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: Mar 16, 2020
Radio intermediate goes out hitting bumps speedometer stopped working the number ninth digit is not pulling up when I search vehicle information Replaced engine vehicle only had 20,000 miles
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
Emergency Call SOS module function is inoperative. Cannot use the SOS function and hands-free cell phone use through Bluetooth is also inoperative. Went to dealer on 8/31/22 for repair/replacement of module as instructed in Audi Service Action 90T2. I was told the repair is covered by the vehicle warranty. Part is still back-ordered (as of 11/25.2022) and no one can tell me when, or if, it wil... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The steering wheel started to make a weird noise while turning the airbag light then came on the steering wheel buttons stopped working. Took the car to dealer and the clock spring was defective non working. This is a safety issue I paid 821.57 to fix this issue out of pocket. My car only has 50 k in mileage and the airbag would have not deployed if I was in an accident. This sounds like a safety... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The steering wheel started to make a weird noise while turning the airbag light then came on the steering wheel buttons stopped working. Took the car to dealer and the clock spring was defective non working. This is a safety issue I paid 821.57 to fix this issue out of pocket. My car only has 50 k in mileage and the airbag would have not deployed if I was in an accident. This sounds like a safety... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The steering wheel started to make a weird noise while turning the airbag light then came on the steering wheel buttons stopped working. Took the car to dealer and the clock spring was defective non working. This is a safety issue I paid 821.57 to fix this issue out of pocket. My car only has 50 k in mileage and the airbag would have not deployed if I was in an accident. This sounds like a safety... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
The vehicle Q5 takes about 2 Quarts of oil every 400-500 miles. There are no oil leaks . It’s at 117,000 miles. Don’t know what to do . Vehicle runs great but the oil sign comes on every 500 miles
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
I was driving on the highway with no vehicles or overhead obstruction when the sunroof shattered.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2020
I noticed my car wouldn’t engage in reverse when shifted so I took it in for a transmission flush and it was performed and 2 days later I got a light on dash saying transmission overheating . And the car completely lost power while on freeway and went from 60 to 20 miles per hour and will not shift past first gear . So I took it back in to dealer paid diagnostic fee and then was told my transmis... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
This issue appears to fall under recall 97CB for a Side Marker Light Violation on select Audi vehicles. I own a 2017 Audi Q7 and have been receiving an error that the "front right side marker light is defective". Audi service has stated that the issue is with an individual LED diode so the entire headlight unit must be replaced to the tune of $4,400.00. Since my VIN is not included in recall 97CB,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
Sunroof shattered while driving.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
Received an electrical system malfunction on display. Took to dealer for diagnostics. Was told the starter/generator needed to be replaced and was going to cost $4000 but parts were on back order with no eta. It’s been 3 weeks with still no part and no loaner car available. This is ridiculous. This is a new car.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I received a warning and multiple dash lights indicating electrical malfunction. Upon coming to a red stoplight, the car died and would not restart. After the light turned green, I was nearly rear-ended by a large truck traveling at ~50 mph but luckily it was able to swerve out of the way. After about 10 minutes, the car restarted but the warning messages persisted. I drove immediately to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I received a warning and multiple dash lights indicating electrical malfunction. Upon coming to a red stoplight, the car died and would not restart. After the light turned green, I was nearly rear-ended by a large truck traveling at ~50 mph but luckily it was able to swerve out of the way. After about 10 minutes, the car restarted but the warning messages persisted. I drove immediately to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I received a warning and multiple dash lights indicating electrical malfunction. Upon coming to a red stoplight, the car died and would not restart. After the light turned green, I was nearly rear-ended by a large truck traveling at ~50 mph but luckily it was able to swerve out of the way. After about 10 minutes, the car restarted but the warning messages persisted. I drove immediately to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
I received a letter that my car was under a recall for the water pump I have a 2017 Q5 Audi which the dealer said needed a water pump bio waited until after my mileage went up then made me pay out of pocket rather then honoring the recall. This was criminal and I feel Audi should Reimburse me or get dealer to reimburse me for this scheme Audi is horrible and should be ashamed for allowing this t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2022
2 separate occasions now, the passenger-side windshield wipers have broken off. This is apparently a common incident with some Audi vehicles due to poor manufacturing/design. Audi has not implemented a recall. This is a safety concern as the wipers have broken off while I was driving and could hit another vehicle!
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
I experienced a total failure of the electric system in my 2019 A6. Car stopped running in the middle of the road. Had to use the tool in the trunk to manually switch the car to neutral so I could push it off the road. Car was towed to the Audi dealer in my area. Audi dealer reported the alternator is faulty. Yellow Electrical issue warning message showed up on, dashboard, then Red electrical issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... pull over immediately and contact dealer. I turned into a road off main highway within a minute of the last two warnings and as I turned, my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... pull over immediately and contact dealer. I turned into a road off main highway within a minute of the last two warnings and as I turned, my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... pull over immediately and contact dealer. I turned into a road off main highway within a minute of the last two warnings and as I turned, my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Abnormally early water pump failure. This is a known Audi-wide issue with other recalls on different engines. A substandard OEM water pump is used from the factory
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3 equipped with Continental tires, Tire Line: ContiproContact, Tire Size: P225/40R/19, DOT Number: AF5WWA46 1717. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the tire pressure monitor indicated that the driver’s side rear tire pressure was low. The contact also had heard a humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled off t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2022
Vehicle stalls even while actively engaged in driving. Audi diagnosed performing as designed and advised nothing that they can do until diagnosed as “not performing as designed”. Poses imminent crash issue as vehicle will stall at any time. Please investigate. I am terrified to drive the car from place to place.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
I got into an accident and my air bags didn’t deploy
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking. There was antifreeze and oil leaking from the vehicle. While driving, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal became stuck, and the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal oil burning odor, fuel, and antifreeze. The vehicle was also consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The gear shifter button was also stuck. The gear ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking. There was antifreeze and oil leaking from the vehicle. While driving, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal became stuck, and the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal oil burning odor, fuel, and antifreeze. The vehicle was also consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The gear shifter button was also stuck. The gear ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking. There was antifreeze and oil leaking from the vehicle. While driving, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal became stuck, and the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal oil burning odor, fuel, and antifreeze. The vehicle was also consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The gear shifter button was also stuck. The gear ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Fuel tanks suction pump fails and will not allow you to fill the tank with gas. It will fill a vary small amount of gas then start draining it out onto the ground by the wheel well. If the exhaust is hot it could potentially catch fire
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
Alternator / Generator issue causing car to electrical malfunction.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
I had a safety issue with the gas tank not accepting gas and spilling over and out. I replaced the gas tank and vapor canister, and costly labor. My car was taken to: Palm Beach Performance RO#: 11887 1761 Latham Rd West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Tel#: 561-932-8840
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
A 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV abruptly stopped and displayed three warning lights on the dashboard (electrical system malfunction, drive system malfunction, and check engine light). Car was unable to move. Had the car abruptly stopped on a highway, a serious accident may have occurred. There were no prior warnings. After restarting the car several times, the malfunction messages disappeared and the check ... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
A 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV abruptly stopped and displayed three warning lights on the dashboard (electrical system malfunction, drive system malfunction, and check engine light). Car was unable to move. Had the car abruptly stopped on a highway, a serious accident may have occurred. There were no prior warnings. After restarting the car several times, the malfunction messages disappeared and the check ... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
A 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV abruptly stopped and displayed three warning lights on the dashboard (electrical system malfunction, drive system malfunction, and check engine light). Car was unable to move. Had the car abruptly stopped on a highway, a serious accident may have occurred. There were no prior warnings. After restarting the car several times, the malfunction messages disappeared and the check ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V652000 (Air Bags) and 22V823000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V652000 (Air Bags) and 22V823000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Defroster flap motor keeps going out with code. Been looking up ways to fix and seems like it is a problem a lot of owners have with the 8v vehicles. Cannot see at all through windshield even with max defrost on. Can feel no air through vents.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
While traveling all alone in a 2 lane road on a rainy evening the brakes applied themselves violently. Same has happened when backing of my home garage and the car senses rain and the brakes violently. This is very distressing and the seatbelt pulls back very hard causing fear, confusion and pain.
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 AUDI Q7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The backup camera is failing to display the rearview when the vehicle is put in reverse. It will also show a black screen and no view when in reverse. There have been several times when placed into drive that the rear view camera is on despite being in drive or park mode.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
In a parking lot after backing out from the spot and entering car in drive mode - there was spontaneous, sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and spinning of 360 degree on extreme speed bringing the car in the same spot and stopped only with colliding with other parked vehicle on passanger side , pushing it further and damaging another parked car. During the spin process it front of the car first... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
In a parking lot after backing out from the spot and entering car in drive mode - there was spontaneous, sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and spinning of 360 degree on extreme speed bringing the car in the same spot and stopped only with colliding with other parked vehicle on passanger side , pushing it further and damaging another parked car. During the spin process it front of the car first... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
In a parking lot after backing out from the spot and entering car in drive mode - there was spontaneous, sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and spinning of 360 degree on extreme speed bringing the car in the same spot and stopped only with colliding with other parked vehicle on passanger side , pushing it further and damaging another parked car. During the spin process it front of the car first... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
Driving and warning light came on “steering defective do not drive.” Power steering and use of wheel went out, and wheel would not turn or move in the middle of driving down the street.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical componen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical componen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical componen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
I bought my 2014 Audi Q5 in September of 2019 with 74, 291 miles from a reputable dealership in Cleveland, OH. After a few months of driving, I began to notice that the vehicle did not retain oil. This caused oil leaks which led to internal spillage, subsequent parts damage and random stalling. As a result, in May of 2022, during rush hour traffic, my car failed to accelerate mid-intersection, lea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
I purchased 4 new tires from Tire Choice Auto Service in St. Peters, MO on 6/29/2021. They recommended Blackline Champoints and installed them that day. I noticed a few weeks ago when I drove a couple hours away to visit a college with my daughter, my traction just didn't seem great. I didn't think much at the time or after because my tires were practically brand new. I work from home and maybe ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and then stopping at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle several times however, the failure recurred sever... Read more