I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed and my seat belt tightened, locking me in place. My dog was thrown forward. It was terrifying! Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have certainly rear-ended me. Nothing was in the road. Absolutely nothing. It happened so quickly in a split second. I put my hazards on and finished the next 2 miles home. I called Audi for a service appointment. I took my car in, again going down back roads with my hazards on. Audi charged me $400 to run a diagnostic report and shows there is a fault code J428. This fault code I researched is for the front/right ACC radar sensor that powers Adaptative Cruise control and Pre-Sense braking system. The fault code erroneously detected an obstacle and did abrupt braking. Audi told me that they would charge me $4,000 to fix it. I contested that as a safety issue it should be fixed as there is also Audi TSB2063502 referencing problems. This is a major safety issue as if I was going 70 MPH, I could cause a massive accident where I could be killed, anyone in my car, as well as others behind me in a massive car pile up. I feel ethically, this must be a safety recall to replace this fault in all vehicles. I am also requesting payment to fix from Audi. As an attorney (#[XXX]), Audi is under notice that they have a major safety defect on their hands and should take steps to protect drivers safety. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed and my seat belt tightened, locking me in place. My dog was thrown forward. It was terrifying! Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have certainly rear-ended me. Nothing was in the road. Absolutely nothing. It happened so quickly in a split second. I put my hazards on and finished the next 2 miles home. I called Audi for a service appointment. I took my car in, again going down back roads with my hazards on. Audi charged me $400 to run a diagnostic report and shows there is a fault code J428. This fault code I researched is for the front/right ACC radar sensor that powers Adaptative Cruise control and Pre-Sense braking system. The fault code erroneously detected an obstacle and did abrupt braking. Audi told me that they would charge me $4,000 to fix it. I contested that as a safety issue it should be fixed as there is also Audi TSB2063502 referencing problems. This is a major safety issue as if I was going 70 MPH, I could cause a massive accident where I could be killed, anyone in my car, as well as others behind me in a massive car pile up. I feel ethically, this must be a safety recall to replace this fault in all vehicles. I am also requesting payment to fix from Audi. As an attorney (#[XXX]), Audi is under notice that they have a major safety defect on their hands and should take steps to protect drivers safety. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed and my seat belt tightened, locking me in place. My dog was thrown forward. It was terrifying! Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have certainly rear-ended me. Nothing was in the road. Absolutely nothing. It happened so quickly in a split second. I put my hazards on and finished the next 2 miles home. I called Audi for a service appointment. I took my car in, again going down back roads with my hazards on. Audi charged me $400 to run a diagnostic report and shows there is a fault code J428. This fault code I researched is for the front/right ACC radar sensor that powers Adaptative Cruise control and Pre-Sense braking system. The fault code erroneously detected an obstacle and did abrupt braking. Audi told me that they would charge me $4,000 to fix it. I contested that as a safety issue it should be fixed as there is also Audi TSB2063502 referencing problems. This is a major safety issue as if I was going 70 MPH, I could cause a massive accident where I could be killed, anyone in my car, as well as others behind me in a massive car pile up. I feel ethically, this must be a safety recall to replace this fault in all vehicles. I am also requesting payment to fix from Audi. As an attorney (#[XXX]), Audi is under notice that they have a major safety defect on their hands and should take steps to protect drivers safety. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Following a rear collision repair at an authorized dealer collision center, multiple ADAS safety systems were not properly calibrated despite insurance payment and shop representations that repairs were complete. WHAT FAILED: Lane Change Assist, Peripheral Camera System, Side Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Front Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control were either not calibrated or calibrated in timeframes physically incompatible with manufacturer specifications. SAFETY RISK: Driver relies on blind spot monitoring and lane change alerts that may be non-functional or inaccurate. Without proper calibration, these systems may fail to detect adjacent vehicles, provide false alerts, or create blind spots in camera coverage, increasing collision risk during lane changes and merging. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. Shop manager provided diagnostic logs as proof of calibration. Analysis shows 360-degree camera calibration executed in 18 seconds versus 40-60 minute industry standard, and zero calibration events logged for Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera systems explicitly claimed as completed. INSURANCE INSPECTION: Insurance company explicitly DENIED Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera calibrations on estimate. Shop admitted in writing these items were declined and blamed insurance for non-payment. No OEM calibration logs produced despite multiple written requests. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Systems may appear normal on diagnostic scan with no active fault codes, but this does not prove calibration was performed to OEM tolerances. Physical calibration requires target board positioning, laser alignment, and environmental verification that cannot be completed in documented timeframes. PATTERN CONCERN: This may represent a systemic issue where insurers deny ADAS calibrations, shops skip calibrations due to non-payment, vehicles are released as complete, and consumers unknowingly operate vehicles with compromised safety systems. Vehicle and documentation available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11712558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Following a rear collision repair at an authorized dealer collision center, multiple ADAS safety systems were not properly calibrated despite insurance payment and shop representations that repairs were complete. WHAT FAILED: Lane Change Assist, Peripheral Camera System, Side Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Front Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control were either not calibrated or calibrated in timeframes physically incompatible with manufacturer specifications. SAFETY RISK: Driver relies on blind spot monitoring and lane change alerts that may be non-functional or inaccurate. Without proper calibration, these systems may fail to detect adjacent vehicles, provide false alerts, or create blind spots in camera coverage, increasing collision risk during lane changes and merging. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. Shop manager provided diagnostic logs as proof of calibration. Analysis shows 360-degree camera calibration executed in 18 seconds versus 40-60 minute industry standard, and zero calibration events logged for Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera systems explicitly claimed as completed. INSURANCE INSPECTION: Insurance company explicitly DENIED Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera calibrations on estimate. Shop admitted in writing these items were declined and blamed insurance for non-payment. No OEM calibration logs produced despite multiple written requests. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Systems may appear normal on diagnostic scan with no active fault codes, but this does not prove calibration was performed to OEM tolerances. Physical calibration requires target board positioning, laser alignment, and environmental verification that cannot be completed in documented timeframes. PATTERN CONCERN: This may represent a systemic issue where insurers deny ADAS calibrations, shops skip calibrations due to non-payment, vehicles are released as complete, and consumers unknowingly operate vehicles with compromised safety systems. Vehicle and documentation available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11712558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Following a rear collision repair at an authorized dealer collision center, multiple ADAS safety systems were not properly calibrated despite insurance payment and shop representations that repairs were complete. WHAT FAILED: Lane Change Assist, Peripheral Camera System, Side Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Front Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control were either not calibrated or calibrated in timeframes physically incompatible with manufacturer specifications. SAFETY RISK: Driver relies on blind spot monitoring and lane change alerts that may be non-functional or inaccurate. Without proper calibration, these systems may fail to detect adjacent vehicles, provide false alerts, or create blind spots in camera coverage, increasing collision risk during lane changes and merging. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. Shop manager provided diagnostic logs as proof of calibration. Analysis shows 360-degree camera calibration executed in 18 seconds versus 40-60 minute industry standard, and zero calibration events logged for Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera systems explicitly claimed as completed. INSURANCE INSPECTION: Insurance company explicitly DENIED Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera calibrations on estimate. Shop admitted in writing these items were declined and blamed insurance for non-payment. No OEM calibration logs produced despite multiple written requests. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Systems may appear normal on diagnostic scan with no active fault codes, but this does not prove calibration was performed to OEM tolerances. Physical calibration requires target board positioning, laser alignment, and environmental verification that cannot be completed in documented timeframes. PATTERN CONCERN: This may represent a systemic issue where insurers deny ADAS calibrations, shops skip calibrations due to non-payment, vehicles are released as complete, and consumers unknowingly operate vehicles with compromised safety systems. Vehicle and documentation available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11712558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Overland Park, KS
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specializes in European cars. The diagnostics indicated a loss of power to the instrument cluster/panel. I was told there was an active recall for this issue, but my VIN was not included. As this is a safety issue that sounds very familiar to the current recall for other Audi models, I contacted Audi and after inspection they diagnosed it as a failing instrument cluster. Since it's not in the current recall, I'm having to replace it. I've had computer issues in the past which the current Audi dealership has checked and told me there was nothing wrong, but after speaking to the Audi service tech many of the recalled issues were solved by a software update. The loss of the instrument panel is a major safety issue and Audi refuses to resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11678159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specializes in European cars. The diagnostics indicated a loss of power to the instrument cluster/panel. I was told there was an active recall for this issue, but my VIN was not included. As this is a safety issue that sounds very familiar to the current recall for other Audi models, I contacted Audi and after inspection they diagnosed it as a failing instrument cluster. Since it's not in the current recall, I'm having to replace it. I've had computer issues in the past which the current Audi dealership has checked and told me there was nothing wrong, but after speaking to the Audi service tech many of the recalled issues were solved by a software update. The loss of the instrument panel is a major safety issue and Audi refuses to resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11678159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Audi "Pre Sense" automatic braking system engaged without warning and without reason bringing the vehicle to a sudden and complete stop in the middle of an intersection and slamming my body backwards and causing my head to go forward nearly hitting the steering wheel. A school bus was directly behind me and was able to stop in time before it ran into the back of my vehicle, but it could have caused serious injury or death to multiple people. It caused a considerable amount of pain in my neck the day after and soreness in my ribs. The vehicle gave no prior warning. It did display a message simultaneously when it applied the brakes and locked the seatbelts that the "pre sense" had been engaged. It has happened three times prior to this incident. The vehicle dealer has told me that they see record of the system engaging but it does not appear to be faulty by the manufacturers standards despite numerous complaints and frequent occurrences.
NHTSA complaint #11581957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Please note that this exact same issue has been previously reported by another driver ... While the car was fully stopped at a red light, in drive, and with the brake pedal depressed, the Audi pre sense system falsely triggered. There were no vehicles or pedestrians in close proximity and there was no apparent reason for the trigger. The seat belts were forcefully retracted and the pre sense light came on on the dash. If the car had been moving, this could have caused a serious accident. There have been multiple reports on this on Audi's discussion boards. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/s4-b9-platform-discussion-214/freaked-out-pre-sense-seat-belt-tightening-no-reason-all-3020878/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/pre-sense-seat-belt-jolt-3046494/
NHTSA complaint #11503426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheeling, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While the car is fully stopped at a red light, in Drive, and brakes fully depressed, the Audi Pre Sense falsely triggered. The seat belts were forcefully retracted and the pre sense light came on on the dash. Since the car was stopped, there was no imminent safety issues. However, had the car be moving, this could cause serious injury such as a crash. Also, for someone with health condition, this could trigger a panic attack, heart attack, etc. There has been multiple reports on this on Audi's discussion boards. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/s4-b9-platform-discussion-214/freaked-out-pre-sense-seat-belt-tightening-no-reason-all-3020878/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/pre-sense-seat-belt-jolt-3046494/
NHTSA complaint #11488604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffdale, UT
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I have an issue with my vehicle where when the car is in reverse gear, the video from the camera sometimes is shaky, and sometimes instead of showing a rear camera, it shows a front camera, and sometimes the rear cross-traffic warning doesn't work even when in reverse gear when this video malfunction happens. It happened a few times and took me to the dealership for service. When they try to reproduce, it didn't, however, after a few days it started happening. I have few videos of this instance
NHTSA complaint #11479505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffdale, UT
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I have an issue with my vehicle where when the car is in reverse gear, the video from the camera sometimes is shaky, and sometimes instead of showing a rear camera, it shows a front camera, and sometimes the rear cross-traffic warning doesn't work even when in reverse gear when this video malfunction happens. It happened a few times and took me to the dealership for service. When they try to reproduce, it didn't, however, after a few days it started happening. I have few videos of this instance
NHTSA complaint #11479505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have experienced two false activation of emergency brakes on my 2021 Q5 in the past 3 months. Both have been very scary incidents for my family - Feb 2022" Driving on a highway with no vehicle in front at 60mph, going through a shade under a bridge where emergency brakes false kicked in - 4/30/22 around 2pm: Driving on a street with no vehicle in front at 30mph where emergency brakes falsely kicked in
NHTSA complaint #11463925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
After conducting a $10k forensic review on the car, they found out that the computer was infected with malware and that that vehicle will always put out fm transmitters to get into your cellular devise to hack it Unfortunately, this is the case for this bricked...Need a replacement with transferring the lease over to a similar priced vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11459647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain View, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The backup camera in the car randomly stops working while driving in reverse. These cameras are mandated by federal law and malfunctions can lead to collision with unforeseen living beings while backing up. The MMI screen also goes completely white/blue while driving forward. Additionally, the adas package comes with a birds eye view camera that is completely skewed created a deceptive understanding of objects in the surroundings. This can lead to collisions making the adas packing (and perhaps the collision warning) totally unreliable. The vehicle is available for inspection as needed. Took the brand new vehicle to the dealer, they refused to fix it as their engineer could not reproduce the issue. Later after a lot of argument, they mentioned they cannot fix it because of resource shortage. Argued they cannot sell brand new vehicles that are faulty, we were told their other cars may have the same issue so they cannot guarantee a loaner will fix this problem. We have spent hours on phone and in person with the dealer service center in vain. There were no warnings of the problem. The screen went blank during the drive. This happened for the first time around November 2021. This happens fairly arbitrarily.
NHTSA complaint #11455646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain View, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The backup camera in the car randomly stops working while driving in reverse. These cameras are mandated by federal law and malfunctions can lead to collision with unforeseen living beings while backing up. The MMI screen also goes completely white/blue while driving forward. Additionally, the adas package comes with a birds eye view camera that is completely skewed created a deceptive understanding of objects in the surroundings. This can lead to collisions making the adas packing (and perhaps the collision warning) totally unreliable. The vehicle is available for inspection as needed. Took the brand new vehicle to the dealer, they refused to fix it as their engineer could not reproduce the issue. Later after a lot of argument, they mentioned they cannot fix it because of resource shortage. Argued they cannot sell brand new vehicles that are faulty, we were told their other cars may have the same issue so they cannot guarantee a loaner will fix this problem. We have spent hours on phone and in person with the dealer service center in vain. There were no warnings of the problem. The screen went blank during the drive. This happened for the first time around November 2021. This happens fairly arbitrarily.
NHTSA complaint #11455646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
when using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly brakes. If set a 70mph it will jam on the brakes and reset to 45 mph. This has caused near rear collisions. This is a recurring problem,.Audi service tried 3 times to identify the problem. Google has other owners with the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11432949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.