Audi A6 problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 297 owner complaints and 32 recalls on file for the Audi A6 (2005–2026). The 2019 A6 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints: 297
Recalls: 32
Model years: 22
Worst year: 2019

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Audi A6 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Audi A6 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2019 Audi A6 — 108 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
2016 Audi A6 — 28 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2020 Audi A6 — 26 complaints; top problem: Electrical System
2012 Audi A6 — 18 complaints; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2021 Audi A6 — 17 complaints; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2010 (0 complaints).

Every Audi A6 model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 A6	6	0	0	0	0	Electrical System
2025 A6	6	0	0	0	2	Body & Structure
2024 A6	3	0	0	0	1	Brakes
2023 A6	2	0	0	0	1	Electrical System
2022 A6	2	0	0	0	5	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2021 A6	17	0	0	0	11	Electrical System
2020 A6	26	0	0	0	9	Electrical System
2019 A6	108	0	1	0	7	Electrical System
2018 A6	11	0	1	0	2	Engine
2017 A6	15	0	0	0	3	Steering
2016 A6	28	0	2	0	3	Engine
2015 A6	11	1	0	1	4	Engine
2014 A6	17	0	0	0	4	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2013 A6	15	0	0	0	6	Engine
2012 A6	18	0	0	0	8	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2011 A6	3	1	0	1	3	Electrical System
2010 A6	0	0	0	0	3	—
2009 A6	2	0	0	0	4	Airbags
2008 A6	3	1	0	1	3	Airbags
2007 A6	0	0	0	0	3	—
2006 A6	3	0	0	0	3	Engine
2005 A6	1	0	0	0	3	Steering

Most common Audi A6 problem areas (all years)

Electrical System
141 complaints
Engine
80 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
38 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
38 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
30 complaints
Steering
29 complaints
Airbags
17 complaints
Brakes
14 complaints
Body & Structure
10 complaints
Lighting
4 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Audi A6 received by NHTSA each month.

Audi A6 recalls

Recall 26V125000Mar 4, 20261,620 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V900000Dec 19, 2025356,894 vehiclesModel years 2019–2025
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V899000Dec 19, 202527,768 vehiclesModel years 2025
Risk: An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 25V201000Mar 31, 202544,387 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 23V601000Aug 25, 20237,499 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021
Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V861000Nov 21, 202250,883 vehiclesModel years 2019–2022
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V806000Oct 26, 20226,076 vehiclesModel years 2022
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V742000Oct 5, 2022170,296 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V368000May 23, 202272 vehiclesModel years 2022
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V155000Mar 14, 202247,238 vehiclesModel years 2019–2022
Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V034000Jan 26, 202231,058 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V606000Aug 5, 202145,496 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 21V295000Apr 26, 202140,993 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V159000Mar 10, 20213,421 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021
Risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 20V749000Dec 2, 2020166 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 20V274000May 13, 2020153 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger air bag may not properly deploy and inflate, and small plastic parts may enter the cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 20V153000Mar 19, 20205,471 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 19V035000Jan 16, 201974,881 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Recall 18V862000Dec 5, 2018845 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V427000Jun 22, 2018237,947 vehiclesModel years 2005–2011
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V370000Jun 4, 2018139,249 vehiclesModel years 2012–2018
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 18V229000Apr 11, 2018342,867 vehiclesModel years 2012–2015
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V004000Jan 4, 201810,166 vehiclesModel years 2009–2011
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V781000Dec 6, 201748,693 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 17V032000Jan 11, 201733,421 vehiclesModel years 2005–2009
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Other Audi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology