Audi A6 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 470 complaints about the Audi A6 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and engine. Audi has filed 12 warranty extensions and 14 service campaigns for it, and there are 31 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Audi A6? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the A6 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 470
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 12
- Filed by Audi
- Service campaigns
- 14
- Filed by Audi
- Safety recalls
- 31
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the A6 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | Electrical system (67%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 6 | Body and structure (33%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | Transmission and drivetrain (33%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 | Other or unspecified (50%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 | Backup camera and rear sensors (50%) | 5 | 2 |
| 2021 | 17 | Electrical system (65%) | 11 | 3 |
| 2020 | 26 | Electrical system (69%) | 9 | 4 |
| 2019 | 114 | Electrical system (74%) | 7 | 5 |
| 2018 | 11 | Engine (64%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 | 20 | Airbags (30%) | 3 | 1 |
| 2016 | 51 | Engine (33%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2015 | 22 | Engine (27%) | 4 | 5 |
| 2014 | 41 | Steering (20%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2013 | 52 | Airbags (35%) | 6 | 5 |
| 2012 | 59 | Airbags (24%) | 8 | 8 |
| 2011 | 21 | Airbags (57%) | 3 | 14 |
| 2010 | 17 | Airbags (65%) | 3 | 12 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single A6 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Audi
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Audi filed with NHTSA for the A6, in its own words. A warranty extension means Audi pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2023
This Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT…
- Warranty extensionSep 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Reminders - TDI Approved Emissions Modifications, Emissions Compliant Repairs, corrections and extended warranty / warranty policy and loaner vehicle overview
- Warranty extensionMar 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2016
This communication asks dealers to contact Audi Warranty if they have any questions about the extended warranty coverage for 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles.
- Warranty extensionDec 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2015
This is a general communication notifying dealers that there is extended Warranty coverage available for the exhaust gas temperature sensor for certain models and model years. This document details the terms of the warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionDec 2016· Electrical system· model years 2012–2014
This is a general communication notifying dealers that there is extended Warranty coverage available for the NVLD pressure switch for certain models and model years. This document details the terms of the warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionJul 2015· Fuel system· model years 2011–2012
All audi 2011-2012 Model year with an 2.0 tfsi engine will be extending the warranty on all fuel injectors. 7/23/15
- Warranty extensionApr 2015· Fuel system· model years 2010–2012
This document contains general information on the upcoming warranty extension on the high pressure fuel pump.
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2010–2011
A warranty extension has been issued for 10 yrs or 120, 000 miles, whichever occur first, on emissions control systems warranty for intake manifold and fuel injectors, under specific conditions. Model 2008-2011.
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2011
Warranty extension for emissions control systems warranty for fuel injector replacement, has been issued, under specific conditions, 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever first occurs. Model 2011.
- Warranty extensionDec 2013· Engine· model years 2010–2013
Information provided regarding warranty extension on carbon buildup removal, engine cylinder head secondary air ports. Models 2009-2012. No model provided.
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Mobility equipment· model years 2012
A faulty intake manifold may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component and/or a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the…
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2013
As part of Audi's ongoing commitment to our environment, Audi is extending the Emissions Control Systems Warranty to cover cleaning of the engine cylinder head secondary air ports to remove carbon buildup under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs…
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2021
Campaign closure notice
- Service campaignMar 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2012–2015
Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2020
Service Action and UPDATE Closure Notice
Manufacturer reference Audi-closures-20250218: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019
Multiple campaign closures
Manufacturer reference Audi closure 20241219: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2023–2024
The gateway control module will be replaced at no cost to owners. Updated claiming information
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Due to a software error in the transmission control unit in affected DSG transmissions, certain fault codes that turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) cannot be cleared after completion of repairs to resolve the underlying problem with the transmission that turned on the…
- Service campaignMay 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2024
Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Under certain conditions the coolant pump may leak.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out and leak coolant. This also caused the engine light to come on. *rm updated on 06/27/2011.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
The engine thermostat stays close and may cause the engine to overheat. Warning lights will illuminate. 2010-2011 Models.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every A6 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system161 (34%)
- Engine107 (23%)
- Airbags82 (17%)
- Steering45 (10%)
- Other or unspecified40 (9%)
- Fuel and propulsion37 (8%)
- Transmission and drivetrain36 (8%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning25 (5%)
Safety recalls
31 recalls cover at least one A6 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started.
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.
The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
And 16 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Audi A6 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Audi A6 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 470 owner complaints, 12 warranty extensions and 14 service campaigns Audi filed, and 31 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2019 (114), 2012 (59), 2013 (52). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Audi A6?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (34%), engine (23%), airbags (17%). Audi has filed 12 warranty extensions covering the A6, listed on this page.
Which A6 model years have the most complaints?
2019 (114), 2012 (59), 2013 (52). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the A6 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Audi extended the warranty on the A6?
Yes: airbags (model years 2010–2023); engine and cooling (model years 2014–2016); equipment and accessories (model years 2014–2016), and 9 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a A6?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 31 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.