A growing number of Canadian consumers are voicing their concerns about the Audi Q4 e-tron, a luxury electric vehicle, after experiencing several technical glitches. These issues have left many questioning the reliability of their cars, with problems arising as early as the delivery day for some. The affected customers have turned to Speakers Corner to seek explanations and solutions, while Audi Canada and Transport Canada are actively investigating the complaints.
Ryan Lundie, from Orangeville, encountered a significant problem on the first day of driving his leased 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron. While traveling at 110 kilometers, the vehicle's systems abruptly shut down, leaving him in a precarious situation. Lundie expressed his frustration, saying, "Audi had the car for three entire months, and basically told me that what happened was impossible, and they found nothing to fix, even though I’m not crazy, and I took pictures of what happened."
Similarly, Flavio Nienow experienced sporadic issues with his vehicle after a golf trip this fall. Dr. Jade Hindie from Quebec reported a particularly alarming incident when his vehicle moved on its own while being charged in his driveway last December. These unsettling experiences have led to a loss of confidence in the vehicle among many owners.
In response to these growing concerns, Shawn Erridge, another dissatisfied customer from Montreal, created a Facebook group to unite those affected by similar issues. Initially consisting of only 6-7 members, the group has now grown to nearly 500 people. Erridge expressed his disappointment, stating, "I no longer have any trust in this vehicle," and added, "I don’t want money back from Audi. I just want to be let out of the lease."
Audi Canada is taking these complaints seriously and is conducting investigations in line with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Cort Nielsen, an Audi Canada spokesperson, reassured customers by stating:
“The Q4 e-tron is designed and engineered to meet or exceed all Canadian safety requirements. Audi Canada is investigating all customers’ complaints in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.”
To address customer concerns and maintain their commitment to service excellence, Audi Canada is offering loaner vehicles and support for monthly payments as goodwill gestures. Nielsen further explained:
“In appreciation for our customers’ patience and to provide a premium customer experience we offer a complementary service loaner, support monthly payments and further goodwill gestures.”
Transport Canada has also become involved after receiving an influx of complaints regarding various issues with Audi AG's Q4 electric vehicles. Flavio Nienow, a spokesperson for Transport Canada, explained:
“Transport Canada has recently received an influx of complaints regarding various issues with Audi AG’s Q4 electric vehicles.”
Nienow assured that complaints are thoroughly reviewed by a technical defect complaint analyst and shared with the manufacturer to ensure awareness of the concerns:
“When complaints are submitted to Transport Canada, they are entered into a database and reviewed by a technical defect complaint analyst. Public complaints are also shared with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure they are aware of the concerns.”
Despite these developments, it is notable that none of the customers who spoke with Speakers Corner reported any accidents or injuries related to these issues. Nienow affirmed:
“While those concerns are being reviewed, Nienow said to date, no incidents have been reported involving collisions or injuries.”
As part of their remediation efforts, Audi Canada is considering a recall in light of the rising number of complaints. The company has been working with affected customers by offering complimentary inspections facilitated by authorized dealers supported by their technical services team at Audi Canada and AUDI AG when necessary. Nielsen emphasized their commitment:
“As noted above, we are committed to addressing any customer concerns. We offer a complimentary inspection to assess their vehicle. Our Audi authorized dealers are supported by our technical services team at Audi Canada and AUDI AG when needed.”
