The Audi e-tron GT contains a design defect where the 12v battery cannot be charged in the event it becomes depleted. The battery is stored in the front trunk, but this can only be opened when the car has electrical power - there is no manual release. This leaves the vehicle immobilized to the point it must be towed to a dealer using special equipment because the four wheel drive train is locked in position when de-powered. This is a safety issue because it will leave a driver unexpectedly stranded in a remote location or otherwise unable to use their vehicle in an emergency situation. There is no way to mitigate this risk (e.g. via routine replacement of 12v battery) because any electrical fault separate from the battery itself is sufficient. In my case, a malfunctioning light switch caused a parasitic drain on the 12v leaving the car totally immobilized. I was unable to start the car and it took two days for Audi to send a tow truck with the correct equipment to tow the vehicle. It then took them several weeks to diagnose and resolve the problem. Meanwhile, there are thousands of similar components on the car that could potentially cause the same issue to reoccur. The Porsche Taycan, which shares the same platform as the e-tron GT, allows the front trunk to be opened by connecting jumper cables to a fuse box in the driver's side foot well after accessing the passenger cabin with a manual key. The 12v battery in the front trunk can then be charged so the car can be driven in an emergency or to a service center. A recall should be issued requiring Audi to provide the driver some way of accessing the 12v system in an emergency. Failed Component: 12v battery / light switch. Unsure if dealer kept failed part. Safety Risk: Driver left stranded - no way to mitigate via proper maintenance. Confirmation of Issue: Dealer confirmed issue. Inspection of parts: Unsure beyond servicing dealer. Warning: No symptoms or warning of problem. Car simply died overnight.

I am submitting this complaint regarding Audi’s continued failure to complete an active safety recall repair on my vehicle despite extended possession of the car and multiple representations that required parts were available or imminent. My vehicle has been continuously out of service for over four months while awaiting completion of a battery recall repair. During this time, Audi and the authorized dealership have repeatedly provided estimated timelines for repair completion based on expected parts deliveries. These timelines have consistently been missed. Most recently, Audi corporate confirmed that all required parts were expected to arrive by 12/12/25. However, Audi Parts Distribution has delivered only partial components on multiple occasions. Specifically, mounting harnesses have been delivered twice, but the required coolant hoses necessary to complete the battery installation have not been included. As a result, the vehicle remains unrepaired and inoperable. At no point has Audi provided a clear explanation of the full scope of repairs being performed, a definitive list of required components, or a reliable completion timeline based on confirmed parts availability. Communication has consisted primarily of assurances regarding ETAs that have proven inaccurate. The vehicle has now been unavailable for more than one-third of the calendar year and more than 12 percent of the total time I have owned it. Audi has acknowledged the delays but has declined to provide further assistance or resolution beyond minimal compensation, despite the ongoing inability to complete the safety recall repair. I am concerned not only about the prolonged loss of use, but about Audi’s apparent inability to effectuate a timely and complete remedy for a known safety recall. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Audi’s recall remedy process is being properly executed and whether similarly situated vehicles are experiencing comparable delays.