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: Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A6. The contact stated that after returning to the parked vehicle, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that the temperature gauge and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact performed a diagnostic on the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for the temperature gauge and fuel deliv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
2020 Audi A5 sportback SOS module malfunctioned in May 2021 and was replaced. Recall for 90t2 SOS module initiated. In June 2022, the malfunctioned occurred again. There has since been no fixes or estimated time of delivery.
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 5, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Accident occurred in the parking lot as I was trying to park, sudden unintended acceleration occurred that caused the car to hit the building. Neither front nor back airbags deployed, as well as the automatic emergency break of the collision safety system did not work or activated to stop the car. Both my wife and I were hospitalized. The Auto emergency system of the Audi Q5 is not reliable, and ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 5, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Accident occurred in the parking lot as I was trying to park, sudden unintended acceleration occurred that caused the car to hit the building. Neither front nor back airbags deployed, as well as the automatic emergency break of the collision safety system did not work or activated to stop the car. Both my wife and I were hospitalized. The Auto emergency system of the Audi Q5 is not reliable, and ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jan 5, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Accident occurred in the parking lot as I was trying to park, sudden unintended acceleration occurred that caused the car to hit the building. Neither front nor back airbags deployed, as well as the automatic emergency break of the collision safety system did not work or activated to stop the car. Both my wife and I were hospitalized. The Auto emergency system of the Audi Q5 is not reliable, and ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
AUDI
RS 6 AVANT
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 4, 2023
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
The generator cut off and the car coasted to a stop. The generator on these vehicles is failing on almost every single one.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the contact was informed by local dealers that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
I have experienced twice now that water leaks from the overhead panel and flickering of the overhead lights from the water interfering with the electrical components. It begins to leak from overhead when the car is running and after it has rained. I have read reviews online that this has happened in the Audi Q3 models.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Hello, I was driving down highway at 55mph when my Electric Power steering Failed suddenly. I almost crashed to the barrier as I was in the passing lane. My steering failure message popped up on my instrument cluster and steering wheel became stiff. I had my mom and niece in the vehicle with me. This vehicle could had hurt all three of us. It is difficult to turn the steering wheel now. Failure m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The Generator (Part #: 4N0903028P) failed causing the car to shutoff while driving. This is a known issue by Audi as it has issued a TSB. Further steps must be taken by the OEM to ensure safe operation of the vehicle by its owners. This is a safety issue that must be resolved soonest!
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The Generator (Part #: 4N0903028P) failed causing the car to shutoff while driving. This is a known issue by Audi as it has issued a TSB. Further steps must be taken by the OEM to ensure safe operation of the vehicle by its owners. This is a safety issue that must be resolved soonest!
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The Generator (Part #: 4N0903028P) failed causing the car to shutoff while driving. This is a known issue by Audi as it has issued a TSB. Further steps must be taken by the OEM to ensure safe operation of the vehicle by its owners. This is a safety issue that must be resolved soonest!
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The headlights in the vehicle are malfunctioning. The daytime running lights are dimming and failing. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership and they state that both headlights need to be replaced at a cost to me of $8,500, and they further claim that the issues indicates the entire headlight assembly is failing and has to be replaced. After looking at this issue online, it appears to be a... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ENGINE
Jan 2, 2023
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
I'm concerned about the engine connecting rod recall. I'm not too faithful of a dealer replacing the engine if that's what needed. If it is and we have problems, I will want a new q5.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
This vehicle was maintained by Audi/VW for 60000 miles under a service contract. While changing my snow tires I noticed the spring was broken. My wife did claim she heard a rattling in the back of the car, this must have been it. I’ve found multiple complaints from different owners on car online forums claiming they found the same spring, the right rear, unexpectedly broken. A suspension failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
"Locked doors make it more difficult for emergency workers to enter the vehicle, which puts lives at risk." This quote is from the warning on page 40 of the Audi owners manual. I do not wish to drive wth the doors locked for this reason, yet the Audi computer automatically locks the doors every time the car exceeds about 10 MPH. The local dealer was unable to reprogram the vehicle to turn off a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the dealer so I attempted to drive it to their location. On the way, the warnings continued to show. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the dealer so I attempted to drive it to their location. On the way, the warnings continued to show. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the dealer so I attempted to drive it to their location. On the way, the warnings continued to show. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
I was driving down a well paved road obeying the speed limit of 35MPH when a loud bang startled me. There was nothing in the road, and I checked my rear view mirror to confirm and there was nothing in the road. The car started handling a little differently. I brought it to the dealership and they told me both rear springs had broken. The vehicle only had about 70K miles on it. It could have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
My MMI 5F module went out right after an oil change service on Nov 12, 2022 I called them as soon as I got home to inform Leader automotive in Normal Il. I was told I would not be able to be seen until January 5 2023 at 1:pm. I then called back a few days later and was able to move that appointment to Dec 16 at 10:00am. I paid $179.11for them to inspect and locate the issue: according to leader ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi S7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) and was later informed that the vehicle was also included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V861000 (Electrical System) however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the warning message pretensioner malfunction and contact the dealer was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the front driver’s side seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 32,000.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
While driving my 2019 Audi A6 Premium Plus I received error messages: "electrical system malfunction contact service", then "start stop system malfunction contact service", then "electrical system malfunction stop vehicle safely". I went on an Audi owner internet forum and read about others with the same errors. Reports from others indicated that in about 40 miles from the first message appearin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
While driving my 2019 Audi A6 Premium Plus I received error messages: "electrical system malfunction contact service", then "start stop system malfunction contact service", then "electrical system malfunction stop vehicle safely". I went on an Audi owner internet forum and read about others with the same errors. Reports from others indicated that in about 40 miles from the first message appearin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
While driving my 2019 Audi A6 Premium Plus I received error messages: "electrical system malfunction contact service", then "start stop system malfunction contact service", then "electrical system malfunction stop vehicle safely". I went on an Audi owner internet forum and read about others with the same errors. Reports from others indicated that in about 40 miles from the first message appearin... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 27, 2022
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
I had Recall 22V573 performed in November 2022 (see attached service record), and they found no evidence of metal in the engine. Approximately 1,000 miles later my car stopped working suddenly on the highway while driving 65 miles an hour with no warning, except 30 seconds before when some warnings flashed and back smoke started coming out the back. It was completely inoperable. This is extremely ... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ENGINE
Dec 27, 2022
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
I had Recall 22V573 performed in November 2022 (see attached service record), and they found no evidence of metal in the engine. Approximately 1,000 miles later my car stopped working suddenly on the highway while driving 65 miles an hour with no warning, except 30 seconds before when some warnings flashed and back smoke started coming out the back. It was completely inoperable. This is extremely ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
Power steering component completely failed. No issues previously. No warning.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Several electrical system malfunction lights came on the dash. Audi says it is the starter generator. Car almost stopped in the road.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
Vehicle lost all power and control while driving 45mph. First electrical system failure warning came on. Within 2 minutes the transmission slipped into neutral and 15 seconds later the vehicle lost power and I coasted to a stop. I was told by Audi dealership service that the starter generator failed. They mentioned they currently have over 20 vehicles in their shop and over 25 at their other l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
Vehicle lost all power and control while driving 45mph. First electrical system failure warning came on. Within 2 minutes the transmission slipped into neutral and 15 seconds later the vehicle lost power and I coasted to a stop. I was told by Audi dealership service that the starter generator failed. They mentioned they currently have over 20 vehicles in their shop and over 25 at their other l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
Vehicle lost all power and control while driving 45mph. First electrical system failure warning came on. Within 2 minutes the transmission slipped into neutral and 15 seconds later the vehicle lost power and I coasted to a stop. I was told by Audi dealership service that the starter generator failed. They mentioned they currently have over 20 vehicles in their shop and over 25 at their other l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Driving about 25 mph power of steering wheel was lost, steering became very hard. I stopped, no accident. Not reported yet. Messages appeared: 1. Steering: malfunction! please stop vehicle 2. Audi pre sense 3. Lane departure warning 4. Emergency assist
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Driving about 25 mph power of steering wheel was lost, steering became very hard. I stopped, no accident. Not reported yet. Messages appeared: 1. Steering: malfunction! please stop vehicle 2. Audi pre sense 3. Lane departure warning 4. Emergency assist
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
I am experiencing an oil leak, the car has 49000 miles and Audi has issued a TSB, yet upon my outreach to Audi North they are aware of the issue of leaks developing yet have not offered either warranty extensions or a recall yet.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic on several occasions and unknown repairs were performed; however, after each repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN- BOTH SIDES WATER PUMP LEAKING AT 70K MILES
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN- BOTH SIDES WATER PUMP LEAKING AT 70K MILES
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Critical Failure - Alternator/48v Generator Issue in Audi Q8 Prestige. By now, I am well aware that the problem I'm experiencing is in the top 25 repair issues for Audi and currently there are 15,000 cars affected in the United States according to my dealer, waiting for these parts. Out of nowhere while driving on an interstate, at a high speed I got all mix of signals and the amount of time to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Critical Failure - Alternator/48v Generator Issue in Audi Q8 Prestige. By now, I am well aware that the problem I'm experiencing is in the top 25 repair issues for Audi and currently there are 15,000 cars affected in the United States according to my dealer, waiting for these parts. Out of nowhere while driving on an interstate, at a high speed I got all mix of signals and the amount of time to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Critical Failure - Alternator/48v Generator Issue in Audi Q8 Prestige. By now, I am well aware that the problem I'm experiencing is in the top 25 repair issues for Audi and currently there are 15,000 cars affected in the United States according to my dealer, waiting for these parts. Out of nowhere while driving on an interstate, at a high speed I got all mix of signals and the amount of time to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The Audi MMI infotainment software will control itself. For example, with my cellphone as the main audio device, the software will randomly switch to bluetooth, radio, or XM. The GPS will stop navigating which is the biggest concern when it does happen. It is an instant distraction that is hard to ignore. Especially when navigation is needed. Also, the garage door 'button' does not work sometime... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The Audi MMI infotainment software will control itself. For example, with my cellphone as the main audio device, the software will randomly switch to bluetooth, radio, or XM. The GPS will stop navigating which is the biggest concern when it does happen. It is an instant distraction that is hard to ignore. Especially when navigation is needed. Also, the garage door 'button' does not work sometime... Read more