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: May 18, 2022
Audi Q5 is consuming oil and requiring it to be filled every 300 to 500 miles. It is unsafe for people to continually be pulling over over the side of the road. Audi will not fix, even if car fails oil consumption test. Price to fix is around 9K. The problem is also causing loss of power, which is not safe, especially while driving on the highway. Audi acknowledges the problem and states "th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2015
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A5. The contact stated that the oil warning light illuminated while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where oil was added to the vehicle; however, after the third time the contact was informed by the dealer that it was a common issue with the Audi sport vehicles. A failure cause was not determined. The contact stated that the failure had be... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
I purchased my 2016 Audi A3 in April of 2020 from Audi San Diego. Less than a year later, I was getting airbag warning lights on my dash, as well as constant warning sounds when driving. I brought my vehicle into Audi San Diego, and they "fixed" the issue free of charge. A few months later, I started getting the same warning lights/sounds - this time, the passenger airbag was turning on and off ev... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
I purchased my 2016 Audi A3 in April of 2020 from Audi San Diego. Less than a year later, I was getting airbag warning lights on my dash, as well as constant warning sounds when driving. I brought my vehicle into Audi San Diego, and they "fixed" the issue free of charge. A few months later, I started getting the same warning lights/sounds - this time, the passenger airbag was turning on and off ev... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
I purchased my 2016 Audi A3 in April of 2020 from Audi San Diego. Less than a year later, I was getting airbag warning lights on my dash, as well as constant warning sounds when driving. I brought my vehicle into Audi San Diego, and they "fixed" the issue free of charge. A few months later, I started getting the same warning lights/sounds - this time, the passenger airbag was turning on and off ev... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
I am writing to report on the results of a call on 08-01-22 to Audi USA regarding the current recall on Audi Q7 automobiles. I asked if the car was safe to drive and the representative could not answer the question. Her comment was that Audi has not issued a Stop Drive Action. The recall notice states ". . .there may be a sudden loss of engine power or the vehicle may break down without a warnin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
The defect of water pump used by this model causes coolant leakage and a serious overheating problem that triggers the temperature warning light. It is a safety risk without repairing this.
AUDI
RS E-TRON GT
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The vehicle randomly switches from Drive to park at Stoplights without any driver input.
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jul 30, 2022
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
Today, I was in a protected left turn lane prior to making the turn. When oncoming traffic (4 lanes) cleared, I gently pressed the gas pedal to start the turn, but a red “pre-sense” error triggered and slammed on the brakes. I moved my foot to the brake and then back to the gas, and the error cleared, allowing me to continue the turn. This was dangerous as I could have stopped in front of onco... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Jul 30, 2022
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
Today, I was in a protected left turn lane prior to making the turn. When oncoming traffic (4 lanes) cleared, I gently pressed the gas pedal to start the turn, but a red “pre-sense” error triggered and slammed on the brakes. I moved my foot to the brake and then back to the gas, and the error cleared, allowing me to continue the turn. This was dangerous as I could have stopped in front of onco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
It has been over a year that I have tried to get Audi to repair my recall. The dealer Rockville Audi in Maryland will not assist me in when the repair will be completed. My indicator lite is on and the seat belt alarm activates when no one is in the passenger seat. Is there anyone that can help me with this very important issue? My cell number is [XXX] if you want to contact me directly. IN... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
2022 AUDI Q7. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE DIFFERENT ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AND MAKING LEFT TURNS THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO AN UNSAFE SPEED. ON A FEW OCCASIONS, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET. WHILE DRIVI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
2022 AUDI Q7. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE DIFFERENT ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AND MAKING LEFT TURNS THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO AN UNSAFE SPEED. ON A FEW OCCASIONS, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET. WHILE DRIVI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
I was driving my car and it stalled out in the middle of an intersection which was totally unsafe and it would barely start. I was able to limp it to safety but it would not run or idle correctly. I had it towed to the local Audi dealership and they diagnosed the issue as being the turbos. The turbos failed and need to be replaced. The obvious known issue with the oil screen starving the turbos an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2022
Sometimes the vehicle makes a flapping noise from the rear wheel area.
Incident date: May 31, 2022
UNKNOWN. The ac and heating vent directly above the MMI screen closer to the drivers side does not blow any air. It has been like this for a while and it is available for inspection upon request
Incident date: May 23, 2022
I have a 2013 Audi A4 2.0. I was driving home at night close to my home and the car started puttering and wouldn’t go and I found out that the timing chain had “jumped” and caused sudden engine failure. I later found out that same issue is the subject of class action lawsuits for the second time around because Audi didn’t properly take action after the first suit and repair the issue, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
Rear driver side window completely shattered with no warning while driving on the highway at 65 mph.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and with the engine idling, she exit the vehicle, and moments later the vehicle erroneously began to drive forward and crashed into an office building. During the crash, no injuries were reported. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure milea... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
Our 2020 Audi A5 experienced a module failure affecting SOS (Loud) audible alarm that sounds every 2-4 minutes when driving and also affects bluetooth connection for hands free phone. Told by Audi dealership there was a recall, then removed for this due to lack of available parts from Audi. This very loud alarm sounds every 2-4 minutes while driving and is variable so can easily scare driving/dist... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2022
After exiting the highway and slowing for traffic the car lost power and displayed a message along the lines of "Drive system malfunction. Continued driving not possible." I was able to limp the car out of traffic to a parking lot nearby, but the car had almost no power. You could push the accelerator all the way to the floor and the car would barely move. Once in the parking lot I turned the car ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
A/C condenser leaking. Known issue for Audi Q5.
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2022
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 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: Jul 23, 2022
Fault codes: P072C00, P072B00, P174A00, P072600, P179D00, P173400. Name of codes in order above, Stuck in Gear 1, Stuck in Reverse, Valve 3 in partial transmission 1, Engine Speed Inp.Circ., Cooling oil valve, Starter release from the selector level sensor system.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
Fault codes: P072C00, P072B00, P174A00, P072600, P179D00, P173400. Name of codes in order above, Stuck in Gear 1, Stuck in Reverse, Valve 3 in partial transmission 1, Engine Speed Inp.Circ., Cooling oil valve, Starter release from the selector level sensor system.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
Fault codes: P072C00, P072B00, P174A00, P072600, P179D00, P173400. Name of codes in order above, Stuck in Gear 1, Stuck in Reverse, Valve 3 in partial transmission 1, Engine Speed Inp.Circ., Cooling oil valve, Starter release from the selector level sensor system.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2020
Drains so much oil for only A car that takes 4.9L of oil. It’s unreal which causes so many other issues
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
Gateway unit that is located under the rear seat has an inadequate insulation and is susceptible to liquid exposure and electrical failure. A liquid penetrated the rear seat and short-circuit the gateway while vehicle was moving resulting in a near-accident by shutting down power steering, brakes, and many of the car's systems. Failure messages began appearing and vehicle was unresponsive to driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
Gateway unit that is located under the rear seat has an inadequate insulation and is susceptible to liquid exposure and electrical failure. A liquid penetrated the rear seat and short-circuit the gateway while vehicle was moving resulting in a near-accident by shutting down power steering, brakes, and many of the car's systems. Failure messages began appearing and vehicle was unresponsive to driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
Gateway unit that is located under the rear seat has an inadequate insulation and is susceptible to liquid exposure and electrical failure. A liquid penetrated the rear seat and short-circuit the gateway while vehicle was moving resulting in a near-accident by shutting down power steering, brakes, and many of the car's systems. Failure messages began appearing and vehicle was unresponsive to driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
Sunroof suddenly exploded while driving, no other vehicles or flying objects around. The glass broke into several small pieces. It had the potential to shatter glass on me & my family while riding in the suv. The same issue has been reported by several individuals on the Audi world website. My vehicle is currently at a repair facility & being inspected by the insurance company. There were no wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The lever that locks and unlocks the steering column for proper driving position fell off. The single bolt holding the lever fell out followed by the lever. This occurred when the driver utilized the lever to reposition the steering wheel. The steering wheel was not locked into position when the lever fell off, so the steering wheel was subject to movement while driving.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
While backing out of a parking space, with the car in reverse and in motion, the car turned itself off. The car stopped abruptly, I'm not sure if it applied the brakes or some sort of parking brake - at first I thought we got hit from behind - it was very forceful. The car turning itself off and stopping without warning is a huge safety risk, I am glad it did not happen on a roadway. Possibly... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
While backing out of a parking space, with the car in reverse and in motion, the car turned itself off. The car stopped abruptly, I'm not sure if it applied the brakes or some sort of parking brake - at first I thought we got hit from behind - it was very forceful. The car turning itself off and stopping without warning is a huge safety risk, I am glad it did not happen on a roadway. Possibly... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
While backing out of a parking space, with the car in reverse and in motion, the car turned itself off. The car stopped abruptly, I'm not sure if it applied the brakes or some sort of parking brake - at first I thought we got hit from behind - it was very forceful. The car turning itself off and stopping without warning is a huge safety risk, I am glad it did not happen on a roadway. Possibly... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
Vehicle was difficult to stop as power assist to braking system did not seem to be working
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
Purchased 2017 Q7 sometime back in August of 2019. the car had about 42k miles on it as it was a used CPO car. After purchase the car was driven around 8900 miles suddenly the warning sign and sound occurs to warned to add engine oil. This is not supposed to happen as the car can drive up to 10k miles in single oil change. Went to the dealer right away & they blame on the tech saying " he must ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
While driving, Audi Pre sense warning illuminated on dash, then emergency braking occurred while seatbelt tightened. There were no other cars around (neither in front or on the side) I did not hit anything in the street. Safety put at risk from unnecessary braking. Thankfully no cars were behind me. This did startle me but I maintained proper control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
While driving, Audi Pre sense warning illuminated on dash, then emergency braking occurred while seatbelt tightened. There were no other cars around (neither in front or on the side) I did not hit anything in the street. Safety put at risk from unnecessary braking. Thankfully no cars were behind me. This did startle me but I maintained proper control of the vehicle.
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
HI. I BOUGHT AUDI Q5 2022. IN MARCH 2022. After one month of use suddenly vehicle starting malfunction warning sign show on my dash.so iwent to dealership and they told me that the alternator is not working. so i gave them my vehicle to them for fix and it took 2 weeks to fix that problem. its frustrating for me because its new vehicle. Then after that fix my vehicle show recall message for some... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Audi dealer says there is no solution and they can't schedule me for repair and at this point they do not know when and how long it's going to take.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Earlier models were recalled for defective air bag modules. My 2011 A5 was not recalled but the air bag module failed in exactly the same way as earlier models. The modules were not upgraded and perhaps the newer models should be included in recall. I have an invoice for $1443.45 from the dealer. Thanks.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The recalls were not completed and the dealership is charging for recall work.