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: Oct 22, 2021
The contact leased a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that the dealer had provided her with the vehicle rental while her vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 4 MPH and turning into a parking pace on the 4th floor of a parking garage, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own at 100 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times but it failed to resp... Read more
Crash
1 injured
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Nov 16, 2021
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that while placing the gear shifter into PARK, the vehicle would reverse. The "Put Vehicle In Park Immediately" warning message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive it to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed o... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Nov 16, 2021
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer 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 wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2021
FAILURE BOTH TURBOS Purchased Audi Naples Jan 2018 Maintained at Audi Ft Myers Audi While on a vacation from our home in Florida to New England our Audi A8 experienced a major turbo failure while on an Interstate highway. On 8/6/21 I was traveling in the middle lane of I495 at 65 mph, when traffic slowed, the car stalled. With cars passing me on both sides I eventually managed to get the car star... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2021
FAILURE BOTH TURBOS Purchased Audi Naples Jan 2018 Maintained at Audi Ft Myers Audi While on a vacation from our home in Florida to New England our Audi A8 experienced a major turbo failure while on an Interstate highway. On 8/6/21 I was traveling in the middle lane of I495 at 65 mph, when traffic slowed, the car stalled. With cars passing me on both sides I eventually managed to get the car star... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Nov 15, 2021
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The rear view camera fails during use. Frozen Images and black screens
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Nov 15, 2021
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The rear view camera fails during use. Frozen Images and black screens
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 15, 2021
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The rear view camera fails during use. Frozen Images and black screens
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
Various components and system malfunctioned. Vehicle is in dealership for 3rd time on electrical/software/hardware troubles, SOS module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The car stopped me on a major highway thinking that I was not available "Emergency Assist, Driver take over the wheel" when I had both hands on the wheel, going straight and was fully in control of the vehicle. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
Various components and system malfunctioned. Vehicle is in dealership for 3rd time on electrical/software/hardware troubles, SOS module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The car stopped me on a major highway thinking that I was not available "Emergency Assist, Driver take over the wheel" when I had both hands on the wheel, going straight and was fully in control of the vehicle. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
Various components and system malfunctioned. Vehicle is in dealership for 3rd time on electrical/software/hardware troubles, SOS module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The car stopped me on a major highway thinking that I was not available "Emergency Assist, Driver take over the wheel" when I had both hands on the wheel, going straight and was fully in control of the vehicle. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2021
My 2021 Audi Q5e is a PHEV. There are ion-lithium batteries in this vehicle, but absolutely no markings on the body that this is a hybrid vehicle. The only marking is a small clear window sticker on the driver's side window, which is almost impossible to read. As an exvoluntiee fireman, we had extensive how to handle a fire when it involved a hybrid/electric vehicle. Audi has done enough to al... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Water pump is leaking coolant - Car was purchased brand new and all services performed on time and it has only 26K miles with no accident history - Audi has recalled multiple other models but this issue is also affecting the 2017 Q7 model which is not listed in the recall below: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/audi-recall-a4-a5-a6-q5-defective-water-pumps/#:~:text=Audi%20A4%2C%20A5%2C%20A6%20a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
Panoramic sunroof leaked water into the car's electrical system during a rainstorm (despite being closed tight), resulting in a total failure of the car's electrical system, potentially a catastrophic occurrence. Fortunately the electrical failure happened when the car was stationary.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
While driving on highway, had complete electrical system failure. Received red message that said “electrical system malfunction”. Car went totally black and completely shut down within 2 minutes. I had to navigate 3 lanes to pull over with completely black cockpit after car shut down. Audi service says it’s the “starter generator”. Service said there is a chance of fire with moisture ing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
My Audi Certified Preowned A8L, 4.0 TFSI suffered a complete turbocharger failure without any notice. The car went into service 9/30/2013. I purchased the car from the same dealer that originally sold the car in Stratham, New Hampshire on 12/26/2016. I purchased an extended warranty from the dealership for 8 years, 100,000 miles. Thus, the extended warranty expired on 9/30/2021. Car has alway... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
While driving the message “Vehicle Electronic System Malfunction Shift Car to Park Before Exiting Vehicle.” The car can fail to shift into gear, or change gears while the vehicle is in motion. The mechanic that I usually take my car to said that’s he’s seen the same message in some of his other customers cars. Sometimes it pops up when the car is started, other times is comes up when the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
It has been nearly 9 months since this recall was issued. Audi cannot provide a remedy and cannot tell me when they can provide a remedy. I cannot transport a passenger in the front seat safely, and I cannot sell the car because Audi has issued a 'stop sell' order. Audi will not repurchase the car.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
It has been nearly 9 months since this recall was issued. Audi cannot provide a remedy and cannot tell me when they can provide a remedy. I cannot transport a passenger in the front seat safely, and I cannot sell the car because Audi has issued a 'stop sell' order. Audi will not repurchase the car.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
Vehicle has had all recommended maintenance performed on schedule at the Audi dealer. Driving down a highway at about 73k miles, engine stopped running with no warning. Electronic systems appeared as though engine was running, but it was dead. We were extremely fortunate that this happened on a rural highway and not the big city freeway system we had recently driven through. Cause of the problem w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Audi S3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal beeping sound would emit from the passenger’s side occupant detection system while the passenger’s side seat was vacant. The passenger’s side air bag warning light would remain illuminated at start-up. The contact stated that she would either buckle the seat belt or place a heavy o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, after shifting from reverse to drive the vehicle lost all power. The contact stated that various warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the gateway under the rear seat was wet. The gateway and battery... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Failed water pump at 67,000 miles. The vehicle started with a slow leak and coolant smell, but escalated to losing one liter of coolant each day in about a month. Potential for overheating and fires.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
INTAKE VALVE SPRING ON CYLINDER 4 ( THE ONLY WARNING I RECEIVED WAS THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING NOISE AND THE WHOLE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE EPC LIGHT THEN CAME ON, WHEN IT STARTS IT IS HESITANT TO START) I PURCHASED CAR ON 7/24/2020 THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE WAS ON/AROUND 10/27/2020 AND THE CAR HAS NOW ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUSE ON /AROUND 10/28/202, I AM UNSURE IF THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSU... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the wife crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash the front driver side air bag did not deploy, however, the passenger side airbag did deploy, and both the front and rear driver side and passenger side headrest restraints activated. The contact indicated that no passengers were present i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Twice in the past 5 months my stop/start system has malfunctioned. While rolling to a stop my car had died, reports a malfunction and will only start again after 5-7 attempts. The first time this happened I was at a stop light and could have been hit from the rear. The second time this happened I was stranded in the middle of a very busy 4 lane highway and could have been hit by oncoming traffic. ... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Nov 8, 2021
Incident date: May 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for 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 front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated, and the State ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Car is feeling jerky and shaky at the steering wheel when driving or sitting still. Very common problem on these cars. Will probably need new steering rack. This issue needs to become a recall. Very frustrating.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2019
The passenger airbag stays on off mode even when a passenger is sitting in the seat with their seatbelt on. I have taken my car to Audi dealership two times and they tell me I would have to pay $900.00 for a new airbag pod which may not even fix it. Audi also told me it’s not covered with my warranty. I’ve been trying to avoid driving with passengers but it’s my only vehicle and can’t alwa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
While I was on vacation a couple states away, I drove the Audi Etron Sportback for the first time since three days before when I drove to the vacation destination. After several minutes driving I got an "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE" notification. Several minutes later I got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - STOP VEHICLE". I immediately pulle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
While I was on vacation a couple states away, I drove the Audi Etron Sportback for the first time since three days before when I drove to the vacation destination. After several minutes driving I got an "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE" notification. Several minutes later I got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - STOP VEHICLE". I immediately pulle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
While I was on vacation a couple states away, I drove the Audi Etron Sportback for the first time since three days before when I drove to the vacation destination. After several minutes driving I got an "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE" notification. Several minutes later I got very large red alert that said "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION - STOP VEHICLE". I immediately pulle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2021
I experienced the exact scenario listed in NHTSA Recall Number21V198. Took the vehicle to my local Audi Dealer. Paid for the necessary safety repairs. Submitted for reimbursement with Audi USA reached out to them multiple times and they have refused to reimburse me for the parts and labor. Attached are the recall and emails between me and Audi USA. Thank you for any support you can provide.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
At 35,400 miles, the car indicated low coolant via dash message. Audi dealer then diagnosed as a leaking water pump that requires replacement. Continued driving could have led to complete engine failure, since the engine would overheat and be destroyed by a lack of coolant. This type of water pump failure should never happen at such low mileage, yet this is a common problem with Audi models. I ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
Hello, My vehicle has a non working passenger seat airbag due to a malfunctioning PODS (Passenger Occupant Detection Sensor). Audi states that such cannot be fixed as a fix has not yet been approved. It has been seven months since this recall has been issued and I am afraid to carry passengers in my vehicle due to the non-functioning airbag. How can I have my vehicle repaired on an expeditious fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
My rear lights are not working properly. I had a malfunction warning and for the right rear light. Which is making all the lights not functioning. It almost had me rear ended.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
My rear lights are not working properly. I had a malfunction warning and for the right rear light. Which is making all the lights not functioning. It almost had me rear ended.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS- ACCELERATES AND DECELERATES IRREGULARLY.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS- ACCELERATES AND DECELERATES IRREGULARLY.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Significant leaking from water pump and thermostat housing.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
This car has a KNOWN issue with the water pump housing leaking well before the expected lifespan of said part/gasket and Audi has not issued a TSB regarding it. It's unacceptable that a luxury car needs such a major repair with few miles (many users are experiencing this well before 40k miles) and if you are out of the original warranty, you're stuck with a $1k+ bill. My car with just about 47k m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
The engine pistons are defective and consume an excessive amount of oil. This has been confirmed through the manufacturer's own prescribed testing of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle is not drivable due to the safety risks include sudden engine breakdown while driving.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
Many times my 2020 SQ8 instrument pannel lights up , even just pulling out of my garage , and indicates that my RIGHT Front Tire is low/ or flat ( low tire warning ) and to check Right passenger side for damage .??? . ( each time (10-20 times ) this has happened and i discover NO Flat tire or Damage ). On June 16 , 2020 while driving in traffic the instrument pannel lights up and shows the sa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
Many times my 2020 SQ8 instrument pannel lights up , even just pulling out of my garage , and indicates that my RIGHT Front Tire is low/ or flat ( low tire warning ) and to check Right passenger side for damage .??? . ( each time (10-20 times ) this has happened and i discover NO Flat tire or Damage ). On June 16 , 2020 while driving in traffic the instrument pannel lights up and shows the sa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
My car smells like gas, I took it to the dealership ans they said my fuel pump flange is leaking gas
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
Turbocharged failed while driving in afternoon traffic, leaving car stranded at heavy traffic stoplight until tow could be arranged. Failure occurred while idling at the stop light. Failed turbochargers are available for inspection. Failure was initially diagnosed / confirmed by dealership (Audi Chantilly) but due to extreme cost of repair quoted by dealer, car was transported to an independe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
I was driving on highway. There was a message "Electric system malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds late the same message " electic system malfunction" with a red battery icon then the vehicle completely stoped on the highway .
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and exiting off a ramp, the sunroof exploded without impact causing the shattered glass to enter the vehicle and fall on the driver. The contact stated that no object had struck the vehicle to cause the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle before driving to the residence. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
- Multiple computer/modules/safety features. YES, the vehicle is available for inspection - The Emergency Assist with Driver Not available came on and slowed my car down to the point I almost got rear ended by the truck that came up from behind - The problemS randomly occur and are intermittent, but I have accurate documentation of when they have occurred. The dealer has my Audi A6 now for the 3r... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Needing to put oil in engine at an increasing rate. Low oil light comes on every 3 days now as this has been going on over a year. Engine timing chain then jumped and caused engine failure. Replaced with a used engine and the same problems have begun again.