Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
14.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
416.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1250.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
520.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
14.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2012peak 4Aug 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 14,000 milesManhattan Beach, CACrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL: MY 2012 AUDI A4 WAS TOTALLED IN JULY 2014. AFTER TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR GOING 60 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT MYSELF AND TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL, FEEL OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSED MY EYES AND WAITED FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE TO STRIKE ME. I WAS WEARING SUNGLASSES AT THE TIME. EVERY AIR BAG INSIDE MY VEHICLE WAS DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE DRIVER REAR HEADREST BAG, USUALLY INDICATING A DEATH. I AM CERTAIN THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT SAVED MY LIFE. I AM STILL PULLING OUT PARTICLES OF DEBRIS FROM MY FACE AND LEFT FINGER, BUT AM THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE. I AM ALSO CERTAIN THAT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL, FEET OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSING MY EYES AND ROLLING SLOWLY INTO THE COLLISION ALSO SAVED ME. IF POSSIBLE MAYBE DIAL DOWN ON THE EXPLOSIVES, IF ANY COMPLAINT, BUT I WAS A BEE TO WALK AWAY FROM A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. IT DID FEEL AS THOUGH A BOMB WENT OFF, AND NEITHER CAR HAD AN ENGINE, HOOD, FENDERS, ETC. LEFT BUT BOTH OF US WALKED AWAY. JULY 24, 2014. MULHOLLAND HWY AND LAS VIGENES AT 12:00 NOON, MALIBU, CA. SO MANY AGENCIES WERE ON THE SCENE SOMEONE MUST HAVE FILMED IT. THANK YOU TAKATA INFLATORS FOR SAVING MY LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #11006466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 60,000 milesWayne, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER A FAILED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FREAKED OUT. 60,000MI ON THE DASH, AND MY CAR IS A BRICK. AFTER A MONTH ON THE LIFT THE MOST WELL CERTIFIED MECHANICS IN MY AREA, INCLUDING SOME OF AUDI'S OWN, ARE AT A COMPLETE LOSS. THE ONLY THING WE'VE COME UP WITH IS THAT THE COMPUTERS TURN ON EVERY 30 SECONDS WHILE MY CAR IS OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11241469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,540 milesMissouri City, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND STARTING UP THE CAR HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE RANDOMLY JUSTIFIED. SOME TIMES IT STARTS UP RIGHT AWAY, SOME TIMES IT JUST TAKES A FEW CRANKS. DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S WARM OR COLD ENGINE. I PULLED ECU CODE AND IT SAYS U0100 WHICH IS LOSS OF COMMUNICATION TO ECM. WELL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN BE DRIVING JUST FINE ON THE ROAD BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST DECIDES TO QUIT CAUSE A HAVOC ON A BUSY TRAFFIC IN HOUSTON.
NHTSA complaint #11218134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,540 milesMissouri City, TX
ENGINE
CAR HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND STARTING UP THE CAR HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE RANDOMLY JUSTIFIED. SOME TIMES IT STARTS UP RIGHT AWAY, SOME TIMES IT JUST TAKES A FEW CRANKS. DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S WARM OR COLD ENGINE. I PULLED ECU CODE AND IT SAYS U0100 WHICH IS LOSS OF COMMUNICATION TO ECM. WELL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN BE DRIVING JUST FINE ON THE ROAD BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST DECIDES TO QUIT CAUSE A HAVOC ON A BUSY TRAFFIC IN HOUSTON.
NHTSA complaint #11218134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesEnglewood, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR HAS A MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. A WEEK AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE THE LOW OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER APPROXIMATE 150 MILES OF DRIVING. I STARTED HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON . I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER THEY RAN THE REQUIRED TESTS THAT FAILED, WAS TOLD THAT AUDI PUT THE WRONG ENGINE IN THE CAR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $8K FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS NOT MY PROBLEM, IT IS AUDI'S BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY SETTLED IN A LAWSUIT YEARS PRIOR. IT IS NERVE-WRACKING TO DRIVE BECAUSE, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH OIL IS IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11192438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesEnglewood, NJ
ENGINE
THIS CAR HAS A MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. A WEEK AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE THE LOW OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER APPROXIMATE 150 MILES OF DRIVING. I STARTED HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON . I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER THEY RAN THE REQUIRED TESTS THAT FAILED, WAS TOLD THAT AUDI PUT THE WRONG ENGINE IN THE CAR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $8K FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS NOT MY PROBLEM, IT IS AUDI'S BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY SETTLED IN A LAWSUIT YEARS PRIOR. IT IS NERVE-WRACKING TO DRIVE BECAUSE, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH OIL IS IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11192438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCoal Township, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PISTON RINGS CAR IS SMOKING AND OIL IS COMING OUT OF THE MUFFLER THE CAR HAVE LAST THEN 100K MILEAGE
NHTSA complaint #11192289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCoal Township, PA
ENGINE
PISTON RINGS CAR IS SMOKING AND OIL IS COMING OUT OF THE MUFFLER THE CAR HAVE LAST THEN 100K MILEAGE
NHTSA complaint #11192289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesZV, IN
ENGINE
2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO USES (BURNS) AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MOTOR OIL. MUST ADD A QUART OF OIL ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND DRIVING LESS THAN 1,000 PER MONTH.
NHTSA complaint #11145285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesquite, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND AUDI WANTS TO CHARGE ME $12,000 TO REPAIR THE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO THEIR BEING DAMAGE TO MY PISTON RINGS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. DURING THE TIME THAT THE FIRST OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT HAD BEEN FILED AND SETTLED AGAINST AUDI DO TO THE MANUFACTURER MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BY THE TIME I BECAME THE OWNER THE SUITE HAD ALREADY SETTLED. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #11144723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesquite, TX
ENGINE
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND AUDI WANTS TO CHARGE ME $12,000 TO REPAIR THE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO THEIR BEING DAMAGE TO MY PISTON RINGS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. DURING THE TIME THAT THE FIRST OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT HAD BEEN FILED AND SETTLED AGAINST AUDI DO TO THE MANUFACTURER MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BY THE TIME I BECAME THE OWNER THE SUITE HAD ALREADY SETTLED. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #11144723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesWestborough, MA
ENGINE
2012 AUDI A4 HAS HAD ONGOING OIL CONSUMPTION ISUUES. AUDI DEALER PERFORMED CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AROUND 74K (3QTS PER 1000MILES - BASICALLY HAVE HAD TO ADD 1 QT EVERY 300 MILES. WAS TOLD NO RECOURSE - WAS OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OF 2009-2011 OF SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW AT 133K MILE, ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING - EPC LIGHT CAME ON - CAR WAS SERVICED LESS THAN 25K MILES AND HAD ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS, 4 SPARK PLUGS AND 2 IGNITION COILS REPLACED AND DE-CARB PROCEDURE DONE. I'M AT A LOSS THAT AUDI REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTY ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11139039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandevile, LA
ENGINE
WE WERE JUST INFORMED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INVOLVING TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER FAILURE. THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP POSSIBLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND HARM TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THE LAWSUIT COULD RESULT IN AN EXTENDED PRO-RATED WARRANTY BUT NO RECALL OR REPAIRS MADE TO ANY VEHICLE PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. AUDI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE DEALER NETWORK BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF THE CURRENT WARRANTY. WE BELIEVE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED PRIOR TO A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #11130770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
STEERING
SINCE PURCHASING MY CPO AUDI WITH EXTENDED MAINTENANCE PACKAGE & I HAVE IMMACULATE REPAIR RECORDS. IT'S GLARINGLY CLEAR NOW THAT THE DEALERSHIP AVOIDED DIAGNOSISING MY REPEATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT STEERING VIBRATION FEEDBACK. COUNTLESS DOLLARS SPENT ON ALIGNMENTS & RIM, TIRES CHANGES.MY STEERING HAS COMPLETELY DECAYED TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND NO AUDI SUPPORT ON RECALLING THIS ISSUE. FEELS LIKE A CROSSWIND PUSHING CAR ON HIGHWAYS, NOTCHING IS SO BAD THAT IT REQUIRES MUSCLE ENDURANCE TO TURN IT WHILE DOING K TURNS NOW. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY & FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT OF MANUFACTURING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A LONG TIME AGO. NO FIX AVAILABLE THAT IS A GUARANTEED SUCCESS. TRULY DISGUSTED. 90,000 MILES OUTRIGHT FRAUD! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #11111303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesEnglewood, NJ
POWER TRAIN
UPON HAVING 3 CONSECUTIVE OIL CHANGES, MY CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO BURN OIL (NO LEAKS) AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE UPON DRIVING LESS THAN 900 MILES. THEN THE SECOND OIL CHANGE DID THE SAME THING UPON DRIVING UNDER 300 MILES. IT ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF OIL TOTALLY. I ADDED OIL AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR, AND IT BURN THE OIL WITHING 250 MILES OF DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE WRONG ENGINE PUT IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT MY COST, WITH POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT TO ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE, SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT. OIL CONTINUES TO BURN AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND POTENTIAL CAUSE ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11101607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesEnglewood, NJ
ENGINE
UPON HAVING 3 CONSECUTIVE OIL CHANGES, MY CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO BURN OIL (NO LEAKS) AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE UPON DRIVING LESS THAN 900 MILES. THEN THE SECOND OIL CHANGE DID THE SAME THING UPON DRIVING UNDER 300 MILES. IT ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF OIL TOTALLY. I ADDED OIL AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR, AND IT BURN THE OIL WITHING 250 MILES OF DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE WRONG ENGINE PUT IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT MY COST, WITH POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT TO ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE, SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT. OIL CONTINUES TO BURN AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND POTENTIAL CAUSE ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11101607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesEnglewood, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UPON HAVING 3 CONSECUTIVE OIL CHANGES, MY CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO BURN OIL (NO LEAKS) AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE UPON DRIVING LESS THAN 900 MILES. THEN THE SECOND OIL CHANGE DID THE SAME THING UPON DRIVING UNDER 300 MILES. IT ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF OIL TOTALLY. I ADDED OIL AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR, AND IT BURN THE OIL WITHING 250 MILES OF DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE WRONG ENGINE PUT IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT MY COST, WITH POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT TO ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE, SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT. OIL CONTINUES TO BURN AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND POTENTIAL CAUSE ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11101607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
POWER TRAIN
TAKATA RECALL I'VE NOTICED ON MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS I SEE THAT THE AUDI A4 HAS A PROBLEM OF JERKING AFTER IT IS ISOLATING IN TRAFFIC. MY CAR JERKS AFTER SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC, AND THEN ONCE I PRESS TO ACCELERATE THE CAR JERKS. COULD YOU PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM ON THE AUDI A4? I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TWICE AND THEY SAY THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11080208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE
OIL LIGHT KEEP APPEARING ON DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN SERVICED
NHTSA complaint #11074127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,946 milesManton, MI
ENGINE
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING CHAIN TO SLIP AND IMMEDIATE ENGINE STOPPAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11073235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, FL
ENGINE
REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & LOWER TIMING COVER WITH PISTON REPAIR
NHTSA complaint #11055992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesBloomfield Hills, MI
ENGINE
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ALMOST ALL POWER AND DECELERATED TO A 15 MPH PACE ON MAJOR STREET WITH 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT.
NHTSA complaint #11012148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesManhattan Beach, CACrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL: MY 2012 AUDI A4 WAS TOTALLED IN JULY 2014. AFTER TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR GOING 60 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT MYSELF AND TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL, FEEL OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSED MY EYES AND WAITED FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE TO STRIKE ME. I WAS WEARING SUNGLASSES AT THE TIME. EVERY AIR BAG INSIDE MY VEHICLE WAS DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE DRIVER REAR HEADREST BAG, USUALLY INDICATING A DEATH. I AM CERTAIN THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT SAVED MY LIFE. I AM STILL PULLING OUT PARTICLES OF DEBRIS FROM MY FACE AND LEFT FINGER, BUT AM THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE. I AM ALSO CERTAIN THAT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL, FEET OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSING MY EYES AND ROLLING SLOWLY INTO THE COLLISION ALSO SAVED ME. IF POSSIBLE MAYBE DIAL DOWN ON THE EXPLOSIVES, IF ANY COMPLAINT, BUT I WAS A BEE TO WALK AWAY FROM A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. IT DID FEEL AS THOUGH A BOMB WENT OFF, AND NEITHER CAR HAD AN ENGINE, HOOD, FENDERS, ETC. LEFT BUT BOTH OF US WALKED AWAY. JULY 24, 2014. MULHOLLAND HWY AND LAS VIGENES AT 12:00 NOON, MALIBU, CA. SO MANY AGENCIES WERE ON THE SCENE SOMEONE MUST HAVE FILMED IT. THANK YOU TAKATA INFLATORS FOR SAVING MY LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #11006466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFuquay Varina, NC
ENGINE
I TURNED CAR OFF, WENT INTO A STORE CAME BACK, STARTED CAR AND IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE, AS IF TOTALLY FALLING APART. TURNED IT OFF, TRIED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT START AT ALL. DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS SHOT, SEIZED UP HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING IT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. OIL CHANGES ALL UP TO DATE. 30,000 MILE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS NO UNDERSTAND OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING? NO IDEA. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO THEIR AUDI A4 2012?
NHTSA complaint #10980165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Streamwood, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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 CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10934723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ENGINE
EXTREMELY LOUD "ROARING" NOISE ON A COLD START AFTER HAVING SAT OVERNIGHT. DEALERSHIP BASICALLY REPORTED AS NORMAL "OF NO CONSEQUENCE". CONTINUOUS SINCE NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10854168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.