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: Feb 2, 2022
MMI system stops working all of a sudden. This has happened multiple times and especially when it takes updates on its own. When called customer service they referred to the dealer stating they cannot do anything. Right after my call with them the car starts functioning back to normal. When I took it to the dealer for service and the problem, Dealer mentioned Audi has received complaints about the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
The engine died on the New Jersey turnpike going 70 mph. Had to coast to shoulder. Sat on the side of the highway with children in back seat for 45 mins waiting for tow which is extremely dangerous. No warning lights before or after the issue. Had to be towed to dealer. Dealer confirmed turbo system failed.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
While waiting at a signal, i got at message that my maps could not continue because I had no power, then the park assist came on with no explanation. After that, I got the message to put the car in park to prevent it rolling away. I tried to restart, but it would not. As the signal changed and traffic had to move around me, I put on the emergency lights and continued to try to start the car. It to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2019
I experienced the engine stall/turbo failure as described in NHTSA Action Number PE21009. I have all of the supporting documents regarding this turbo failure. Volkswagen auto group had previously issued a voluntary TSB regarding this known design shortcoming in the turbo system of the 4.0T engine. The oil screens that filter the turbo cooling were engineered with a mesh that was too fine. This mes... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The owner contacted a local dealer to set up a recall appointment. The contact set the appointment and was told by the dealer that the parts would be ordered and that the dealer would contact the owner. The owner waited over one month and had to re-contact the dealer and was told that they no longer ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2020
Both turbocharger catastrophic failure due to clogged turbocharger oil screen.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
Engine auto start / stop engages before vehicle comes to complete stop and when on a road with an incline the engine shuts off and all forward momentum is lost causing the vehicle to roll backwards. The closest description I can think of is that it feels like the automatic transmission is slipping which should not happen on a car with 2,000 miles on it. I previously drove a 2019 A4 and the older... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
Engine auto start / stop engages before vehicle comes to complete stop and when on a road with an incline the engine shuts off and all forward momentum is lost causing the vehicle to roll backwards. The closest description I can think of is that it feels like the automatic transmission is slipping which should not happen on a car with 2,000 miles on it. I previously drove a 2019 A4 and the older... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
Total system failure while driving. Suspected gateway control module malfunction although no water damage appreciated.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Both stock 2013 S7 turbos were blown/damaged at 38k miles due to being starved of oil lubrication from a faulty blocked screen. This is a known issue and has occurred in many Audi S7 and S6 vehicles with the 4.0 twin turbo engine. Audi has upgraded and changed the oil screen design and location in these models due to this problem, however Audi owners suffering this known issue have to pay for re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electrical System, Structure). The dealer was contacted and informed her that an appointment for service would not be available for two months. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact was informed that the protective cover used to repair the failure was a plastic cover which... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electrical System, Structure). The dealer was contacted and informed her that an appointment for service would not be available for two months. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact was informed that the protective cover used to repair the failure was a plastic cover which... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
Passenger seat airbag light is on .
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Check engine light on and diagnostic test shows particular matter sensor malfunction. This is apparently under recall, but my VIN is not included
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Check engine light on and diagnostic test shows particular matter sensor malfunction. This is apparently under recall, but my VIN is not included
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2017) - SEATS
Feb 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution d... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Feb 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
Contacted the place that sold me the car Audi North Houston. Everytime I try to replace it. They say that they’re out of the part and will contact me. It has been months and it still hasn’t been replaced. I’m worried about driving an unsafe vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
While driving at 60mph on the freeway, the glass sunroof on my 2018 Audi A6 randomly exploded/shattered. Glass shards flew into the cabin. There was no apparent “rock” or outside influence on the glass to cause it to shatter. The remaining glass remnants on the sunroof were angled up as if to suggest an explosion.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
With out any prior warning the car began to sputter and then lost power while I was on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership and found the Turbos failed which caused the problem. This car has been well maintained and serviced by the dealership. It now has a $14000.00 repair bill.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
With out any prior warning the car began to sputter and then lost power while I was on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership and found the Turbos failed which caused the problem. This car has been well maintained and serviced by the dealership. It now has a $14000.00 repair bill.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
The water pump, thermostat housing, thermostat, and coolant crossover pipe were replaced to address a coolant leak issue. This was a repair done outside of the warranty at a cost of $2025. The mileage on the car was 65893.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
While merging onto the highway, there was a loud bang and the overhead lights as well as driver door alert on the dashboard came on. Upon checking, the front driver door had popped open on it's own. This was inspected by dealer and no issues were found however told that there is a two-step locking process which, in rare circumstances, may not fully engage.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
The lane assist in my car will pull me out of the lane I am driving in and into an adjacent turn lane when a turn lane opens up. It happens most often when I am on a two-lane road, with a double yellow line on my left and then when a long space without markings followed by dotted lines for the turn lane opens up, the car abandons using the double yellow line as the guide and pulls the car into the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The 2017 A8L 4.0T is equipped with a engine Start-Stop system that switches off the engine when the car is motionless, to save fuel. The system is supposed to restart the engine immediately when the brake is released. This system malfunctions routinely and refuses to restart, leaving me with an immobile car at stoplights and intersections, putting me and my family at risk. This safety hazard has... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The 2017 A8L 4.0T is equipped with a engine Start-Stop system that switches off the engine when the car is motionless, to save fuel. The system is supposed to restart the engine immediately when the brake is released. This system malfunctions routinely and refuses to restart, leaving me with an immobile car at stoplights and intersections, putting me and my family at risk. This safety hazard has... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Engine turbocharger experience catastrophic damage, engine stalled, power steering was disrupted.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
Turbos failed. Was traveling home on a highway, when i pulled off the engine suddenly stalls out and loss of steering occurs as the engine system automatically puts you in park. Switching to neutral leads to a very 'leaden'/heavy driving feeling (Kind of like with no Power steering, but a little better). Able to get it restarted again with some effort. Car will stall out at any point in time when... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
Turbos failed. Was traveling home on a highway, when i pulled off the engine suddenly stalls out and loss of steering occurs as the engine system automatically puts you in park. Switching to neutral leads to a very 'leaden'/heavy driving feeling (Kind of like with no Power steering, but a little better). Able to get it restarted again with some effort. Car will stall out at any point in time when... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
CPO with 20k miles that I bought back on August 25, 2021 from Audi. It is equipped with push/start. Vehicle won't start. I have tried to use both key-fob with fresh brand new battery. Did not work I even checked to see if the battery was good. Still it won't start. I ran my scanner got a U0101 Loss communication to TCM (Transmission Control Module). I had Audi came with a flat bed to pick up the v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the curb and dirt. After the crash, the vehicle was undrivable and was towed to the dealer. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few thousands dollars $8000-$12,000 to replace the mechatronic and clutch transmission system which is very p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few thousands dollars $8000-$12,000 to replace the mechatronic and clutch transmission system which is very p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few thousands dollars $8000-$12,000 to replace the mechatronic and clutch transmission system which is very p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
With 49,520 miles, low coolant warning came on during vehicle start up. Periodic checks had not revealed a drop in coolant. Added coolant to minimum line, and drove to dealer for 50k mile servicing. Water pump had failed! Good thing it was under warranty. Replaced at no cost. It would have been a $1500 repair otherwise. Water pumps should not fail at 50k miles, not on a car this expensive. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
At 49,520 miles, dealer reported that tires were "chopped on inner edge and waring on outer edge". Tread depth was reported as 7/32 on front, and 6/32 on back. The Goodyear Eagle Sport run flat tires, 285/45-20, are commonly complained about on the Audit Q7 for poor wear patterns. It is notable that Audi does not recommend or include tire rotations in the every 10k mile maintenance services, whi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Audi Corporate and Also Both Local Audi dealers refuse to repair my safety recall that is open on my car.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
This 2012 Audi Q5 has an apparent bad passenger occupant sensor connection that could deactivate the vehicle's passenger-side airbags and increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. It appears the problem specifically stems from a faulty connection between the passenger seat occupancy sensor and the seat heater wiring, which can cause the vehicle's computer to assume that there i... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Feb 2, 2022
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Audi A6. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V295000 (suspension), however after a few months the contact had an issue with the vehicle's rear tires. The vehicle was taken to a tire center where they were unable to replace the rear tires due to severe damage to the undercarriage and rear axle on the vehicle. The local dealer who performed the reca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
REAR HATCH RANDOMLY OPEN DURING OPERATIONS AND WHILE SITTING PARKED.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Our 2018 Audi SOS signaling device was built on 3G. Audi now tells us it is no longer available and will not fix the problem. For the record 3G was introduced in 2001 and 4G in 2009. Why did Audi use 3G in my 2018 model? Was it was some executive who made the choice because I can’t fathom an engineer choosing 4G over 3G. This is the message we are receiving from Audi USA. https://www.audiu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
Turbo chargers failed on highway at highway speeds leading major loss of power in a passing situation nearly causing an accident then the car stalled at exit ramp
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel line connector. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall asso... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
I took the vehicle into the dealer (Westwood Audi) for a Safety Recall repair as requested by Audi. It was for a Driver Front Airbag Inflator replacement. The work was done but when the car was returned the airbag warning light was on. I went back in to the service department and was told that the airbag module had failed and that the part was no longer available from Audi. An aftermarket part cou... Read more