2016 Audi A6 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Audi A6, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
28
Recalls
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Median mileage
48,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 13 of 28 complaints (46%).
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7) and electrical system (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 48,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2016 Audi A6 has 3 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 2nd of 20 Audi A6 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 155% more complaints than the 2015 model year (11).

2016 Audi A6 problems by category

  • Engine
    13 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Airbags
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine11
Electrical system5
Fuel/propulsion system5
Power train3
Air bags2
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control2
Forward collision avoidance: warnings2
Service brakes2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k210k–30k530k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Audi A6 complaints that list mileage.

2016 Audi A6 recalls (3)

  • Recall 19V035000Jan 16, 201974,881 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

  • Recall 18V862000Dec 5, 2018845 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.

    Risk: The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the auxiliary heater connector, replacing the auxiliary heater and connector, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 82C1.

  • Recall 18V370000Jun 4, 2018139,249 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

    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.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Recent 2016 Audi A6 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Mar 29, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. I have documentation that I’ve paid out of pocket to take care of these issues, however…
    NHTSA complaint #11727798 · source
  2. Filed Dec 30, 2025NYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190–200 miles before the fuel gauge indicated empty. This represents a sudden and significant loss of fuel range compared to normal operation. There are no warning lights, check engine lights, fuel smells, visible leaks, rough idle, or abnormal noises. The vehicle operates normally otherwise. The issue appears to involve excessive fuel consumption or incorrect fuel…
    NHTSA complaint #11707949 · source
  3. Filed Sep 10, 2025MAEngine
    The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than expected for this type of component. These repeated failures create a…
    NHTSA complaint #11686225 · source
  4. Filed Mar 25, 2025INAirbagsEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0…
    NHTSA complaint #11650550 · source
  5. Filed May 2, 202449,000 miCATowedElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No…
    NHTSA complaint #11586615 · source
  6. Filed Apr 16, 2024INElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
    NHTSA complaint #11583388 · source
  7. Filed Mar 28, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that…
    NHTSA complaint #11579921 · source
  8. Filed Jan 12, 2024GADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I…
    NHTSA complaint #11565047 · source

Compare the 2016 Audi A6 with another vehicle →

Other 2016 Audi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology