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: Nov 9, 2021
The vehicle is needing about 2qts every 2-3 days. Every once in a while I can feel it slip. I just bought this vehicle in October 2021. There are absolutely no leaks. It's a safety hazard because if it loses enough oil when I am driving, the car can and will die in the middle of the road. This vehicle is what I use to haul my 2 year old daughter in. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The vehicle is needing about 2qts every 2-3 days. Every once in a while I can feel it slip. I just bought this vehicle in October 2021. There are absolutely no leaks. It's a safety hazard because if it loses enough oil when I am driving, the car can and will die in the middle of the road. This vehicle is what I use to haul my 2 year old daughter in. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
This car has been regularly serviced by Audi for it’s entire lifespan. Today during service, the Audi technician discovered that the water pump had cracked and was leaking coolant onto the engine. The repair will cost me $1500 out of pocket, and neither the dealership nor Audi will offer any assistance. This issue is commonly documented as highly prevalent in the 2017 Q7, among other models.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
1999 AUDI A8. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING A RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS FLOODED DUE TO A RAINSTORM. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBLITY, OTHER THAN THE INSURRANCE DEDUCTIBLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT TAKE ANY PREVENTIVE EFFORTS TO SAVE THE VEHICLE. THE MAN... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2021
On the dash, the airbag warning light is on. Something is wrong about the airbag
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Rear backup camera displays black screen when engaging into reverse gear. This happens 95% of the time. Begun Occurring after 10k dealer service. Probably related to recall on 2022 models with same infotainment system.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
The warning lights that the Airbag is not functioning intermittently turns on and off and the car beeps incessantly. It is very distracting and has diverted my attention several times on the highway. This Recall has been pending since March 2021. I have been trying to schedule an appointment with the dealer to get it fixed and the response I get is there are no parts, call back next month. At thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed there was fuel leaking on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the fuel pump flange and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
On 4 Jan 2022 I received my notification of the PODS recall from Audi for my 2018 A3. I called the dealer and they informed me they did not have the part and would not schedule me for the repair until they had they part. They also indicated they had no control over when the part would be available and suggested I call Audi Customer Care for information on when the part might be available. I did as... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
This is the second failed (1/1/2022) camshaft position sensor on separate cylinder (#4), p/n 06E-103-697-AE. First one failed 3/05/2021. There are 8 of these adjusters on the particular engine. I have asked the dealer to retain the part. Safety is related to engine operation...malfunction indicator light is lit and vehicle/engine fails emissions inspection. Problem has been confirmed by dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, OIL LIGHT COMING ON EVERY 2-3 DAYS ABOUT EVERY 100 MILES DRIVEN OR LESS. I take it to my same mechanic shop always, this is a major issue with the turbo using excessive engine oil consumptions. It's not leaking, it's a VERY WELL KNOWN DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITH THESE 2012 AUDI Q5 2.0 TURBO AWD. MASSIVE GAS USAGE BUT THE MAJOR OIL ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE THIS WILL COST THO... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
My vehicle will disengage forward or drive at times (transmission) unknowingly and as you apply the gas it sometimes will engage and go forward or reverse in a high speed. Stopped at a light or stop sign becomes dangerous as you are not in control of your speed. Or you may be moved into traffic and lose forward or reverse power.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
My vehicle will disengage forward or drive at times (transmission) unknowingly and as you apply the gas it sometimes will engage and go forward or reverse in a high speed. Stopped at a light or stop sign becomes dangerous as you are not in control of your speed. Or you may be moved into traffic and lose forward or reverse power.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
Unknown my esp fault was blinking then my car wouldn’t start took it to Audi of Bedford and and another European auto and was told they didn’t know why my vehicle wouldn’t start After 8 days of sitting it finally started back up still with no explanation as to why it didn’t start
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
Unknown my esp fault was blinking then my car wouldn’t start took it to Audi of Bedford and and another European auto and was told they didn’t know why my vehicle wouldn’t start After 8 days of sitting it finally started back up still with no explanation as to why it didn’t start
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
Unknown my esp fault was blinking then my car wouldn’t start took it to Audi of Bedford and and another European auto and was told they didn’t know why my vehicle wouldn’t start After 8 days of sitting it finally started back up still with no explanation as to why it didn’t start
Incident date: Aug 4, 2021
air bag came on in dash. even though the air bag was recalled and fixed by dealer
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
Audi sent a notice in June 2021 regarding the issuance of a limited extended warranty coverage for Electromechanical Steering Unit for certain 2011-2016 model year A4, A4 Allroad, A5, S5, RS5, Q5, SQ5, A6, S6, A7, RS7, A8, and S8 vehicles. The letter stated that "Audi has determined that it is possible for the Electromechanical steering unit to malfunction in some vehicles, causing the electromech... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
While driving in the far left of the 405N in Long Beach, the vehicle experienced some catastrophic failure. The accelerator stopped working, gear shifting was not possible, the interior lights turned on and flashed, there was some text instruction on the screen about the vehicle having lost power, and the emergency On-Star system was not available. There were no warnings, messages or other symptom... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
While driving in the far left of the 405N in Long Beach, the vehicle experienced some catastrophic failure. The accelerator stopped working, gear shifting was not possible, the interior lights turned on and flashed, there was some text instruction on the screen about the vehicle having lost power, and the emergency On-Star system was not available. There were no warnings, messages or other symptom... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
While driving in the far left of the 405N in Long Beach, the vehicle experienced some catastrophic failure. The accelerator stopped working, gear shifting was not possible, the interior lights turned on and flashed, there was some text instruction on the screen about the vehicle having lost power, and the emergency On-Star system was not available. There were no warnings, messages or other symptom... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot after depressing the brake pedal the vehicle began to accelerate independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into the park. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure multiple times. The contact took the vehicle to the lo... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The contact and his wife own a 2016 Audi A3. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts remained unavailable despite the letter that stated otherwise. The contact also stated that the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) was inactive and that the passenger air bag warning light had illuminated... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2018) - SEATS
Jan 3, 2022
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was p... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2022
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was p... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Steering Malfunction" message displayed on the instrument panel and continued flashing. Moments later the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who discovered that the power steering module was faulty and needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
Seatbelt tensioner and air bags failed to deploy when the vehicles was in a severe frontal collision when another vehicle ran a stop sign exiting the highway.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
Seatbelt tensioner and air bags failed to deploy when the vehicles was in a severe frontal collision when another vehicle ran a stop sign exiting the highway.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
I was driving in the morning on a November day on a rural road. The rear moon roof exploded outward. The sound was deafening and scared my passenger and I. The center glass exploded outward, scattering glass outside and inside of the car. I believe that if this happened that passengers in the car could be hurt. Other drivers on the highway could be startled on their car damaged by the flying glass... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
The autopilot feature engaged and took control of the car. I could not wrestle control back even after I turn the car off and back on. I had to fight the car for 32 miles. From Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton, FL. This happened for the first time last night 12/31 at 12:01 am. And it happened again at around 12:20 am. There was no warning lights only a lamp turned on after it had engaged. It also... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
The autopilot feature engaged and took control of the car. I could not wrestle control back even after I turn the car off and back on. I had to fight the car for 32 miles. From Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton, FL. This happened for the first time last night 12/31 at 12:01 am. And it happened again at around 12:20 am. There was no warning lights only a lamp turned on after it had engaged. It also... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
Vehicle windshield started leaking from top and visibly moves when pressed from outside. This is the original windshield, never in an accident.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
Sunroof exploded while driving. All windows and sunroof closed also sunscreen was closed. I heard a terrifying loud explosion then I heard all the glass shattering and falling on the sunscreen. I pulled over and called police because I thought it was a gunshot. But no evidence of a gunshot, rock, bird or object. Sunscreen is intact. It was on Christmas day so was not a hot day and no heater turne... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Icy road, pulling up to stop sign, at 5-8 MPH , had just pulled out of parking space, touched brakes to slow down, brakes locked up, tried to pump to release brakes with no response, car stopped brakes released.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Icy road, pulling up to stop sign, at 5-8 MPH , had just pulled out of parking space, touched brakes to slow down, brakes locked up, tried to pump to release brakes with no response, car stopped brakes released.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Icy road, pulling up to stop sign, at 5-8 MPH , had just pulled out of parking space, touched brakes to slow down, brakes locked up, tried to pump to release brakes with no response, car stopped brakes released.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
On Sunday December 19, 2021, while driving home the warning light for the battery/alternator flashed on with an associated beep warning. An estimated 30 miles later all electrical and motor functions died while I was in heavy traffic. I was able to pull off onto a narrow shoulder up a steep hill and park. All functions quit, I could not come out of "Park", the emergency brake switch would not rele... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2020
2017 Audi Q7 3.0 QTRO--While traveling to FL, the Pre Sense Warning Light indicating failure began flickering on and off. Within several weeks, it was on constantly. Subsequently, a "whooping" sound became constant in the pillar behind the driver side door. Upon returning to OH, I reported this to my dealer. I was told the Driver side seat belt tensioner has malfunctioned. Dealer states this ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2020
2017 Audi Q7 3.0 QTRO--While traveling to FL, the Pre Sense Warning Light indicating failure began flickering on and off. Within several weeks, it was on constantly. Subsequently, a "whooping" sound became constant in the pillar behind the driver side door. Upon returning to OH, I reported this to my dealer. I was told the Driver side seat belt tensioner has malfunctioned. Dealer states this ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
noticed a clicking sound in the steering column that was intermittent; after a week, the airbag light lit up and stayed lit ... per the manual, contacted Audi immediately for service. Was told it was a "clock spring module" and that it would take a few weeks for the part to come in. I was also told that the airbag would likely not activate in a crash ... they could not guarantee it would also no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2015
I purchased this vehicle in Germany back in September 2020. It’s a US spec Audi that has the passenger air bag floor sensor recall that I can’t seem to get fixed by the German Audi dealership. How can I get this recall fixed in case I sell the car or want to ship it back stateside. They won’t ship a car with a potential safety recall outstanding. My phone number is [XXX] and I used my state... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2015
I purchased this vehicle in Germany back in September 2020. It’s a US spec Audi that has the passenger air bag floor sensor recall that I can’t seem to get fixed by the German Audi dealership. How can I get this recall fixed in case I sell the car or want to ship it back stateside. They won’t ship a car with a potential safety recall outstanding. My phone number is [XXX] and I used my state... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Audi Q7. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V660000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed there was fuel leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a fuel pump flange leak. The fuel pump flange needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
Instrument cluster that shows safety information doesn't work so don't know what's issue with car
Incident date: Jan 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2011 Audi A4. The contact stated she needed to add 1 quart of oil frequently to the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the oil consumption test completed twice but was not able to diagnose the failure. The contact stated she continued to add 1 quart of oil frequently, but the failure st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Owned 1 year and just over 120ish miles TIMING CHAIN Jumped Required Head Rebuild and the Timing Replacement. Soon as those were completed and Car back on the road, OIL CONSUMPTION every 150miles with Carbon Buildup regularly on the rear bumper. Low Oil Pressure light soon to appear following up with Water Pump Housing Cracking, Replaced the water pump and low oil pressure is worse than before thi... Read more