AUDI Complaints

I purchased a 2023 Audi Q3 and less than a year of owning the vehicle, I was driving when I lost power to the vehicle’s engine, with absolutely NO warning sign. Thankfully, I was able to pull over on the side of 95 and turn the car off, thinking maybe it was just overheating. I sat in the car for about 10-20 seconds before I saw a huge cloud of black smoke coming from the engine, that is when I got out of the car and called 911 immediately. As I was standing on the side of 95, with semi-trucks flying past me, I saw under the hood was pure flames. The 911 operator stressed I needed to walk away from the vehicle ASAP, and to not return for any of my belongings. About 2 minutes later, the entire car was engulfed in flames. Luckily, I was able to get my cell phone, to make the 911 call, but was not able to get any of my other belongings, purse, cards, laptop, ipad, etc. It took about 15-20 minutes for the police and fire department to come. They had to shut down 95 to control the fire, which took over an hour in total. The fire department came up to me 2 separate times asking if this was an electric vehicle because they were unable to contain the fire. I asked the sheriff what could have possibly caused this to happen, and that is when he stated it was most likely a manufacture defect since I had the car for less than a year and it had less than 50,000 miles on it. The police officer also stated that if I didn’t get out when I did, it was only a matter of seconds until I would have lost control of the vehicle entirely and burnt with it. I know this is a freak occurrence but to say I am traumatized and afraid to get behind the wheel, is an understatement. Especially knowing my guardian angels are the only reason why I am here and able to send this message.

The contact owns a 2022 AUDI Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V898000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The recall involves the virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Audi requires the use of the vehicle’s USB port to complete the update. However, my USB system is not functioning properly. •The Issue: Audi has refused to perform the recall because of the inoperable USB. They have stated that without the USB, they cannot install the update. They are not offering any alternative method or solution to ensure that this recall is completed. •Why This is a Concern: A recall is issued because of a safety-related defect. The manufacturer is obligated under federal law to remedy the defect at no cost to the owner. By refusing to provide a solution beyond requiring a functioning USB, Audi is failing its duty to correct a known safety defect. This leaves me driving a vehicle with an unresolved recall. •My Position: It is unreasonable and negligent for Audi to deny responsibility simply because the recall requires a USB port that is not functioning. The recall repair should be performed regardless, whether through replacement of the port, use of alternate diagnostic tools, or another approved method. By refusing to act, Audi is leaving my vehicle unrepaired, unsafe, and in violation of recall compliance obligations. Requested Action: I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate Audi’s handling of this recall and require them to provide an effective remedy at no cost to me, in accordance with federal safety recall requirements.

The turbocharger wastegate actuator failed suddenly at highway speeds, causing loss of engine power and making it extremely difficult to maintain highway speeds. The warnings that suddenly appeared caused the cruise control to cease working as well. The dealership (Audi Miami South by The Collection) inspected the vehicle and confirmed the wastegate actuator seized, requiring a complete replacement of the turbocharger. The vehicle has 53,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V082000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was inoperable. The camera viewing distance was incorrect, and the camera image was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact called several other local dealers, Audi Tysons Corner Service and Parts (8598 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182), Audi Silver Spring (3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904), Audi Arlington Service (3200 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204), and Audi Bethesda (5206 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816) and was provided the same information about parts availability. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and possible fire. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer during this recurrence, but it has been persistent and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during the problem.

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my 2021 Audi A4, VIN [XXX] . I have been experiencing a noticeable vibration, humming, and shuddering sensation that occurs specifically when turning at slow speeds (e.g., in a parking lot or when making a tight turn at an intersection). This issue has been diagnosed at a dealership, and the diagnostic report from the service invoice dated 07/12/2025 noted "VIBRATION HUMMING SHUDDER WHILE TURNING." The vehicle's mileage at the time was 38,888 miles. Dealership diagnosed this issue as a failing AWD clutch system. I took the car to a different repair shop, and they redirected me to the Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). The symptoms described in the TSB—"vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing can be heard and/or felt in the vehicle interior... when the steering wheel is turned to full lock"—perfectly matches my experience. TSB Link - [XXX] The vehicle details are: Model: Audi A4 Year: 2021 VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 39490 Since this is an issue due to a sub-optimal part shipped by Audi, many other Audi owners are also facing similar issues. Therefore, I want to report this issue to the NHTSA and take action on cars sold by Audi. This issue divert driver attention and is a potential cause of accident while taking the turn as driver may get distracted. I already got my car serviced at Audi dealership but they didn't inform me about this issue while the car was under warranty. Now the car is out of warranty after Apr-2025, I'm facing this issue significantly and dealership is charging close to $5000 to fix the issue. Please let me know what information you require from me to proceed. I would like Audi to place a recall on the car models facing this issue and implement the fix for all owners facing the issue because of faulty part shipped by Audi of America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of drive, vehicle being stuck in neutral, and PRNDS flashing while in traffic. My vehicle is now exhibiting these identical symptoms: (1) Sudden disengagement of all gears while driving when it tries to go to fourth gear. At this point, there is a (2) flashing PRNDS indicator and “Reverse Gear Not Available” message. (3) Loss of ability to accelerate in moving traffic, requiring emergency maneuvers, and halting traffic. (4) Temporary restoration of function after shutting off and restarting the engine, only for the problem to happen again. (5) Check Engine Light. This is a serious safety hazard that puts both the driver and other road users at risk. The only reason my vehicle is excluded from the coverage appears to be its model year (2015), despite the fact that the mechatronic unit and failure mode are identical to the covered 2017–2018 vehicles. I believe Audi overlooked this issue in other year models and, as such, I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate why Audi is limiting this safety-related repair to only certain VIN ranges and model years, when vehicles just a couple of years older are exhibiting the exact same dangerous defect. A sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds is a serious risk that warrants broader manufacturer accountability. The company should fix this issue as soon as possible.

The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.

On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunately I was able to stop it before it hit any car behind me. On internet there are many Audi E-tron owners have similar experience either while reversing or simply while trying to park the car - the car accelerates without any warning. NHTSA need to force Audi to recall these cars and make needed corrections and updates as needed to prevent any further disaster due to this issue.