It was supposed to be an EV even a Canadian could love: The Audi Q4 e-Tron.
Packed with more than 400 kilometres of range and a boatload of electronic safety and navigation features to boot, the luxury variant of a popular Volkswagen equivalent carries a an attractive price tag to boot at just under $60,000 Canadian dollars.
It even received good reviews in trade publications and websites devoted to electric vehicles.
But now disgruntled buyers — mainly in Quebec — have taken to television airwaves and social media pages warning of a long laundry list of issues that have left many motorists high and dry, and even stranded, on winter roads amid power failures and software glitches.
Several Audi Q4 e-tron owners report that their vehicles have experienced sudden power failures, leaving them stranded in freezing temperatures and, in some cases, at risk while driving.
The situation has gotten so bad that now Transportation Canada has launched an investigation, in concert with the manufacturer.
Mylanne Dionne, a Quebec driver, had a terrifying experience in December when her Audi Q4 e-tron suddenly lost power while she was traveling at full speed on Highway 55 near Drummondville. “I thought I was going to die,” she recalled.
Dionne’s ordeal was not an isolated incident. She had already experienced multiple breakdowns with a previous Q4 before Audi replaced it with a new one. The replacement vehicle, however, suffered a similar failure just one week later.
The core issue appears to be a defect affecting the Q4’s 12-volt battery, a critical component responsible for powering essential functions like temperature control, locking mechanisms and even starting the car’s larger battery.
A Facebook group dedicated to Quebec Q4 owners experiencing similar problems has grown to over 300 members, suggesting a pattern of failures — particularly in cold-weather conditions.
Despite mounting complaints, Audi maintains that the Q4 e-tron does not suffer from a widespread defect. However, in response to the increasing reports, Audi has issued a technical bulletin to expedite diagnosis and repair of 12-volt battery issues.
Transport Canada has also acknowledged the surge in complaints. While no accidents or injuries have been reported, the department said it may take further investigative action if a safety defect is identified.
Some affected owners suspect that Canada’s frigid climate may be exacerbating the problem. Quebec pediatrician Dr. Jade Hindie shared another alarming incident in which his parked Q4 inexplicably rolled six meters into the street while it was plugged in and tore the charger from the wall.
Audi technicians examined the vehicle for three months but found no explanation for the malfunction. While Audi has offered affected customers temporary relief, such as service loaners and lease payment credits, many drivers remain frustrated.
Many no longer want compensation, but simply want out of their leases.
“I am not certain Audi knows exactly what’s causing all of these issues,” said another driver. “If you look at that Facebook group, you’ll see it’s a lot of Quebec customers. Something isn’t right.”