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
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Apr 30, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I paid out of my own pocket for a safety recall, with no evidence I will ever be refunded, and the recall team has un-done my recall update. This is the 2.2 update that was put in place to fix the potential issues with the safety of the vehicle. I do not know what they have undone. I know that my system went from full 2.2 software to 2.2.2 (part2) of the update. I have no idea if they will now u... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I am contacting you regarding my 2015 Kia Optima EX (VIN: [XXX] , while driving, I experienced a sudden strong burning smell followed by heavy white smoke from the engine area. Shortly after, the engine stalled, and the vehicle had to be towed. I have verified that there are no open recalls or settlements listed for my vehicle. However, based on the known engine issues affecting similar models, I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Leaking water into passenger side during rain. Many have reported the same issue. Seems to be some loose seals on the roof.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was a scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the oil shield guard plate located underneath the vehicle had become unsecured and was dragging on the road. The shield guard was removed from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings inside the torque converter, which caused the transmission to fail. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replace... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
Weld on exhaust bracket broke.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
When filling up with gas, the gas filler tube would overflow spilling gas out of the filler tube. This happened multiple times. The dealer replicated the issue and found that the back flow sensor, valve and back flow door in the gas tank were broken and faulty. They replaced the gas tank with all of the above components replaced as part of the gas tank.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Letter sent to AVIS after the incident: The image included is an example and not associated with incident Concern Regarding Recalled Rental Vehicle - Avis Rental Agreement [XXX] Dear Mr. Tucker, I am writing to share a concerning experience my wife and I had with an Avis rental. We rented a Chevrolet Pacifica Hybrid for a drive from Atlanta to Chicago. About an hour into our trip, the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
the recall remedy to flush the system does not address the concern that the ABS unit still has the potential for failure. Millions of ABS systems in cars do not have such issues that require a hydraulic flush every 2 years. Failure is the ABS control module; it should not be due to moisture in a sealed hydraulic system. Failure of the ABS control module can cause complete loss of braking functi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: The engine - coolant leaked and is leaking into one of the piston heads - this is in line with what has happend to several others regarding their Ford Escape. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: The engine was miss-firing - luckly I took it in before anything serious happened, ... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I have had this issue for years and unable to fix it. My solution was not to drive my truck in snowy weather. The first incident was I was driving down hill around with snow that barely started to stick. I driving around 65mph when my truck started to buck. I slowed to 30mph and my truck was still bucking. It did not stop until the weather warmed. By the next storm I was traveling around 60mph in ... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - WHEELS
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I have had this issue for years and unable to fix it. My solution was not to drive my truck in snowy weather. The first incident was I was driving down hill around with snow that barely started to stick. I driving around 65mph when my truck started to buck. I slowed to 30mph and my truck was still bucking. It did not stop until the weather warmed. By the next storm I was traveling around 60mph in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the low engine oil warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lifters and camshafts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the contact had lost consciousness. The contact stated that an emergency services vehicle was behind her and had observed her go through an intersection, crash through and guardrail, and roll down an embankment. The contact was removed from the vehicle, still unconscious, and transported to the... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Lithia ford is Fresno worked on exhaust and replaced cat converter on September 5th 2024 for the dealer in which I purchased my vehicle. Ford did not put the support bracket that holds the exhaust and catalytic converter in place back on after the repair. I purchased the vehicle and after 1 month of driving it, the vehicle exhaust started to get really loud and began leaking exhaust fumes into the... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
All lights on the dash board lights up and the car stalls with no chance to pull over
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
On [XXX], I purchased a 2019 Honda Civic Si (VIN: [XXX] ) from Zeigler Toyota of Racine (WI). At the time of sale, the dealership concealed critical safety-related information, including three major prior damage events (roof, front, rear), multiple Illinois auction sales, and pre-installed aftermarket suspension modifications that prevented proper rear alignment. No disclosures were made. After p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
While driving the MMI (infotainment system) spontaneously reboots. The screen goes black, all audio shuts off and proceeds to boot up as if the car had been turned off and turned back on again. This happens multiple times per drive, every day. It can even happen while the car is in reverse and the backup camera is in use which is very dangerous. This appears to be a widespread issue based on the n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Have a whirring, whining noise and at my Feb 2025 service, was told it was the e-torque assembly bearing and it was loose. Part is on back order for months since this is a common issue and will cost over $1400 for part alone. Was told not covered under warranty but believe that the dealership is wrong BUT am reading it was recalled in the 2021 RAM 1500 but I am having same issue with my 2020 and I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
issue with all doors and trunk moldings - after heavy rain or after washing the car, the frames inside all doors and trunk have water. This will cause rust and body rot over time. Spoke with the dealer yesterday regarding this issue and was told that all cars have issues and I am not alone complaining about this issue.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Sticky steering, generally after about 10 minutes of highway driving. Dangerous to make small changes as it takes more effort to move wheel then vehicle over-corrects due to steering input.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The oil warning light was illuminated, with a clicking sound was coming from the engine. Additionally, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The dealer where the vehicle was purchased was contacted, and the dealer sent a tow truck to tow the vehicle to the dealer.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and decelerating while approaching a stop light, there was misfire coming from the engine, and the traction control activated, causing the brakes to become inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The “Service START/STOP System” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, whe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
While I was driving on highway, engine shut down and wouldn't restart. I needed to be towed.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
LIFTER ISSUES AFTER 60000 MILES HAD TO REPLACE ALL AROUND 5000 DOLLARS
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, TOOK TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP REPORTED TO ME THE MASTER CLYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO ORDER ONE FROM DETROIT.
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The engine failed at 57,400 miles. My wife was driving with our kids and engine locked up. I took to the dealership and they said that the engine block and head is warped and cracked. The engine needed to be completely replaced. My warranty period was over and company did not want to stand behind the product and help with any repairs. They said the vehicle overheated but that never happened during... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
My backup camera has a black screen when it was working it was poor quality even if it was clean, the sensors for backing up have failed! Warning message comes on on the dash but the fuses and all have been checked big safety issue living where there many children have to park on side of road because can see backing up
Incident date: Feb 23, 2020
Some of the driver assistance warning systems may not be operable due to multiple and frequent warning messages. Messages are: Front Camera Fault Service Required; Pre-Collision Assist Not Available; Lane Keeping System Fault Service Required. Ford is unable to correct these making it potentially unsafe. Additionally, they are not covering the attempt to fix this under the extended warranty. There... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Had water leaking into cab of truck. First incident they stated it was a rear window seal and it was "repaired" under warranty. Second incident I was advised it was body panel separation where the cab roof and side body seam was leaking. It was repaired by sealing with "body seam sealer." I later read these repairs should have been welded. This was after the warranty expired and I had to pay fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE CAR SMELLS OF GASOLINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. THE SMELL TRAVELS IN THE CAR AND MAKES ME SMELL LIKE GAS AND ALSO THROUGH THE AIRV ENTS WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I DO NOT OVERFILL THE GAS TANK. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WE ARE INHALING GASOLINE SM... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE CAR SMELLS OF GASOLINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. THE SMELL TRAVELS IN THE CAR AND MAKES ME SMELL LIKE GAS AND ALSO THROUGH THE AIRV ENTS WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I DO NOT OVERFILL THE GAS TANK. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WE ARE INHALING GASOLINE SM... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The LED instrument panel will intermittently flicker or in some cases completely go out for extended periods of time making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The instrument panel in these instances is completely unusable and the driver is unable to see critical vehicle information such as speed, any warnings lamps or caution messages, remaining fuel, etc. This is obviously a massive safety issue for ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine unexpectedly shut off. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine oil warning light as intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no cause of failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Gas gauge randomly reset to full tank after parking, despite being less than half full. Without me noticing, this could have caused risk of running out of fuel due to erroneous computer information about the fuel level.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
On Friday, April 18, I opened my panoramic sunroof on my car. When I did, the wind deflector became detached from the sunroof mechanism. So I attempted to close the sunroof and when I did, the would not close all the way and the sunroof appeared to become off track. No the roof will not close all the way leaving it popped open about an inch. I called a couple of Hyundai dealers and they both said ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Rear window shattered sitting idle in the driveway. Acura told me replacing would be $1,107.00. To my knowledge they are aware of issue but not taking responsibility.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
My battery went dead, and I was trapped inside my car, there is not way to get out of the vehicle with out someone having the hidden key inside the fob, or lock smith, or break the window, this is a huge safety issue especially in extreme weather or hazardous situations. I parked my vehicle to get gas in a small town, and was stuck inside my car for over 30 mins, until I finally got someone to ass... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The PTU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently, while attempting to the start the vehicle, the check engine w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
When shifting gears whether from parking to drive or from drive to park, the vehicle lags and makes a juttering noise. I am unable to move from the gear it is juttering in unless i turn the car off or hope that pushing the button turns it off. Whist it is juttering, it sounds as if the car is turning on and off repeatedly. This also has happened from the auto stop when trying to accelerate after s... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
I was hit in the back by an SUV (my speed=40 mph, the SUV's speed=70 mph). As a result of the impact, my prius flew off the road, hit the roadside railings, and then rolled over 4 times landing upside down. However, NONE of the airbags deployed. This includes the front, side, and curtain airbags. The vehicle was serviced at a Toyota dealership a few years ago where they performed the airbag recall... Read more
Crash
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 had not experienced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
Forward multi purpose camera failed and cause the rest of the advance driver assist systems to malfunction.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
When traveling slowly and braking, if you hit a bump the car steering begins to shake wildly that makes you feel you will lose control. You have to bump the brakes to make it stop. Seems like the anti lock brakes kick in when it shouldn’t and because it is the front tires make the car violently shake. Happens intermittently and difficult to reproduce at will. Has happened numerous times. Brought... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was smoke and oil coming from the engine. The driver was able to pull off the roadway. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V406000 (Fuel Sys... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
On about [XXX], I was driving and my engine felt like it missed and my check engine light came on and a message appeared telling me to get remote throttle serviced. The truck began to drive badly and lack of acceleration made it difficult to maneuver in traffic. The truck was very difficult to start and unsafe to pull into traffic due to lagging ability to accelerate. I took it to a Firestone an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
1) egr pressure sensor 2) crash senors front/rear, reduced power, lack acceleration, service engine 3)yes, ABC Nissan 4)no 5)no, October of 2024. The part is on back order as of today still unavailable.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Unknown, The car refused to turn on one day and then started up again once I popped the hood. The car refused to go into reverse, I tried some reboot steps and the car started driving like normal, drove the car all the way from NV to NV, husbands new military station, took the car to the ford dealership and they assessed it was the tcm and that the car would be fine to drive again but they recom... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Backup camera only works intermittently. Half the time it only shows a "white square with a truck icon" instead of the actual view.