2 and NHTSA 23V867 covering 2018-2022 model years, with interim guidance to limit charging to 80%. The repair is free under recall, but out-of-coverage module replacement would be far more expensive.

The front electric drive unit can develop a coolant leak, leaving fluid traces under the front of the vehicle and potentially triggering drivetrain warnings. If left unaddressed, the leak can damage drive-motor seals and shorten service life. No repair cost estimate was provided in the research, so treat it as a pre-purchase inspection item.

The MMI infotainment system can crash, show a blue screen, reboot unexpectedly, and sometimes lock out settings and climate touch controls. This affects 2020-2023 e-tron S and other GE e-tron variants. The fix is usually a dealer MMI software or data-pack update, or MMI module replacement in persistent cases; no cost range was stated in the research.

The 12-volt auxiliary battery is a typical weakness on 2020-2023 e-tron S models and is not covered by the main high-voltage battery warranty. A failing 12-volt battery can prevent the car from waking or unlocking, show low-voltage warnings, and leave the EV appearing totally dead because the HV contactors cannot activate. The research did not provide a specific replacement cost.

When using the portable compact charging system with an industrial 220-240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home outlets cannot handle the current and the outlet or cable can overheat. This recall covers 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro and 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, including 2020-2022 e-tron S models. The correction is performed free under recall.

A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, violating FMVSS No. 111 Rear Visibility. Audi's December 2025 recall 25V500 covers many 2019-2026 model-year vehicles, including the first-generation e-tron S and the S6 e-tron series. The fix is an OTA or dealer software update at no cost to the owner.

From 2019 through 2022, the upper and lower front control arms are prone to premature wear and separation, covered by NHTSA recalls 20V315 and 22V314. Symptoms include clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and steering wheel vibration. In severe cases, the control arm can fracture, causing a sudden loss of steering control. Independent shops charge between $500 and $1,500 per control arm including parts and labor, while dealerships typically charge $1,200 to $2,500.

Phantom braking is a software defect in the Autopilot and advanced driver-assistance stack, most heavily reported on 2021 and 2022 Model S vehicles but extending across the 2019 to 2026 range. The system can apply unwarranted hard braking at highway speeds, triggered by shadows, overpasses, or oncoming traffic, creating a high risk of rear-end collisions. NHTSA opened a formal investigation into these events in 2022. Tesla typically addresses the issue through over-the-air firmware updates, so there is no direct parts cost, but resulting crashes can leave owners with insurance deductibles and higher premiums.

The 2019 Raven platform introduced a new adaptive air suspension system that has proven to be a weak point, with failures continuing into early 2021 Palladium models. Common symptoms include a 'Car Lowered' warning on the dash, the vehicle sitting unevenly, continuous compressor running, a rough or crashing ride, and in some cases an undrivable vehicle until repaired. NHTSA complaint logs document multiple air suspension failures for the 2019 and 2020 model years. Air compressor replacement typically costs $1,200 to $2,500, individual air struts run $500 to $1,000 each, and a complete system rebuild at an independent shop can reach $3,000 to $5,000.

The 2021 and early 2022 Model S came standard with the yoke-style steering wheel, which proved so unpopular that Tesla restored a round wheel option in January 2022. Owners have reported failures of the capacitive turn-signal buttons, horn, and high-beam controls, which can leave the car without functioning indicators or an audible horn at critical moments. Some of these failures are documented in NHTSA complaint records for 2021 Model S vehicles. Warranty replacement is free, but out of warranty a new wheel unit costs $1,500 to $2,500 installed.

The auxiliary 12-volt battery can fail abruptly across the entire 2019-2026 Model S lineup, often within the first two to three years of ownership and without adequate warning. This is a leading cause of roadside breakdowns because it powers the doors, frunk, infotainment system, and safety electronics; when it dies, the car can appear bricked and require a tow or emergency jump. Symptoms include a black-screened infotainment system and the inability to open doors electronically. Replacement with a standard lead-acid battery costs $300 to $700, while a lithium-ion upgrade runs $500 to $800 and lasts longer.