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: Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The brake, transmission, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the windows inadvertently rolled up and down while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's and passenger's side rear seats sustai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
Audi Dealership is not co-operating to perform the recall issued on my vehicle, i have been trying to schedule the part replacement for more than a year now and every time they say the part is not available. i also attached my service request to Audi but after a phone call to confirm they said the part not available and they do not know when they will have the part. below is recall info: Mar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2019
Gas gauge displaying incorrect level of fuel. Oil level notification improperly displaying level of oil.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
I have contacted Audi dealerships in my area with regard to Manufacturer Recall Number 69BY NHTSA Recall Number 21V198. But they say they do not have the parts to fix the recall and have no idea when they can fix it
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fuel gauge indicated there was a quarter tank of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. However, after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge reading was inaccurate. The local dealer was cont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the front driver’s side marker light message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact about the repair fees, and that the light was dim and might become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the front driver’s side marker light message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact about the repair fees, and that the light was dim and might become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Both rear springs broke. Possible risk to wheel and arm support. No towing, road hazard or excessive load. Car has 48,000 miles. Others reported same problem on Audi members site. Unable to reach Audi USA. Dealer says my problem.
Incident date: May 24, 2022
TCM is defective will not allow car to shift into gear causing car to stop in traffic with no warnings
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
- Fuel pump assembly leaking under rear passenger seat. Fuel odor in rear of car spreads to entire car quickly when engine is on. - Strong gasoline odor spreads quickly inside car cabin. Gasoline leaks from bottom of undercarriage near exhaust pipe causing a fire hazard. - The issue was confirmed by mechanic. A crack in fuel pump causes fuel to leak from pump when engine is on. - Vehicle has b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Many years ago Audi advised that there is a defect with the air bag in my vehicle, and that they would change it for free. I contacted a dealer and they said they would contact me after the part is available. They have done nothing, the defective air bag is still in the car, the company still explains that the airbag can cause serious injury to occupants, and I still drive my family in the car. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Was trying to fill up my car at the gas station. The car would not accept any fuel. Frustrated, I went to try another gas station. Same thing happened. Went home to check and see what the problem was and gas started spewing out of the gas tank from where you fill it up with gas. Car (to my knowledge) has never been overfilled, by me. This is apparently a problem with the 2017 VW golf's as well (wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The dealer doesn’t want to perform the recall due to branded title. They should though. Please look into it
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
SOS, Bluetooth hands free are all failing to operate
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that a message to “Please add a quart of oil’ was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a quarter of oil was added; however, several weeks later the same message illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and stated that the pistons might need to be replaced; however, the v... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2021
I have an active recall for the passenger occupant detection system in which Audi has failed to have the available parts to repair this recall in a timely manner.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed fr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed fr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed fr... Read more
Crash
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
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 not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the issue on multiple occasions and each time informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The passenger occupant detection system has permanently failed and causes my passenger airbag to be off at all times including when a passenger is seated in the vehicle. The seatbelt sensor also goes off when no one is in the seat. Audi dealership said this is an Audi issue and the parts are not in stock. This is a huge safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The passenger occupant detection system has permanently failed and causes my passenger airbag to be off at all times including when a passenger is seated in the vehicle. The seatbelt sensor also goes off when no one is in the seat. Audi dealership said this is an Audi issue and the parts are not in stock. This is a huge safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I pulled out of the gym after using my key FOB to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if Key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I pulled out of the gym after using my key FOB to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if Key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
This is a known typical problem with these suvs. Rear sunroof drain leaks directly onto amplifier causing electrical issues throughout the entire vehicle. My vehicle actually filled up with smoke when it dried the amplifier. All mmi functions are lost. Why has this not been fixed by Audi on their dime. Dealer wants almost $4000 to fix the problem. What does it take to get a recall for this. An el... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
A recall for my car's PODS system has been in place since March of 2021 but Audi continues to inform me that the part is not available to fix the recall. It has been a year and a half since the recall and the passenger airbag in my car continues to turn on and off randomly. I feel that it's completely unacceptable to have to wait this long for a fix. I just spoke with my dealership today (Audi ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Driving on a two lane busy road, car started to jerk and shut down. Lost steering capability immediately, car veered toward ditch, stopped. Called 911 immediately because the road was busy and cars could not safely get around my stalled vehicle. I told 911 that I was exiting the vehicle for my safety. I could not restart the vehicle. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms alerting me... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The car's fuel guage has been inaccurate since the initial purchase. It would always hang at around 50% and then drop to 5% within 10 miles. Thankfully, we are aware and just check the miles driven so we do not get stranded. Requested fix by dealership, they said there was nothing wrong. The recall for my car appeared and I asked for a fix, they said it's not available yet. It's been 6 months and ... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The car's fuel guage has been inaccurate since the initial purchase. It would always hang at around 50% and then drop to 5% within 10 miles. Thankfully, we are aware and just check the miles driven so we do not get stranded. Requested fix by dealership, they said there was nothing wrong. The recall for my car appeared and I asked for a fix, they said it's not available yet. It's been 6 months and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Audi RS3. The contact stated that the passenger air bag off warning light had remained illuminated with an occupant seated in the passenger’s side seat. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact then received another notification... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
I have waited for Audi for 18 months to fix the recalled part. I called them multiple times. It is still not available. I fear my wife's life when she's sitting on the passenger seat which was affected by the recall. We can't use the car as normal and it reduces the resale value.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undetermined speed, the fuel level decreased. The driver noticed that fuel was pouring out of the vehicle. The driver added fuel to the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was parked for several days. While the contact was driving the vehicle, the vehicle worked as designed. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
I had scheduled with the dealership to have the PODS recall fix completed. While waiting for the scheduled date my vehicle began showing symptoms described in the recall and they were sporadic just as described in the recall and only lasted a few seconds. The dealer called and cancelled my appointment as there are no parts available and they do not know when the recall parts will become available ... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Aug 30, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 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 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: Jun 10, 2020
Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the information that was submitted was only for 2.0 TFSI Engine's with the Engine code of CBFA & CCTA. The engin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2020
Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the information that was submitted was only for 2.0 TFSI Engine's with the Engine code of CBFA & CCTA. The engin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The cars fuel sender has an issue. The gas gauge shows that the tank is half full and it doesn’t move. The car thinks it’s out of gas and just stops. It’s happened three times in the last month.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
Camshaft Actuator, Camshaft positioner, Camshaft sensors. No warning or dash lights, car abruptly stopped on Highway while traveling 65mph 15 hours after Audi replaced replaced both fuel pumps and oil screen recall fix. Inspection of entire vehicle was done at time of recall fix and fuel pumps replaced. This is the second time in 30k miles that the camshaft components failed without warning. This ... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ENGINE
Aug 24, 2022
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
With just 800 miles on the vehicle after only having had it for 3 weeks after purchase, we were on the highway at 11pm at night and the engine started violently shaking to the point that the vehicle was undriveable; the emergency warnings on the dashboard came on, and the more we accelerated the more the vehicle shook. The longer we drove it to get to an emergency exit, the more it started shaking... Read more
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 24, 2022
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
With just 800 miles on the vehicle after only having had it for 3 weeks after purchase, we were on the highway at 11pm at night and the engine started violently shaking to the point that the vehicle was undriveable; the emergency warnings on the dashboard came on, and the more we accelerated the more the vehicle shook. The longer we drove it to get to an emergency exit, the more it started shaking... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The 2018 year for the Audi S5 has a notorious rocker arm failure within the engine. Audi is aware of this problem because they have revised the part for later build dates. However, they have failed to remedy the issue for the vehicles that fall within the problematic build dates. Once this failure occurs, it is catastrophic and will require a new engine.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The trunk has one of those built in sensors underneath so that you can close it by waving your foot under the trunk. This can end up being very dangerous, especially since the trunk is deep. On several occasions, as I have been reaching deep into the trunk to grab some stuff, but foot ends up tripping the sensor under the car to start the trunk hatch closing, while I'm in the middle of the closi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I have not been able to fix the problem. I had an appointment with a local Audi dealership earlier in the year to address this recall and the day before they cancelled my appointment because they had not received the parts. I was rescheduled to drop off the car in April 2022 since the dealer had received the parts. The car was at the dealership for 2 days when they called me to have the car picked... Read more
AUDI
Q7
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT
Aug 21, 2022
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
My Audi with 42k miles ran out of gas on the Interstate Highway without any warning. Failure was a fuel sending unit which provides fuel quantity info and the low fuel light. The erroneous display indicated just less than half tank and the display indicated 185 miles to empty. This failure of the engine to suddenly quit on a busy freeway is potentially catastrophic! At a minimum there should be a ... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (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 repai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
Audi has stated there are no parts available to address the PODS recall 21V198 since March 2021. My dealership sold my vehicle to me at the end of my lease without having addressed this safety recall.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
Audi has stated there are no parts available to address the PODS recall 21V198 since March 2021. My dealership sold my vehicle to me at the end of my lease without having addressed this safety recall.