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: Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Audi S7. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2019
I took my car in for a routine check and the dealership noted a potent is coolant /transmission fluid leak. However they said that it could have just been when coolant bubbled over so they decided not to repair anything and to just monitor. The next time I brought my car in my warranty was done and they noted the same issue and told me that I now had a coolant / transmission fluid lead that requir... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
The sunroof of my car exlpoded while driving on the freeway while on my commute to work yesterday morning. Nobody was hurt and luckily my sliding cover was covering the glass at the time.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Passenger airbag sporadically turns off, and constantly shows the seat belt unfastened (unclear if something is wrong with its functionality also). This also turned off the Audi presense/ auto stop feature at the same time. When I told Audi this at the dealership, they said they had no solution other than 'don't sit in the passenger seat', and had no idea when it might end
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
I have current issue with my Audi A4 steering rack where im driving it randomly it pull up one side or the other i have looked up that issues with the Audi A4 and alot of people are having steering rack failed where there’s space in the steering where it causes play and possible clicking noise and uneven drive Alot of people have that issues with the electrical steering and for some reason audi... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Sep 7, 2021
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel door was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty fuel actuator which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was appr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
Front right side marker light defective. This recall shows up for Audi Q7, 2017, however, when I run my VIN it does not come up as an affected vehicle. This is a safety issue, when the light does not illuminate the vehicle is less visible at night and increases risk of crash. My vehicle is: 2017 Audi Q7.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The contact owned a 2015 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph, a vehicle from the opposite side made a left turn while the contact was driving straight which caused the contact to T-bone and hit that other vehicle on the front and rear passenger side. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle's front end was caved in which caused damage to the radiator and brake line. The contact had... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
The car was running rough for a couple weeks; hesitant to accelerate, failed to start multiple times and idled rough. One day I was coming home from my hour long commute, I put the car in reverse in my driveway and the car started bucking so badly that it became un-drivable. At this point we had to get the car towed on a flatbed an hour away to the nearest dealership and this is when we discovered... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2020
Where I am currently living, speed is measured on the roads in km/h. My vehicle allows the speedometer digital display screen (Audi virtual cockpit) to be switched to display MPH or km/h. When working correctly, the speedometer should display the speed with digits and an analog simulation. The display works perfectly when in MPH, however when switching to km/h the analog simulation properly shows ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
I was slowing down to stop at a traffic light when a message was displayed on the instrument panel that says "Electrical System Malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "Electrical System Malfunction" with a red battery icon. Then the vehicle came to a complete stop and was inoperable. There was almo smoke coming from the hood near the positive battery terminal. The sm... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
I was slowing down to stop at a traffic light when a message was displayed on the instrument panel that says "Electrical System Malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "Electrical System Malfunction" with a red battery icon. Then the vehicle came to a complete stop and was inoperable. There was almo smoke coming from the hood near the positive battery terminal. The sm... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The parking break malfunction light keeps coming on and off for the past few months. Last year the malfunction light came on and I was unable to release the parking break. My car had to be towed to mechanic for reviews. The light is now back; on and off for several months. I fear using my parking brakes.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Pursuant to outstanding recall repair: Fuel tank leaks substantially when filled over 1/2 tank. Zimbrick Audi of Madison, WI confirms symptom, and confirms that fuel tank needs to be replaced pursuant to faulty rollover valve nipple. Audi of America is not currently offering a resolution as they claim replacement fuel tank is no longer available. The car has been unavailable to me for over a wee... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2021
Turbos blew causing the vehicle to lose power while trying to merge in traffic.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - ENGINE
Aug 31, 2021
Incident date: Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received pay... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Aug 31, 2021
Incident date: Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received pay... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2021
1. PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN OFF FOR 2 WEEKS. 2. oN THE iNFORMATION SCREEN THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION EVER SINCE. 3. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR REPAIR TO DEALERSHIP FOR 3 TIMES AND THE ISSUE KEEPS COMING BACK.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Allroad. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Electronic Power Control (EPC) and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle went into limp mode and he started hearing an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but he was able to park on the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle within 10 m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
Vehicle auto start stop error code pops up on vehicle dashboard. Says “Auto start stop error please contact service” also happens when car is shifted in neutral. Vehicle starting malfunction. Car would try to start but stops and shows error in the dashboard. Then press start button for vehicle to start but with a “Vehicle starting malfunction” Please contact service.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Aug 27, 2021
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 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 called Audi Fort Lauderdale (1200 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 545-4650) and Audi North Miami(1995 NE 142nd St, North Miami, FL 33181, (305) 952-5900), and it was confirmed that the part was not a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2020
This 2021 Audi SQ8 vehicle was purchased new. The vehicle features an automatic engine stop/start feature which is intended to enhance vehicle fuel economy. The incident(s) include: (1) multiple instances when slowing to a stop and the stop/start feature turned off the vehicle engine before the vehicle has come to a stop, leaving the vehicle to "coast" to a complete stop but without the aid of p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
The engine caught fire without being used for 24 hours before
Fire
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Aug 24, 2021
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 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 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 stated that the alarm repeatedly activated causing the battery t... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Aug 24, 2021
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that she noticed there was fuel leaking on the ground while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the adapt system solenoid and charcoal canister was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to 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 was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
Old Battery replaced by Audi dealer with new battery since car would not start. Second Audi dealer checked battery and connections since car would not start. Car started at dealer; however car doesn’t start now about a week after picked up at dealer. This is a major safety issue and driver & passengers are at risk creating a safety hazard of the car not being Able to start. Southern Calif AAA... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
On August 19th, we drove our Audi through heavy rain early in the day on Interstate 90 to go to Mass General Hospital. It was then parked in their covered parking garage. When we went to return home, we were on the entrance ramp to I 90 East and suddenly the car displayed messages of brake failure, electrical failure, steering failure, and then it died. It could not even be put in park. I was able... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
PRNDS appeared in red on my dash and then started blinking. Went on line regarding this and read about a TCM switch or a lever switch malfunction.Have an appt with mechanic on 8/26/21. From what I have read we are looking at a cost prohibitive repair of several thousands of dollars. Does Audi have any responsibility? Apparently it is a common complaint with the A4 model. Felt loss of power when d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
PRNDS appeared in red on my dash and then started blinking. Went on line regarding this and read about a TCM switch or a lever switch malfunction.Have an appt with mechanic on 8/26/21. From what I have read we are looking at a cost prohibitive repair of several thousands of dollars. Does Audi have any responsibility? Apparently it is a common complaint with the A4 model. Felt loss of power when d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
PRNDS appeared in red on my dash and then started blinking. Went on line regarding this and read about a TCM switch or a lever switch malfunction.Have an appt with mechanic on 8/26/21. From what I have read we are looking at a cost prohibitive repair of several thousands of dollars. Does Audi have any responsibility? Apparently it is a common complaint with the A4 model. Felt loss of power when d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
My daughter drove her car to Hobby Lobby in Opelika, AL. After being in the store for about 7 minutes they announced over the intercom for the owner of a black audi to come to the front. They told her that her car was on fire. She went outside and black smoke and fire was coming from the hood. A lady had already called 911. While waiting, flames started coming from the bottom of the car. The... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
My daughter drove her car to Hobby Lobby in Opelika, AL. After being in the store for about 7 minutes they announced over the intercom for the owner of a black audi to come to the front. They told her that her car was on fire. She went outside and black smoke and fire was coming from the hood. A lady had already called 911. While waiting, flames started coming from the bottom of the car. The... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 14, 2021
The car drove normally at highway speed for approximately 4 hours. Upon leaving the highway and attempting to accelerate onto a secondary road into oncoming traffic, the engine shuttered. The car drove erratically for about a mile with hesitation and shuttering. After stopping at a stop sign at a very busy intersection, the engine failed completely. The Electronic Power Control warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
thermostat housing leaking at the top edge and the coolant pump leaking, replaced thermostat housing and coolant pump assembly. vehicle is available for inspection upon request. the coolant reservoir would empty every time I drove the car or let it sit, the vehicle did let me know with an alert when the fluid was too low. I had to continually keep fluids in it so that the vehicle did not overheat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
Engine stalled as i approached departure terminal at Newark airport. Dealer has inspected and determined the Turbo Impeller is bent and requires replacement. Car will not run. This is a known problem on Audi turbo engines apparently. Just prior to stalling the oil low light came on then the car stalled out creating a hazardous safety situation for a perfectly well maintained car.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
I purchased my 2017 Audi Q7 in August 2016. The vehicle is advertised as requiring servicing and oil change every 10,000 miles. Unfortunately, my vehicle has never made it to a 10,000 mile interval without the yellow oil indicator light come on. When I asked the Audi service agent , he states that the car does not typically make it to a 10,000 mile interval because of the large engine. Over the pa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact received notification for NHTSA Recall Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently come to a complete stop as the brake, air bag, and seat belt warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while her husband was driving the vehicle 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently as the steering wheel locked. The vehicle hit ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently come to a complete stop as the brake, air bag, and seat belt warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while her husband was driving the vehicle 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently as the steering wheel locked. The vehicle hit ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Audi S3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the airbag warning light and the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall r... Read more
AUDI
A5
(2010) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Aug 17, 2021
Incident date: May 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the catalytic converter, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, but the v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
Code P00455 check engine light. When I fuel gas tank, fuel pours out from driver's side. Fuel fill is on passenger's side of car.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
There are six recall warnings associated with this car and tons of information that I am not including as I am sure you have all of the documentation. I am adding my vin # above to the complaints. I would like to know what VW corp is doing about this. Thank you very much for keeping us safe on the road best, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
There are six recall warnings associated with this car and tons of information that I am not including as I am sure you have all of the documentation. I am adding my vin # above to the complaints. I would like to know what VW corp is doing about this. Thank you very much for keeping us safe on the road best, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
There are six recall warnings associated with this car and tons of information that I am not including as I am sure you have all of the documentation. I am adding my vin # above to the complaints. I would like to know what VW corp is doing about this. Thank you very much for keeping us safe on the road best, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
I’ve had a Safety System Malfunction light on for sometime now. Dealership replaced a seat belt part, air bag control module, and still the light won’t go away. The car is currently with the dealership.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
I’ve had a Safety System Malfunction light on for sometime now. Dealership replaced a seat belt part, air bag control module, and still the light won’t go away. The car is currently with the dealership.