Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 16,369 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
All of a sudden around 75,000 miles oil consumption is extreme. We have to add 1 quart of oil every 3 weeks or ~700 miles. Dealer is asking for oil consumption test which costs $500 to determine the issue. There was a lawsuit for same issue against Audi, 126,000 were affeceted. We are facing exact same issue described in lawsuit. This was not an issue when car was newer. We bought the car brand ne... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 24, 2022
Incident date: Apr 24, 2022
Incident happened on 4/24/2022 ~ 10:00 AM. Stopped at a red traffic light. An error message 'Brake malfunction' showed up on the dashboard screen. After traffic light turned green, vehicle was unresponsive when gas peddle was pressed. After the engine was restarted twice, vehicle started to move but engine light was on.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
Vehicle fuel pump fails intermittently even while actively engaged in driving. Engine stalled while driving putting me at risk for an accident. Issue was hard to diagnose because the fault would clear after an episode and reappear 300-400 miles after being driven again. Check engine light appears and then after allowing car to sit for a few hours, the car will start again. Sometimes the check engi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Timing chain, turbocharger and high pressure fuel pump has to be replaced for the car with 75000 miles on it. Was advised by the shop supervisor that it’s caused by faulty engine. That this type of damage is highly unlikely for the car under 100000 miles. Turbocharger is under extended warranty from the previous Audi recall.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Power steering rack failed on 4/12/2022 as I drove on I-75 South between Gainesville and Tampa. Lost power steering on the Interstate, putting safety of my passengers (and other vehicles) at risk on the interstate. Audi sent tow and transported vehicle to Wesley Chapel Audi. Failure was confirmed and rack was replaced under warranty.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: May 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle in a timely manner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me t... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and conf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the oil light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and oil was added to the engine. The contact stated that vehicle was still consuming oil. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,00... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
285 45 R 20 All of the treads on each tire is delaminating. The tires are not even a year old and have 90% tread heigh left. There are less than 20000 miles put on this vehicle. I went to have my tires rotated and my mechanic pointed out that the tires were dangerous and treads were cracked and delaminating on all 4 tires. you may need to blow up pictures or zoom in to see accurately
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Audi has recalled a5 until 2009 for defective air bag modules, ie power supply. My 2011 has the same problem but not covered by recall. Why not? Very dangerous condition. Thank you.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The adaptive cruise control and Brake asist features are only working occasionally. Some times it switches on and off DURING traffic while the car is moving. This is a severe saftey issue IMO and needs to be taken care of by Audi.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The adaptive cruise control and Brake asist features are only working occasionally. Some times it switches on and off DURING traffic while the car is moving. This is a severe saftey issue IMO and needs to be taken care of by Audi.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the vehicle into park. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the vehicle into park. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2020
I have reached a gas station and I am unable to open the fuel filler flap. Apparently this is a known issue to Audi Service departments on Audi’s of this generation not just the A7 model. The problem is apparently intermittent, and apparently worse during winter months. In the next generation vehicle the ful filler flap housing has been redesigned to solve the fuel filler flap not opening probl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the windows started to go up and down. The contact lost power steering functionality however, the brakes was functional and she was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the veh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the windows started to go up and down. The contact lost power steering functionality however, the brakes was functional and she was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the veh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle that stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started violently shaking. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Control (ECP) and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started losing motive power and was pulled over out of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it remained. The vehicle diagno... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started violently shaking. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Control (ECP) and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started losing motive power and was pulled over out of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it remained. The vehicle diagno... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2021
I have a 2016 Audi S7 that uses the notorious 7-speed DSG transmission. I started to notice some random jerking when I pull the car from the red light a month before the car completely dead on me in April 2021. One time when I was driving on the highway at 70mph it throws a "transmission malfunction" code on my dash and put my car in Limp Mode (only 1,3,5,7 gear available). I also experience gear... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
2017 Audi Q7 - 26K miles. During oil change visit - multipoint inspection, dealer service center informed me about the fluid leak and it warrants a water pump replacement/repair which cost around $1500. No sign of this failure, just out of warranty and they’re able to find now.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "front driver side marker defective" warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "front driver side marker defective" warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Apr 8, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice for regular maintenance and was notified both times that parts for the recall were not yet available. The contact also stated that the passenger’s side air bag light ha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The reversing image occasionally appears white screen phenomenon During the process of reversing, the reversing screen suddenly turns white and cannot see anything behind, which brings danger to the driver and others, causing danger to life and property. Apparently the dealer didn't take this seriously
Crash
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
A "turn off engine, check coolant level" warning appeared and the engine overheated within the same day. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who found a faulty water pump that required replacement to fix the issue.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
Liquid spulked in the trunk and somehow was able to get to the control module that is located under the rear seat similar concerns as recalled Audi Q5. Vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of a busy intersection.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
My wife was driving our Audi e-tron and after several minutes driving she got she got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: MALFUNCTION! - SAFELY STOP VEHICLE". She immediately pulled over to the side of the road into a parking lot just before the electric motors shut down completely. This put my wife in an extremely dangerous situation, and we consider her to be very lucky that she w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
My wife was driving our Audi e-tron and after several minutes driving she got she got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: MALFUNCTION! - SAFELY STOP VEHICLE". She immediately pulled over to the side of the road into a parking lot just before the electric motors shut down completely. This put my wife in an extremely dangerous situation, and we consider her to be very lucky that she w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
My wife was driving our Audi e-tron and after several minutes driving she got she got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: MALFUNCTION! - SAFELY STOP VEHICLE". She immediately pulled over to the side of the road into a parking lot just before the electric motors shut down completely. This put my wife in an extremely dangerous situation, and we consider her to be very lucky that she w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The Clock Spring is not functioning in our 2015 Audi Q3. The horn is non-functioning and we were told by the Audi dealership, after waiting for that part for three months, that there is a 50-50 chance that the driver air bag will not deploy and the cruise control is not working. I was alerted to this possible problem because my airbag light is on but was initially told it was only because of the h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The Clock Spring is not functioning in our 2015 Audi Q3. The horn is non-functioning and we were told by the Audi dealership, after waiting for that part for three months, that there is a 50-50 chance that the driver air bag will not deploy and the cruise control is not working. I was alerted to this possible problem because my airbag light is on but was initially told it was only because of the h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The Clock Spring is not functioning in our 2015 Audi Q3. The horn is non-functioning and we were told by the Audi dealership, after waiting for that part for three months, that there is a 50-50 chance that the driver air bag will not deploy and the cruise control is not working. I was alerted to this possible problem because my airbag light is on but was initially told it was only because of the h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fault warning light illuminated, and the passenger’s side marker light defective message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fault warning light illuminated, and the passenger’s side marker light defective message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
After conducting a $10k forensic review on the car, they found out that the computer was infected with malware and that that vehicle will always put out fm transmitters to get into your cellular devise to hack it Unfortunately, this is the case for this bricked...Need a replacement with transferring the lease over to a similar priced vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
After conducting a $10k forensic review on the car, they found out that the computer was infected with malware and that that vehicle will always put out fm transmitters to get into your cellular devise to hack it Unfortunately, this is the case for this bricked...Need a replacement with transferring the lease over to a similar priced vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
After conducting a $10k forensic review on the car, they found out that the computer was infected with malware and that that vehicle will always put out fm transmitters to get into your cellular devise to hack it Unfortunately, this is the case for this bricked...Need a replacement with transferring the lease over to a similar priced vehicle.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Apr 4, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
Greeting, I drove my car for a minor body repair and paint job at Midland Park Auto Body located at 158 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432 on March 22 2022. There were no signs on the dashboard for any services or repair when I dropped of the car. Warren the owner called me to let me know that the paint job was completed by had some bad news for me. The car would not start. He thought it was the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
The TCM doesn't properly communicate with sensors in the transmission of my Audi A4 such as one of the speed sensors and this issue is inspectable by most certified technicians. The equipment failure can result in the transmission not being able to engage the gears into a "forward" motion causing the vehicle to seemingly stall in traffic. It can also cause it to shift roughly, which could further ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
SUV burns approximately 1qt oil per every 250-500 miles driven. Oil is accumulating on engine, causing burn and acrid odor. If I do not add a quart every ~2 weeks, engine will overheat. Have replaced the PCV part twice to no avail. Initially, mechanic recommended replacement of piston rings. Audi must recognize problem as they are no longer selling rings; owner must have complete pistons repl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
on a cold day got in vehicle, and red light came on saying do not drive, power steering failure. Was able to drive later in day after vehicle warmed up. Audi syracuse said our car has an extended warranty, steering box rack issues. Car went in to check no codes were found. Said to bring back if happened again.They said they have other vehilces in shop waitinfg for parts to fix them. This is a se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Car roof leak. Water tracking inside the car cabin and potentially into the electrical system of the vehicle. This is an electronic car and water inside the car due to a car roof leak is unsafe and can potentially cause a fire.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY COMES ON: RIGHT FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT INOPERATIVE.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY COMES ON: RIGHT FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT INOPERATIVE.