Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 15,943 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Limp mode. started shortly after my purchase in May 2024. On highway and would go into limp mode, almost got hit and caused danger to other traffic. thought it was fixed and it happened again. went to pull out and make a left hand turn and had no rpms again, limp mode. Almost got t-boned. multiple electric issues. drivers side light. windows not wanting to work at times.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Limp mode. started shortly after my purchase in May 2024. On highway and would go into limp mode, almost got hit and caused danger to other traffic. thought it was fixed and it happened again. went to pull out and make a left hand turn and had no rpms again, limp mode. Almost got t-boned. multiple electric issues. drivers side light. windows not wanting to work at times.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
My vehicle has been taken to the Mercedes dealership multiple times from 2/24/25 -12/14/25 (10 Mths) for the following issues and still no resolution to the problem. Each time they say they've fixed the issues we get the car home and end up bringing it back a couple days later for the exact same issue. The issues being the Instrument Cluster/Panel failure (check engine light, multiple warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Car had electrical malfunction warning please contact costumer support and car died and zero damage to the body or the car. But the side air bags faulty went off. This car had a prior recall on file for same issues of car dying off and clerical problems. I got this car in September 2025 and had issue with it within the second month of having this car. I was not told there was a prior recall at al... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact could smell a burning smell within the vehicle, and then he noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed smoke and fl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Camera projector fail and 6 warning ⚠️ lights came on, very common issue.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
On multiple occasions while driving this vehicle at various speeds various road conditions the doors will become unlocked and partially open you have to open the door and re-close it in order for the inside lights to go off because they come on when this happens. It also appears in the driver's safety alert that the doors are unlocked this is a very uncomfortable feeling I have spoke to Volvo deal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
The charging system failed which caused the engine to stall multiple times.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I was stopped in line at a drive through. The car started rolling (electric cars should not do that) so I tapped the brakes. The car started accelerating and I started braking hard and the car just sped up. Auto braking and collision warning did not kick in. The car slammed into the car parked in front of me and drove it forward about 10 feet. The driver has soft tissue injuries as do I. In the pa... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I was stopped in line at a drive through. The car started rolling (electric cars should not do that) so I tapped the brakes. The car started accelerating and I started braking hard and the car just sped up. Auto braking and collision warning did not kick in. The car slammed into the car parked in front of me and drove it forward about 10 feet. The driver has soft tissue injuries as do I. In the pa... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There is a SERIOUS safety-related FSD (full self driving) fundamental design flaw with stop sign behavior. On previous versions AND on the latest and best version of FSD (currently that is v14.2.1.25) when FSD approaches a stop sign AND there is no white painted stopping line, FSD will make its full initial stop (also called the zero-speed stop) directly at or behind the stop sign instead of maki... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Only had the car 6,000 miles in 3 months. Received a service high voltage system warning causing the car to not be no longer produce heat, including for the battery. This rendered it unable to charge. A dead battery is a dead car. It’s currently been in the shop waiting on back ordered part for 25 days.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
THE TRANSMMISSION DOWN SHIFT WHEN GOING 60 MPH
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding Audi’s continued failure to complete an active safety recall repair on my vehicle despite extended possession of the car and multiple representations that required parts were available or imminent. My vehicle has been continuously out of service for over four months while awaiting completion of a battery recall repair. During this time, Audi and the auth... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
THE FIRST WEEK OF BUYING THIS VECHILE THERE WAS A CHIP MALFUCTION ON THE AUDI Q3 2024. THE AUDI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME IT WAS JUST A SENSOR. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIOS DONE AND EVERTHING COME BACK FINE. HOWEVER, WHEN WHEN THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECT THE START STOP SYSTEM HAD ISSUE THEN WENT AWAY. ALONG WITH AFTER MY PURCHASE OF THE Q3 THEIR WERE STRANGE STREAMING NOISES THAT WERE COMING OU... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
I received an error about the occupant classification system and a safety restraint fault. These are due to known manufacturing defects. Addressing these concerns was expensive and also required a replacement of the front passenger airbag.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Audi has a pre-sense mechanism that cannot be permanently turned off. I have almost been hit three times when the Audi brakes FOR NO REASON at all; people almost rear-end me because the Audi comes to an immediate halt. And there is no reason for the pre-sense to engage when it does go off. They are flukes. I am going to get seriously injured.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Audi has a pre-sense mechanism that cannot be permanently turned off. I have almost been hit three times when the Audi brakes FOR NO REASON at all; people almost rear-end me because the Audi comes to an immediate halt. And there is no reason for the pre-sense to engage when it does go off. They are flukes. I am going to get seriously injured.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera image was distorted, blank, or the camera image was upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The message to “Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding the loss of safety-related and remote vehicle features on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 due to discontinued cellular connectivity between Mercedes-Benz and T-Mobile, effective 12/31/2025. This vehicle is paid for, has low mileage, and is otherwise in excellent condition. However, Mercedes-Benz has notified owners that key features will stop working, including remot... Read more
AUDI
RS 6 AVANT
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Repair (component replacement) performed under Audi recall 27BQ (or 27BQ_DLR_LAUNCH) for faulty starter-alternator that can cause immediate catastrophic failure of all electrical systems affecting powertrain, steering, suspension, safety features, and emissions equipment has failed after 12 months and 2,516 miles. The replacement component suffers from the same catastrophic failure. Car indicates ... Read more
AUDI
RS 6 AVANT
(2022) — STEERING
Dec 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Repair (component replacement) performed under Audi recall 27BQ (or 27BQ_DLR_LAUNCH) for faulty starter-alternator that can cause immediate catastrophic failure of all electrical systems affecting powertrain, steering, suspension, safety features, and emissions equipment has failed after 12 months and 2,516 miles. The replacement component suffers from the same catastrophic failure. Car indicates ... Read more
AUDI
RS 6 AVANT
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
I left my house going to the store about a mile and never made it my 2013F150 5.0 engine caught on fire about a block behind the Saratoga txfire department before they could make it the truck front end burnt to the ground and melted hood plum off of it for no reason at all total loss
Fire
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
My remote start would not work from inside of a restaurant so I went out to manually start the car. It started fine. It was very cold out so I thought that I would drive up next to the building to get close to the entrance. The parking lot was not slippery at all , when I applied the brakes I had absolutely no brakes and the car bumped into the building. No damage to the building but my license pl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
I drove my car today after it snowed a few inches the night before and while I was driving, I tried to press the horn, but there was no noise coming from the horn. when I went back home I noted that the speaker used for the horn is located near the passenger side wheel well. The speaker was blocked due to snow accumulation. This is dangerous because that means whenever there’s any snow on the r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
While driving my brand new 4-day old 2025 Audi Q3 at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and shut off without warning. At the time of the incident the fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank remaining and there were no prior warnings. I was forced to pull over in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. I was initially told th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Every time I have to turn the car on a 90 degree angle from a full stop at an intersection, the car makes a loud clicking sound as the car comes in and out of making the turn. A quick internet search about this shows it’s a widespread issue, and Honda is replacing axles to fix the issue. This should be a recall.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Turned on my rear defroster to melt ice and snow. As I was sitting in a drive-thru, just 15 minutes later, I saw smoke coming from the bottom edge of the rear window. At first I thought it was the exhaust but then realized that it was too thick. Within 30 seconds there was a pop, like a gunshot. The rear glass had shattered both inside and out. I pulled the truck over to the side and I could see s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Brand new car, needed a major software upgrade, for engine code, no heat , safety system flashing. It’s going back to the dealer today , for faulty gps and limited camera view for speed signs. The car has major software issues
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Brand new car, needed a major software upgrade, for engine code, no heat , safety system flashing. It’s going back to the dealer today , for faulty gps and limited camera view for speed signs. The car has major software issues
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I purchased the Audi Q4 Etron new. The issue that I'm bring up is 'self-acceleration' I had the intial incident 10/2025 where the car self accelerated (Audi Case open) but can't reproduce which almost pin a kid between my vehicle and another vehicle. I was able to react quickly to prevent a death. Second time 'self-acceleration" was on 3/27/25. My son pulling into garage with my sitting next... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Telematic Module System is malfunctions with a nationwide recall on the part. Chevy representatives have no date for when the part will be in. The computer system in the car is not working. I can't reach OnStar the internet I pay for doesn't work. My car has been in the service department for a month this year for the same problem and it's out again. Engineers from Chevy have worked on it as well.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed howe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Three times in the past 4 years, the air bag warning light was triggered when the battery was either disconnected/reconnected or jump started. Each time to re-activate the airbag safety system, I had to send out the air bag control module to have it reset. It is not expensive to do that , but it does mean one has to disassemble the center console, remove airbag control module and send it out to be... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I was having intermittent starting issues. After a starter recall was done, things got worse. Idrive will not turn off and car wont start draining battery. Battery was replaced and car still having idrive and start issues. It would not start after being hot. I was told extended warranty is not covered and that the center console was the problem after diagnostic. They want approximately $3000 to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed howe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that days before the vehicle was scheduled for an unknown recall repair, while refueling, the contact observed gasoline pouring out of the tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel tank had expanded due... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle near the transmission, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0016. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Head gaskets failed at 120,000 miles and had to replace engine. Now transmission failed at 180,000. This car is mostly used for airport taxi so mostly freeway miles.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a frozen image or a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, the infotainment screen failed to function as intended. While the contact was using the ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The car battery goes dead when car not used in 14days, or not driven on freeway long enough to top off battery. We've had to jump it for being in a cool garage for a couple of days, and the battery is only 2yrs old. The car needs a stronger battery.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jerked while responding. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the failure recurred, and the vehicle rolled backwards unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to move forward while in drive(D) after several at... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Attempted to shift out 4-wheel high back into 2-wheel drive. On the dashboard, both 4 wheel high and 4-wheel low were flashing yellow/orange. Put truck into park to clear, nothing continued to flash. Put truck into neutral, nothing continued to flash 4 high and 4 low. Turned the truck engine completely off and started again. Both 4 high and 4 low continued flashy. Put truck into drive, 4 low and 4... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection, and the mechanic added a higher viscosity oil, installed an oil fill cap, replaced the oil filter, and... Read more