Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 15,678 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 AUDI Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V898000 (Electrical System); 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The recall involves the virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Audi requires the use of the vehicle’s USB port to complete the update. However, my USB system is not functioning properly. •The Issue: Audi has refused to perform the recall because of the inoperable USB. They have stated that without the USB, they cannot install the update. They are not offering any alternative method or solution to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The turbocharger wastegate actuator failed suddenly at highway speeds, causing loss of engine power and making it extremely difficult to maintain highway speeds. The warnings that suddenly appeared caused the cruise control to cease working as well. The dealership (Audi Miami South by The Collection) inspected the vehicle and confirmed the wastegate actuator seized, requiring a complete replaceme... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V082000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was inoperable. The camera viewing distance was incorrect, and the camera image was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and po... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am writing to report a persistent issue with my 2021 Audi A4, VIN [XXX] . I have been experiencing a noticeable vibration, humming, and shuddering sensation that occurs specifically when turning at slow speeds (e.g., in a parking lot or when making a tight turn at an intersection). This issue has been diagnosed at a dealership, and the diagnostic report from the service invoice dated 07/12/202... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Passenger Occupancy Detection System is malfunctioning. Pre-sense system fault
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Steering malfunction , stop car warning. On the road
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunate... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The seatbelts on the rear passenger seats no longer recoil. The seats were hardly ever used which may be a reason even those it is a 2024 model. So right now the one behind the driver is 70% out and does not go in and the other side it goes in partially but it will never lock when it should be. The auto start stop has a failure The hydraulic hinges in the back stoped working and the trunk slam... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The seatbelts on the rear passenger seats no longer recoil. The seats were hardly ever used which may be a reason even those it is a 2024 model. So right now the one behind the driver is 70% out and does not go in and the other side it goes in partially but it will never lock when it should be. The auto start stop has a failure The hydraulic hinges in the back stoped working and the trunk slam... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The Audi Pre-sense is activated by weather. I was driving during a thunderstorm and Audi Presence activated causing the car to come to a hard stop due to precipitation. It happened again backing out of my driveway the Audi Pre-sense was activated and the car came to a hard stop. I thought I had back into another vehicle. This is very dangerous.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The Audi Pre-sense is activated by weather. I was driving during a thunderstorm and Audi Presence activated causing the car to come to a hard stop due to precipitation. It happened again backing out of my driveway the Audi Pre-sense was activated and the car came to a hard stop. I thought I had back into another vehicle. This is very dangerous.
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2013) — ENGINE
Aug 12, 2025
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owned a 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, after starting the vehicle, her friend heard a puff noise coming from under the vehicle. No warning light illuminated however, after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control illuminated. In addition, the contact's friend lifted the hood of the vehicle, and he noticed smoke and flam... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
I got into a car accident that a ton of front end damage (the car was totaled) and none of the airbags deployed. I was alone in the car and wearing my seatbelt. I looked and found no noted recalls for the airbags in my specific car.
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact purchased the vehicle at an auction, and while leaving the auction site and driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact jumped-started the vehicle, and after entering the freeway, the vehicle vibrated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Turbo Charger Failed. Lost power for driving and Car Start Stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the Motor Mounts. 3. Rear passenger side Tail Reverse Light and Rear camera not Working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a Citation.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Turbo Charger Failed. Lost power for driving and Car Start Stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the Motor Mounts. 3. Rear passenger side Tail Reverse Light and Rear camera not Working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a Citation.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Turbo Charger Failed. Lost power for driving and Car Start Stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the Motor Mounts. 3. Rear passenger side Tail Reverse Light and Rear camera not Working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a Citation.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Complete loss of steering control while driving at low speeds. Dashboard indicator illuminated for "Severe Steering Malfunction - Do Not Drive." Had the car towed to the dealership. Dealership indicated that the car needed a new steering rack and pinion. Cost estimate was $4000. The car had 72,000 miles with mostly highway mileage.
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) — BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Aug 10, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Shortly after my warranty expired last september ([XXX]) my 2020 Audi A4 Allroad started to experience random episodes of the car's main entertainment touch screen rebooting in the middle of the car being operated. This usually would only happen once or twice during maybe an hour long car ride. Then this spring, starting in mid-March the car started to experience the MMI reboots more often, say 6-... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
Aug 10, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Shortly after my warranty expired last september ([XXX]) my 2020 Audi A4 Allroad started to experience random episodes of the car's main entertainment touch screen rebooting in the middle of the car being operated. This usually would only happen once or twice during maybe an hour long car ride. Then this spring, starting in mid-March the car started to experience the MMI reboots more often, say 6-... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 10, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Shortly after my warranty expired last september ([XXX]) my 2020 Audi A4 Allroad started to experience random episodes of the car's main entertainment touch screen rebooting in the middle of the car being operated. This usually would only happen once or twice during maybe an hour long car ride. Then this spring, starting in mid-March the car started to experience the MMI reboots more often, say 6-... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
After purchasing the vehicle on 8/2/25, I discovered it had outstanding safety recalls that were neither addressed nor disclosed by the dealership at the time of sale. I have since taken steps to fix these safety issues, but the dealer’s failure to inform me or resolve the recalls before the sale put me at unnecessary risk. I urge the NHTSA to review the dealership’s records from 8/2/25 to hol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
After purchasing the vehicle on 8/2/25, I discovered it had outstanding safety recalls that were neither addressed nor disclosed by the dealership at the time of sale. I have since taken steps to fix these safety issues, but the dealer’s failure to inform me or resolve the recalls before the sale put me at unnecessary risk. I urge the NHTSA to review the dealership’s records from 8/2/25 to hol... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
MMI module keeps resetting. This causes sudden lost of navigation display and sudden lost of backup camera when reset happens while backing up. Release version: MHI3_US_AUG45S_P3243 Software version: 3243
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
After purchasing the vehicle on 8/2/25, I discovered it had outstanding safety recalls that were neither addressed nor disclosed by the dealership at the time of sale. I have since taken steps to fix these safety issues, but the dealer’s failure to inform me or resolve the recalls before the sale put me at unnecessary risk. I urge the NHTSA to review the dealership’s records from 8/2/25 to hol... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
My instrument cluster and its replacements have malfunctioned multiple times. The original instrument cluster/virtual cockpit failed to boot and had a black/blank screen on 4/19/2024 at 29,687 miles and was replaced on 5/15/2024 at 29,923 mi. That replacement one worked fine for a while and then did the same thing on 7/15/2024 at 33,655 miles and on 1/10/2025 at 42,532 miles. The instrument cluste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Recall for battery potentially causing fires issued in November 2024 has not been resolved.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I began my lease for a brand-new 2025 Audi S5 on July 14, 2025. The vehicle was delivered with a dent in the door, which the dealer repaired before I could take possession. The dent repair was completed on July 22, 2025, at which time I took delivery. On July 23, I informed my sales representative that the SOS/eCall emergency communications system was not functioning. This safety feature, designe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
On August 3, 2025, my wife and I came home from dinner and I couldn’t get out of the driver’s side door. I took it to Naples Audi where I bought the car and delt with its Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor. Audi estimated the repair to be over $1,300. I called Audi USA Regional Customer Service and Mike B opened a Case 06968056 for me. He got back to me today, August 7, and sai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine overheated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming abnormal amounts of coolant without signs of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the engine seized. The coolant reservoir was inspected a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Many times while driving the Audi MMI system which controls all radio/navigation/controls screen will completely shut off and reboot, leaving the screen blank and functionality gone. When researching online many others have reported the same issue, with Audi unable to provide a definitive cause or a fix for the issue. This is a safety issue as it could cause distraction while driving
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #1... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the interstate, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the sunroof, and the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The contact drove to the residence and reported the failure to the Insurance Company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
There is an active recall. I went to the dealer to have it resolved. I was told there is no fix and not sure when there will be a resolution. That is unacceptable in my opinion. Especially when it pertains to the battery and there is a heightened risk for fire. I am reliant on having a vehicle to get to work. This concerns me deeply and should be fixed or considered a lemon based on no resol... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
There is an active recall. I went to the dealer to have it resolved. I was told there is no fix and not sure when there will be a resolution. That is unacceptable in my opinion. Especially when it pertains to the battery and there is a heightened risk for fire. I am reliant on having a vehicle to get to work. This concerns me deeply and should be fixed or considered a lemon based on no resol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #1... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, with no other vehicles or objects nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance system unintendedly activated. The contact stated that within seconds, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged, greatly reducing the speed before returning to normal functionality. No warning li... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Subject: Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering – 2021 Audi Q8 Summary: On 8/5/2025, while driving my 2021 Audi Q8 under normal conditions, the sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a loud popping sound, followed by glass breaking and falling onto the closed sunroof shade. There were no visible signs of impact from external objects, and weather conditions were normal at the time of the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) randomly reboots and poses a safety hazard. Several times while reversing using my backup camera, the MMI has rebooted which causes the camera to go blank. This poses a risk to back up into an object or a person during this time. Also during this time, the Rear Cross Traffic Warning system is disabled until the system reboots. Also, while using navigation, the M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Vacuum line has coolant due to water pump failure and over heating of engine. Whole water pump and coolant reservoir plus hoses need to be replaced before additional damage to vehicle.