2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback
21/22" wheels
Luxury Electric SUV · AWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Below average for 2023 EV SUVs (class avg 66)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 32 days ago
The 2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback (21/22-inch wheels) puts down 496 hp, 185 miles of EPA range and a 87 kWh battery, and the EPA number is your fair-weather best case; cold weather will eat into it hard.
Score read
A 63/100 makes this a records-first inspection. Software and driver-assist score is 87/100, but range and efficiency score is only 18/100. On Reddit, owners keep flagging the same two issues: build quality and software tech. Treat missing repair records as a price problem, not a footnote.
Price context
Used examples are running around $34,223. This trim started from $90,800 new, though options can push the actual sticker higher; treat the market number as your negotiation floor and pull a current KBB Fair Purchase before naming a price.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
✗ Avoid if you are a
- ☷ Family hauler 3+ kids, cargo, towing
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Built in Range is the easy place to overbuy this trim (18/100).
Mitigation Check your commute, winter margin, and fast-charge plan before you assume the EPA number fits your use.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 185-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Map your normal highway route and winter margin against the EPA range before you treat it as a road-trip car.
VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 4 NHTSA complaint records (10 per 10K VINs, near industry average). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $34,223-$37,000. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
What matters most to you?
Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.
Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $28.5K–$42.7K market value (±20% of $35.6K). 5 outscore · 1 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
Model Y
- ✓ +125 mi more range
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
e-tron S
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ +27 mi more range
- ✓ Better safety score
Ioniq 5
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ +133 mi more range
- ✓ 800V DC charging
LYRIQ
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ +129 mi more range
iX
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ +120 mi more range
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
Niro
- ✓ +68 mi more range
- ✓ Stronger safety record
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$10,058 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 19 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (3)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Audi E-Tron and 2020-2024 Audi E-Tron Sportback vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to use the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (4 total · 10 per 10K US vehicles · near industry average)
On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunately I was able to stop it before it hit any car behind me. On internet there are many Audi E-tron owners have similar experience either while reversing or simply while trying to park the car - the car accelerates without any warning. NHTSA need to force Audi to recall these cars and make needed corrections and updates as needed to prevent any further disaster due to this issue.
On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunately I was able to stop it before it hit any car behind me. On internet there are many Audi E-tron owners have similar experience either while reversing or simply while trying to park the car - the car accelerates without any warning. NHTSA need to force Audi to recall these cars and make needed corrections and updates as needed to prevent any further disaster due to this issue.
Audi E-Tron (Q8) sudden unintentional acceleration caused a collision to stationary object while releasing brake on a turn. The accelerator was not touched while turning the steering wheel into the drive. It instead launched forward beyond the agreed 5 MPH and hit a tree. Causing significant damage to the vehicle’s front passenger wheel and hood. The airbags did not deploy nor did the “pre-sense” safety collision avoidance sensor attempted to stop the vehicle from hitting the object.
Audi E-Tron (Q8) sudden unintentional acceleration caused a collision to stationary object while releasing brake on a turn. The accelerator was not touched while turning the steering wheel into the drive. It instead launched forward beyond the agreed 5 MPH and hit a tree. Causing significant damage to the vehicle’s front passenger wheel and hood. The airbags did not deploy nor did the “pre-sense” safety collision avoidance sensor attempted to stop the vehicle from hitting the object.
Vehicle malfunctioned and stopped in middle of highway with no warning. It forcefully braked to shutdown. Was able to restart car and drive away after a minute. Two days later it had emergency SOS warning on dashboard. Took vehicle in for diagnostic and repair. When pushing software update the module locked up and car would not start. Replaced module but not confident vehicle will not repeat random behavior. No data provided by Audi to make sure this was not trial and error corrections and that the vehicle is safe.
Vehicle malfunctioned and stopped in middle of highway with no warning. It forcefully braked to shutdown. Was able to restart car and drive away after a minute. Two days later it had emergency SOS warning on dashboard. Took vehicle in for diagnostic and repair. When pushing software update the module locked up and car would not start. Replaced module but not confident vehicle will not repeat random behavior. No data provided by Audi to make sure this was not trial and error corrections and that the vehicle is safe.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and then stopping at a stoplight, the contact attempted to accelerate the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and then stopping at a stoplight, the contact attempted to accelerate the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
What Owners Are Saying
"I can almost bet it has simply to do with luck on whether everything is done right during manufacturing or not. With Edition One unit, I want to believe they put some more care into assembly early on. #9· Dec 2, 2021 Console rattling on my 1 month old e-tron driving me nuts. Double insulated glass which I have are kinda insulting at this point. #10· Dec 3, 2021 I have an intermittent console rattle, maybe in the glove box area, that is a little annoying. Audi took a look at it, but no real resolution. It only happens with certain slightly rough roads that shake the cabin slightly. Considering how quiet EV motors are and the great job Audi did with eliminating external noises, I'm not surprised that every little squeak and rattle, sounds that would be lost in the noise in an ICE vehicle, tends to stand out. This takes cabin design to the next level (here's looking at you, Tesla!). #11· Dec 21, 2021"
"I bought from Carvana. I called the local dealer with the car info to confirm warranties and service history before purchasing and scheduling delivery. They give you 7 days to test drive and return if you're not satisfied, so I left it with Audi for two of those days for a PPI ($250). It was completely solid, other than some evidence of minor body work, likely done to cover bumps before the lease return from the original owner. I had a great experience with this vehicle, and would do it again. CPO is tempting, but there are plenty of great cars on the market, and extended warranties can be cheaper elsewhere."
"#4· Feb 23, 2026 I'm with you on this review! Bought mine July 2022, now has 76,000 miles (mainly highway) and has been a pleasure to own. My main cost has been tires (on my 3rd set), a few MMI mishaps but otherwise a great comfortable vehicle. Even at my last service the dealer said my brake pads only moved 1mm since new. Happy customer here. #5· Feb 23, 2026 Good to hear! I was thinking about the '22 Sportback but one of my local dealers had the SUV version with every option I wanted and when I bought it in '24, it only had 15k on it. However, my luck hasn't been as good as yours. I've had the front motor replaced (under warranty) and the MMI ( Audi Connect) issues that seems to be plaguing everyone lately. I get around 150 miles at 80%. I'm running 285/35-22's on mine (S version). Even with the issues I couldn't be happier with it. I didn't buy it for the range but for the performance, styling, and Audi quality. Looking forward to many more years of ownership."
"New Member Introductions kk2002 Aug 21, 2020 Cancelled the Model Y ... new owner from Dallas Got a 2019 e-tron prestige black and okapi brown interior. I cannot handle rattles and need a quiet ride and having been in Model X many times I could not handle the noise and rattles. I realized I needed a luxury car first and electric drivetrain is second so I would not have liked the Model Y... 103.2KJNealCox replied Sep 12, 2020 Audi e-tron Range, MPGE And Economy polyphonic Sep 9, 2020"
"I have a 2022 Etron Sportback with Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06+ 265-40-22's. These are all seasons. I was told that this car gets 275 miles range, they lied. I got 225 the first time driving off the lot and I haven't got more than 216 on a 100% charge. The original tires were Continental Extreme Contact Sport and they lasted 13K miles before they worn down to almost bald. I had them put these on because I was not going to wear summer tires in Chicago in the winter, so I picked these all seasons. They are great tires: 350.00 a pop and are rated for 50K miles. Since the wheels are 22 inch I get an average of 200 miles on a 100% charge. In winter it's 160-180 and in the better weather 200-216. It's funny I just looked at myAudi app and in the car's description they say that the average range is 218. All of the tech guys at 3 different Audi dealers say that the 22 inch wheels cut a good chunk off of the range. Do I believe them or are they blowing the Audi smoke up my ass? I don't know. All I know is that if the range was up to where they said it was and closer to 300 miles per charge this would be the perfect car."
"Post KD2 update and with the current MyAudi app - the public charging part of the app has disappeared. We are still in the free charging period with Electrify America and we have not been able to start the charging at their location as the App does show the area where you key in the charger... 14289JNealCox replied Mar 11, 2026 Join the conversation about the new electric e-tron, e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT and more, including news, specs, pricing & ownership! Audi e-tron GT General Discussion Forum Audi Q4 e-tron General Discussion Forum Audi e-tron (OG and Q8) General Discussion Forum Audi Q6 e-tron Forum e-tron Complaints, Issues And Problems - Carista Website"
"charlienielsen Nov 6, 2025 E-tron EU claim - defects and errors Unfortunately, many of us have experienced well-known manufacturing faults and defects in our beloved e-Trons. These are not minor, insignificant faults, but defective engines, transmissions, etc., and Audi has unfortunately shown a lack of responsibility in addressing these... 1330ForaFrank replied Nov 9, 2025 Audi e-tron (OG and Q8) General Discussion Forum General Discussion Forum") Big Al Nov 11, 2025 myAudi app on 2020 A3 Sportback 40 e-tron"
"> Nom said: > > Decided to check other EV forums. See what the vibe is. Generally not good. > > But this shocked me … Audi doesn’t do over the air software updates? Announcement that it is coming but posters say still waiting. And when software updates do occur they are talking 1+ day at dealer to actually make it happen. > > 2023 … wow. > > > Click to expand... And even if the car supports it, the number, type, and frequency of updates probably can't even compare to Tesla. The ONLY reason most would support it is to check a box. Traditional manufacturers are still under the mindset of sell a car, stock the parts warehouse and move to the next model. The ONLY advantage I suspect that many see is cheaper recalls. #3· Jul 21, 2023 > Nom said: > > But this shocked me … Audi doesn’t do over the air software updates? Announcement that it is coming but posters say still waiting. And when software updates do occur they are talking 1+ day at dealer to actually make it happen. > > > Click to expand... I downloaded it to my computer, copied it to a flash drive, then plugged the flash drive to my car to update it. It was nice that a dealer visit isn't required."
Showing 8 of 32 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)