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
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Mar 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) 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 failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
The Audi charger failed and burned the charge point going into the house.
Fire
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 6, 2022
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
I have had an “open case” with Audi since last April when we purchased this vehicle. 4-5 times, the car has stopped suddenly, showing “electric malfunction” message on the dashboard. It happened again yesterday and I nearly missed being in a very serious accident.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Piston rings are failing at 100k miles and consuming excessive amount of engine oil. It is around a quart every 150-200 miles! Suspension components and motor mounts also have to be replaced frequently.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Piston rings are failing at 100k miles and consuming excessive amount of engine oil. It is around a quart every 150-200 miles! Suspension components and motor mounts also have to be replaced frequently.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
The windshield top gasket is not working and the glass can be easily pushed out an 1/8”. Wind can be heard while driving and when it’s raining water runs through steady stream. I was under the impression that the windshield is an integral part of the cars structure.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle in his garage, he smelled a fuel odor outside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flange had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advise the contact to c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
My vin was not included in. The Fix Side Marker Light Software Glitch. Safety Recall Code: 97CB. There’s a lot of vehicles same model and year like mine with This safety issue. Audi refuses to fix it because my vin it’s not included in this fix. They will replace my whole lights for $9,500.00 this is insane. I will like to drive a safe car without having to pay for something that it’s ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V652000 (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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
The front marker LED light bulbs in the headlight housing is gradually turning yellow. The LED light bulbs can't be replaced. They were originally white and now they are turning yellow. It is my understanding that only the side markers should be yellow. The front markers being yellow may be mistaken for the side markers and there distorting the width of the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
The suction pump located in the fuel tank failed, causing fuel to back up into the evaporation canister and out of the vent tube in the rear passenger wheel well, which is a potential fire hazard. This is the exact same part a recall was issued for in NHTSA campaign numbers 16V647 VW and 16V647 Audi
Incident date: Mar 29, 2022
In March of 2022, a safety recall number 21H7, was issued for my 2013 Audi A8L regarding the oil strainer which could clog and result in the turbocharger failing and subsequent consequences. I have contacted my Audi dealer numerous times since first receiving written notification with the most recent contact being today October 31. The dealer says they still don’t have the necessary parts and ev... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q8. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for scheduled maintenance and she was notified of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that she was informed that the recall was repaired however, after the vehicle was retrieved, two hours later while in reverse, the rear-view camera failed to operate. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Rear middle light (brake) bar that attaches to the rear trunk cracks repeatedly. Has been replaced twice by Audi Indianapolis under warranty. Third middle brake light has curing issue with plastic that causes light to crack on its own. Part has been sent back to Audi for inspection on the first replacement ; however, even the second replacement has now begun to crack. In time this will affect th... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Oct 31, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The issues all relate to Audi's "Pre-Sense" system. On several occasions the car has either pulled hard and caused me to swerve - apparently incorrectly sensing that I am veering out of my lane - or has stopped suddenly - apparently incorrectly sensing that I was about to hit (or be hit by) something. These incidents have happened on the freeway, narrow mountain roads and side streets. All of thes... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Oct 31, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The issues all relate to Audi's "Pre-Sense" system. On several occasions the car has either pulled hard and caused me to swerve - apparently incorrectly sensing that I am veering out of my lane - or has stopped suddenly - apparently incorrectly sensing that I was about to hit (or be hit by) something. These incidents have happened on the freeway, narrow mountain roads and side streets. All of thes... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Oct 31, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The issues all relate to Audi's "Pre-Sense" system. On several occasions the car has either pulled hard and caused me to swerve - apparently incorrectly sensing that I am veering out of my lane - or has stopped suddenly - apparently incorrectly sensing that I was about to hit (or be hit by) something. These incidents have happened on the freeway, narrow mountain roads and side streets. All of thes... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Purchased brand new 5/11/22. A few days later my air bag warning light came on so I made an appointment and took my car in for service. Audi service told me that the light was in error and they fixed it. After I left the air bag light came on again that same day and I took the car in again...at which time they told me the passenger side air bag was bad and does not work so they disabled it. I h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2022
I've been told by the dealer that a fix for the PODS system recall is still not available. This is after almost a year and a half of the issue being known. My car is now regularly illuminating the airbag light and beeping for the passenger to put the seat belt on even if no one is using the seat. This is becoming very annoying and I'm told there is no way to fix this.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The car is using/burning excessive oil. I’m adding oil every 300-500 miles. There was an open recall in the past for the exact same consumer problems. I purchased this car used in April of 2022 and it’s been an on going problem since I’ve had it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The car is using/burning excessive oil. I’m adding oil every 300-500 miles. There was an open recall in the past for the exact same consumer problems. I purchased this car used in April of 2022 and it’s been an on going problem since I’ve had it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The car is using/burning excessive oil. I’m adding oil every 300-500 miles. There was an open recall in the past for the exact same consumer problems. I purchased this car used in April of 2022 and it’s been an on going problem since I’ve had it.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
Side Marker lights stopped working. Audi had a recall on the A4 and a few other models. Not the Q7. Dealer said it would cost between $4,000 to $5,000 to fix. The Audi forum has around 28 pages of owners complaining about this same issue. The warning light comes on with a chime about every 10 minutes and can drive you crazy. The warning states that the light is defective but Audi does not care. In... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The front driver and passenger windows started delaminating. Rear side glass is fine. Audi of Van Nuys took pictures. Audi paid for the glass but charged me $1100 for labor.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Upon the vehicle resting at a stop, for longer than 30 seconds, the vehicle will no longer accelerate. “SAFE” warning is shown by the instrument cluster. Had to turn power off to vehicle and back on for vehicle to accelerate. This has happened twice almost resulting in being rear ended and being stuck in traffic.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Upon the vehicle resting at a stop, for longer than 30 seconds, the vehicle will no longer accelerate. “SAFE” warning is shown by the instrument cluster. Had to turn power off to vehicle and back on for vehicle to accelerate. This has happened twice almost resulting in being rear ended and being stuck in traffic.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Upon the vehicle resting at a stop, for longer than 30 seconds, the vehicle will no longer accelerate. “SAFE” warning is shown by the instrument cluster. Had to turn power off to vehicle and back on for vehicle to accelerate. This has happened twice almost resulting in being rear ended and being stuck in traffic.
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ENGINE
Oct 26, 2022
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
There is an open recall (action number 13i5) for this vehicle, and I've scheduled the appointment with the dealership in Morton Grove, Chicago. But they said they don't how much time they can fix the issue, maybe a month or longer if the engine needs to be replaced. And they can't not provide me with a loaner because there is no one available. I contacted the Audi, and they also said they don't kn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
As of October 25, 2022, the manufacturer (Audi) continues to not provide a solution to Recall Number 69BY / NHTSA Recall Number 21V198, stating that parts are still not available.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
Coolant smell than smoke and stopped engine on highway. Very scary .
Incident date: Oct 1, 2018
Hello, My Q5 top view(360) camera. The MMI wont be able to save my settings - when it is changed from Graphic to Camera. It always goes back to default as Graphic. I need to adjust almost every time when I park the car. It is distracting and safety conerning. This issue came with the car since it was bulit. And this is the common issue across the MY18 for Audi products. Audi dealer needs to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2018
Hello, My Q5 top view(360) camera. The MMI wont be able to save my settings - when it is changed from Graphic to Camera. It always goes back to default as Graphic. I need to adjust almost every time when I park the car. It is distracting and safety conerning. This issue came with the car since it was bulit. And this is the common issue across the MY18 for Audi products. Audi dealer needs to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
J197 module is always falling the car is 26,000 and the suspension goes bad need readapt few times They need to check that module
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
I was driving yesterday on a highway and the car completely shut down. Got stranded in the left lane with 4 kids in the car - could have been killed. I had previously brought the car into the dealer for a fuel pump related issue. Apparently there is a recall but they don't even have the part to fix it.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
I was driving yesterday on a highway and the car completely shut down. Got stranded in the left lane with 4 kids in the car - could have been killed. I had previously brought the car into the dealer for a fuel pump related issue. Apparently there is a recall but they don't even have the part to fix it.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
The electronic steering system on my Audi A6 failed without warning, locking my steering wheel in place. A review of on line message boards for Audi owners indicates this is a systemic problem, and has, for some owners, actually locked their steering while driving. This did not happen to me, but prior to locking, my car instantly transitioned from steering with no issues to almost becoming undriv... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Oct 24, 2022
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) 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. Parts distribution disc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
How is it these recalls that effect life safety systems still do not have a solution? On top of it, there have been previous recalls on the same system. How is it acceptable to allow the manufacturer to not have a solution to this for 1.5 years? Manufacturer Recall Number: 69BY NHTSA Recall Number: 21V198 What does NHTSA do to ensure these are addressed in a timely manner?
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
The vehicle is a 2020 Audi Q5 Premium Plus model with 15,525 miles on it. I was driving at 55 mph on a two lane country road and approaching an intersection at 11:55 AM ET. Road and weather conditions were perfect. Clear, sunny weather and 65 degrees. Recently paved roadway which was clear and dry. There were no vehicles in front, behind or at the intersection. No pedestrians or animals. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
The vehicle is a 2020 Audi Q5 Premium Plus model with 15,525 miles on it. I was driving at 55 mph on a two lane country road and approaching an intersection at 11:55 AM ET. Road and weather conditions were perfect. Clear, sunny weather and 65 degrees. Recently paved roadway which was clear and dry. There were no vehicles in front, behind or at the intersection. No pedestrians or animals. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2021
2021 I brought an Audi A4 Quattro 2.0 2008 after having a test drive and haven't looked over the mechanic just said it was the fuel pressure high pressure sensor that was not a big deal after an hour buying it it took it to see my mom and it quit on me I had to have it towed home it would not start I took it to the mechanic and the mechanic said the same thing that it was a high pressure fuel pres... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2021
2021 I brought an Audi A4 Quattro 2.0 2008 after having a test drive and haven't looked over the mechanic just said it was the fuel pressure high pressure sensor that was not a big deal after an hour buying it it took it to see my mom and it quit on me I had to have it towed home it would not start I took it to the mechanic and the mechanic said the same thing that it was a high pressure fuel pres... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
1. OeM audi windshield started leaking water inside the vehicle. Thia is very unsafe when driving thru rain as water pours down the inside of the glass. 2. Uneven and creaky suspension. Vehivle pulls on side where suspension is not leveling thw vehicle out. 3. Followed all processes in changing brake pads, toros, sensors etc. Brake light doesnt go away after replacing all brake components and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
1. OeM audi windshield started leaking water inside the vehicle. Thia is very unsafe when driving thru rain as water pours down the inside of the glass. 2. Uneven and creaky suspension. Vehivle pulls on side where suspension is not leveling thw vehicle out. 3. Followed all processes in changing brake pads, toros, sensors etc. Brake light doesnt go away after replacing all brake components and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
1. OeM audi windshield started leaking water inside the vehicle. Thia is very unsafe when driving thru rain as water pours down the inside of the glass. 2. Uneven and creaky suspension. Vehivle pulls on side where suspension is not leveling thw vehicle out. 3. Followed all processes in changing brake pads, toros, sensors etc. Brake light doesnt go away after replacing all brake components and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
I have been receiving recall letters on my car for over a year now. Each time I call Audi Las Vegas, 6335 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV, 89146 - 855 832 8796, they will schedule me an appointment then contact me to cancel stating that the manufacturer has put a hold on the parts to fix the car. This is a huge concern to me as I do not feel comfortable driving my car. This is unacceptable th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2019
I have been trying to get this recall fixed since December 2019. This recall are pods needed to be replaced on the passenger seat. As of today, October 21, 2022, my passenger airbag is off at all times and is unable to provide safety for my passenger. This is due to the recall. I have contacted Audi multiple times and they are unable to help. I have documentation proof for everything. This is a sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2022
Confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. On Tuesday October 19th, 2022, at 11 am, I drove my 19 year old niece, a student at Uni San Francisco, to a transit station about 2 hours from my home. When we got out of the car to say goodbye I felt quite dizzy, sleepy, and a bit nauseous. I got back in the car and drove about an hour towards home and felt so dizzy that I stopped and got out of the car to ... Read more
2 injured