- A lawsuit claims Audi door locks can fail without warning.
- Owners report being locked in, out, or unable to secure their cars.
- The issue spans multiple models, including recent releases.
Americans have grown used to cars doing almost everything electronically, from folding the mirrors to opening the doors. According to a new lawsuit against Audi, that convenience can turn into a nightmare when the software behind it stops cooperating.
A class action filed in California accuses Audi of selling dozens of models with defective electronic door locks that can randomly refuse to lock or unlock. The suit covers an enormous range of vehicles, including the A6, A7, A8, Q8, e-tron GT, Q6 e-tron, and even the new 2025-2026 Q5 and A5. Higher-strung models like the RS6 Avant, RS7, and RS Q8 are included as well.
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The plaintiff, California resident Jay Parikh, says he bought a 2021 Audi e-tron in 2024 and began experiencing problems almost immediately. In the most alarming incident, he claims his infant son became trapped inside the SUV while he and his wife were locked out. Parikh says he brought the e-tron to Audi dealers at least three times. Two door latches were replaced, but the problem allegedly returned anyway.
According to the complaint, affected vehicles display a “Central Locking: Malfunction” warning when the issue appears. Owners say the fault can leave them unable to get into the car, unable to get out, or unable to secure the vehicle at all.
That last part matters because these are not exactly cheap cars. The lawsuit points out that many of the affected Audis stickered for $70,000 or more, yet owners claim they can be left sitting unlocked in parking lots because the locking system simply refuses to engage.
Audi Technical Bulletins
The complaint also argues Audi has known about the problem for years. It says the automaker has issued at least eight technical service bulletins related to the defect since 2021. In fact, one bulletin from February 2026 allegedly tells dealers not to replace any parts because “this will not resolve the customer’s concern.” Instead, dealers were reportedly instructed to tell owners a fix may arrive by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
If true, that means Audi is still selling some of these vehicles while acknowledging there may not yet be a working repair. The lawsuit seeks nationwide class-action status for current and former owners or lessees of the affected vehicles. It asks for damages, reimbursement for repairs, a possible buyback program, and even a court-ordered recall.
