Owners have filed 276 complaints
about the 1999 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2021.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Audi A6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 99
19.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
64.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
21.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1510.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3926.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3926.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3524.0%
150,000+ miles
106.8%
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.
Feb 1999peak 15Mar 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Audi A6
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ06003Opened 27 Feb 2006Closed 20 Jul 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER'S SIDE DASH FIRE
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VOA) CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V133) TO ADD A PLASTIC COVER TO THE TOP SECTION OF THE KNEE BOLSTER CROSSMEMBER TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.THE SCOPE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL COVERED MODEL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2004 WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 2004.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED NINE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED, A FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA.VOA REPORTS THAT IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY BY...
EA04017Opened 30 Jun 2004Closed 10 Feb 2005FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHE...
PE04023Opened 5 Mar 2004Closed 30 Jun 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND AUDI ALLEGE THAT, IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, THE THROTTLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.IN MARCH OF 2004, AUDI PERFORMED A SERIES OF TESTS TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THROTTLE ICING.AUDI CONCLUDED THAT UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS - ONLY SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE COOLANT TEMPERATURE REMAINS BELOW 70?C (158?F) - WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE MOTOR OIL. WATER THAT HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE MOTOR OIL WILL EVAPORATE AFTER THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE EXC...
EA03025Opened 25 Nov 2003Closed 7 May 2004ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES.A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA.AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS.OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 18...
PE03035Opened 25 Jul 2003Closed 25 Nov 2003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVERS SIDE DASHBOARD FIRE
OF THE 22 TOTAL COMPLAINTS, 11 WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AND 11 FOR THE 2000 MODEL YEAR. AUDI IS CONDUCTING TESTING TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE FIRE.
PE03019Opened 15 May 2003Closed 17 Sep 2003STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING WHEEL HEATER OVERHEATS
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON FOUR ODI COMPLAINTS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OVERHEATS. VW HAS SHOWN THAT MOISTURE AND PRESPIRATION PERMEATE THE STEERING WHEEL COVER CAUSING THE HEATING ELEMENT TO CORRODE.THIS CORROSION MAY CAUSE A SMALL, LOCALIZED AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO EXPERIENCE A BRIEF DURATION OF OVERHEATING.THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL SUSTAINING COMBUSTION. THE INVESTIGATION HAS FOUND NO OCCURRENCES OF SEVERE BURNING AND NO CONSUMERS REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEA...
PE02008Opened 23 Jan 2002Closed 12 Jul 2002SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET
PE99001Opened 1 Jan 1999Closed 24 Mar 1999VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL EXPULSION
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 22, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD TAKE SAFETY RECALL ACTION TO CORRECT THE SPITBACK PROBLEM ON ALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.BASED ON THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL ACTION (ODI 99V-058), THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Recalls on the 1999 Audi A6
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20200329,165 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. There may be a significant delay before replacement parts are available. The company will send you a second letter once replacement parts are available and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. If the inflator requires replacement, a newly design part will be installed.
Recall 2006152
Electrical
On certain vehicles, if a plastic cover is not securely installed to the drivers-side support crossmember, the headlight switch wiring harness could short out on the crossmember and cause a fire. Note: Further evaluation revealed that only U.S. vehicles are affected. Canadian-market vehicles are equipped with a different headlamp switch wiring harness which includes Daytime Running Lights (DRL). As a result Canadian vehicles will not experience this type of electrical wiring problem, therefore the recall is cancelled.
Recall 20043692,485 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.8L V6 5-valve engine and automatic transmission, while driving for a considerable period of time at a steady rate of speed during extremely low ambient temperatures (-15 degrees Celsius or below), the throttle may not return to idle position due to ice accumulating in the throttle body. In this instance the driver can apply additional brake force or take other actions (such as shifting into Neutral, turning off the ignition, etc.) to positively stop the vehicle. In the absence of such action, the vehicle may maintain speed when the driver expects the vehicle to slow. If this occurs, it could lead to an increase in the stopping distance and possible collision with bystanders, a fixed object or another vehicle which may cause serious injuries or even death. Correction: Dealers will replace the throttle body assembly.
Recall 20040959,655 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain Audi S6, A6 and A6 Allroad Quattro, contact between the left driver's side crash element and the headlight switch wiring harness could eventually result in an electrical short. Even though such an electrical short is not very likely, it could result, in a worst-case scenario, in a fire originating in the left dashboard area. Correction: Dealer will install a protective covering on the crash element and inspect the wiring harness for damage.
Recall 20021042,853 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles the tie rods of the steering assembly may be inadequately sealed to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle. Correction: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall 20001324,822 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Audi A6 Quattro, sulphur in the fuel interacting with certain additives found in widely available fuel can become deposited on certain contact points on three sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. Low electrical resistance at contact points of any unit signals that the tank is full. The accumulation of sulphur deposits on contacts would increase the resistance and erroneously signal that the tank is filled with fuel while in fact it may not be full or could be empty. If a driver is not cognizant of the miles driven and the potential driving range of their vehicle from a fuel fill, the erroneous fuel level signal could cause the vehicle to become inoperable without prior warning. Correction: Fuel sending units will be replaced with redesigned sending units.
Recall 19991954,900 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing may wear over time to a point where the steering begins to feel "loose" and could diminish the steering control of the vehicle with the potential for a vehicle crash. Correction: Tie rods will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Recall 19990959,000 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 degrees F. This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster resulting in possible loss of power brake assist. Correction: A vacuum by-pass system will be installed on affected vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 96,000 milesSand Point, IDFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10501872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBroadview Heights, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2010, I WAS PULLING IN TO A PARKING SPACE AT THE LOCAL LIBRARY, APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FROM MY HOME. AS I WAS MAKING THE TURN TO PULL INTO THE PARKING SPACE, I HEARD THE ENGINE REV, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AS THOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD "KICKED IN" AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR. RATHER THAN HIT A CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I TURNED THE VEHICLE TO GO UP A CURB AND HIT A TREE. ONCE THE TREE STOPPED THE CAR, I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, BACK DOWN OFF THE CURB, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND PULL OUT THE KEY. OIL WAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOME, WAS EXAMINED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND WAS WRITTEN OFF AS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10372683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesColts Neck, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SMOKE ERUPTED THROUGH VENT SYSTEM. PULLED CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD AND FAMILY OF 4 EVACUATED. WITHIN 90 SECONDS, THE DASH ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. INTERIOR/DASH ETC. WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. MOTOR COMPARTMENT UNTOUCHED BY FIRE. SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HAVE PICTURES OF FIRE AND FIRE DEPT RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10346307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRiver Falls, WIFire
SEATS
THE SEATS HAVE THE OPTION TO BE HEATED. THE HEAT GOT SO HOT IT BURNED SEAT, AND A PILLOW THAT WAS ON THE SEAT, DESTROYING BOTH THE PILLOW AND THE SEAT FILLING THE CAR WITH A SMOKEY FILM. THE SMELL WAS SO BAD IT FILLED THE CAR AND GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10307084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesLake Mills, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY AUDI A6 AVANT QUATTRO, SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH VENT. I STOPPED THE CAR AS SOON AS I SAFELY COULD AND CALLED 911, AS SOON AS I WAS OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE SMOKE BECAME WORSE AND FLAMES BEGAN ROLLING OUT OF THE DASH AREA. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHICH A NEARBY RESIDENT LUCKILY HAD HANDY. BY VIEWING THIS FIRE AT CLOSE RANGE I AM CERTAIN THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY ENGULFED WITHIN MINUTES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT USED A HEAT SENSING TOOL TO DETERMINE THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE OR HOTSPOT WAS VERY NEAR THE FUSE BOX BEHIND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THEY CUT THE DASH APART TO BE SURE THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY OUT. I HAD NO WARNING OF THIS MALFUNCTION AND AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AS QUICKLY AS I DID.
NHTSA complaint #10283285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,150 milesTacoma, WACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 1999 AUDI A6, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I HAD A FULL LOSS OF MY ABS BRAKES ON ICY WINTER ROADS. I EVENTUALLY SLID OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A FENCE. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE ON MY CAR HAD FAILED, AND I'VE READ POSTS OF SEVERAL HUNDREDS OTHER HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IN MY CAR IT IS A CONSTANT ERROR, AND NO-ONE BUT AUDI CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. I ALSO CONTACTED AUDI, WHICH CLAIMS THAT THE ABS SYSTEM DISABLING IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THERE'S A CHANCE THAT YOUR ABS (SOMETHING YOU'VE RELIED ON FOR YEARS) SUDDENLY SHUTS DOWN BECAUSE OF A WAY TOO COMMON ERROR, IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I WAS LUCKY I ONLY GOT SOME DENTS TO MY CAR, BUT IF AUDI HAD RECALLED THESE I WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO GET REPAIRS DONE TO MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY SOMEONE WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS SAFETY CONCERN IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND AUDI WILL DO A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10274083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Columbus, MS
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #11404182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agoura Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11339906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWashington, IA
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I FIXED THE TURN SIGNAL AND CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THOSE RETURNED AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE UNDER COVER/PROTECTOR PLASTIC BROKE OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD BECAUSE THE AUDI DEALERSHIP APPARENTLY FORGOT TO PUT IT BACK ON PROPERLY. THIS POSSIBLY ALLOWED FOR THE OIL PAN TO HIT THE GROUND AND CRACK, WHICH A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY PART OF THAT PROBLEM TOO. I TOOK IT IN TO SEE ABOUT A CRACK IN THE OIL PAN. THEY COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I DROVE TO THE MOVIE STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. A PUDDLE OF OIL WAS SPILLING OUT OF IT, AND THE THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. I HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I'M GUESSING THAT THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE WHAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR.
NHTSA complaint #11194856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWashington, IA
SUSPENSION
TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I FIXED THE TURN SIGNAL AND CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THOSE RETURNED AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE UNDER COVER/PROTECTOR PLASTIC BROKE OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD BECAUSE THE AUDI DEALERSHIP APPARENTLY FORGOT TO PUT IT BACK ON PROPERLY. THIS POSSIBLY ALLOWED FOR THE OIL PAN TO HIT THE GROUND AND CRACK, WHICH A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY PART OF THAT PROBLEM TOO. I TOOK IT IN TO SEE ABOUT A CRACK IN THE OIL PAN. THEY COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I DROVE TO THE MOVIE STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. A PUDDLE OF OIL WAS SPILLING OUT OF IT, AND THE THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. I HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I'M GUESSING THAT THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE WHAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR.
NHTSA complaint #11194856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWashington, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING AND AXEL 2X @ $550 EACH TIME. CAR WOULDN'T ALIGN RIGHT, SO I REPLACED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WEARING ON ONE SIDE. THE CALIPERS WON'T COME OFF WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN SOMETIMES AFTER IT WOULD RAIN, AND WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I FIXED THE TURN SIGNAL AND CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THOSE RETURNED AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE UNDER COVER/PROTECTOR PLASTIC BROKE OFF ALL OVER THE ROAD BECAUSE THE AUDI DEALERSHIP APPARENTLY FORGOT TO PUT IT BACK ON PROPERLY. THIS POSSIBLY ALLOWED FOR THE OIL PAN TO HIT THE GROUND AND CRACK, WHICH A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WAS CLEARLY PART OF THAT PROBLEM TOO. I TOOK IT IN TO SEE ABOUT A CRACK IN THE OIL PAN. THEY COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I DROVE TO THE MOVIE STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. A PUDDLE OF OIL WAS SPILLING OUT OF IT, AND THE THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. I HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I'M GUESSING THAT THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE WHAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR.
NHTSA complaint #11194856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,770 milesSammamish, WA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO 72 MPH AS IF GOING INTO CRUISE CONTROL. CONFIRMED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF. APPLIED THE BRAKES SEVEN TIMES. CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. ENGINE SEEMED TO RACE AGAINST THE BRAKES. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, MOVED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. APPLIED THE HAND BRAKE. TURNED KEY OFF. CAR SLOWED THEN STOPPED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT THE CAR WAS TEST DRIVEN TWICE BY MECHANICS, DURING WHICH IT SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. ON JANUARY 27, 2015 THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, BELLEVUE AUDI, FOR DIAGNOSIS. AWAITING RESULTS.
NHTSA complaint #10679584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,770 milesSammamish, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO 72 MPH AS IF GOING INTO CRUISE CONTROL. CONFIRMED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF. APPLIED THE BRAKES SEVEN TIMES. CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. ENGINE SEEMED TO RACE AGAINST THE BRAKES. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, MOVED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. APPLIED THE HAND BRAKE. TURNED KEY OFF. CAR SLOWED THEN STOPPED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT THE CAR WAS TEST DRIVEN TWICE BY MECHANICS, DURING WHICH IT SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. ON JANUARY 27, 2015 THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, BELLEVUE AUDI, FOR DIAGNOSIS. AWAITING RESULTS.
NHTSA complaint #10679584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesSand Point, IDFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10501872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
POWER TRAIN
HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE AUDI A6 SINCE INCEPTION. CAR STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. CAR CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS. ENGINE SMOKING FLUID IS POURING OUT OF FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DEALER: NALLEY AUDI IN ROSWELL, GEORGIA. THE CAR DEALER NALLEY AUDI FRAUDULENTLY TOOK MONEY FROM ME AND NEVER REPAIRED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10469694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
POWER TRAIN
AUDI CLAIMS THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER NEVER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, THIS IS NOT ONLY INCORRECT, BUT THIS ALSO CAUSES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON A REGULAR BASIS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE TOLD TO THE CUSTOMER FOR IT IS A LIE JUST SO THE CUSTOMER HAS CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHILE AUDI RACKS IN THE MONEY. IT IS A SCAM AND IT SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM POTENTIAL AND EXISTING AUDI CUSTOMERS. NO OIL WAS EVER MADE NOT TO BREAK DOWN AND NOT EVER BE CHANGED. A NEW AUDI OWNER USUALLY LISTENS TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THEIR CARS, AND USUALLY DON'T CHANGE THE FLUIDS OR FILTERS, HENCE TRANSMISSION BREAK DOWNS AND EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. SCAM
NHTSA complaint #10469702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
SUSPENSION
HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE AUDI A6 SINCE INCEPTION. CAR STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. CAR CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS. ENGINE SMOKING FLUID IS POURING OUT OF FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DEALER: NALLEY AUDI IN ROSWELL, GEORGIA. THE CAR DEALER NALLEY AUDI FRAUDULENTLY TOOK MONEY FROM ME AND NEVER REPAIRED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10469694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
SUSPENSION
AUDI CLAIMS THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER NEVER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, THIS IS NOT ONLY INCORRECT, BUT THIS ALSO CAUSES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON A REGULAR BASIS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE TOLD TO THE CUSTOMER FOR IT IS A LIE JUST SO THE CUSTOMER HAS CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHILE AUDI RACKS IN THE MONEY. IT IS A SCAM AND IT SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM POTENTIAL AND EXISTING AUDI CUSTOMERS. NO OIL WAS EVER MADE NOT TO BREAK DOWN AND NOT EVER BE CHANGED. A NEW AUDI OWNER USUALLY LISTENS TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THEIR CARS, AND USUALLY DON'T CHANGE THE FLUIDS OR FILTERS, HENCE TRANSMISSION BREAK DOWNS AND EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. SCAM
NHTSA complaint #10469702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE AUDI A6 SINCE INCEPTION. CAR STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. CAR CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS. ENGINE SMOKING FLUID IS POURING OUT OF FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DEALER: NALLEY AUDI IN ROSWELL, GEORGIA. THE CAR DEALER NALLEY AUDI FRAUDULENTLY TOOK MONEY FROM ME AND NEVER REPAIRED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10469694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesAtlanta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY 1999 AUDI A6 2.8 HAS ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 1996 TO 2001 AUDI'S AND VW'S LACK OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CONTROL MAKES MY VEHICLE UNSAFE. AUDI IS NOT WILLING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10444382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,846 milesST. Louis, MO
TIRES
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING WHEN SHE HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60MPH. I MET UP WITH HER TO PUT THE SPARE ON AND I WAS EXPECTING A NAIL OR SOMETHING IN THE TIRE. WHEN I INSPECTED THE TIRE I WAS SURPRISED TO NOTICE A SEVERE BLOWOUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ON THE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE FROM THE TREAD TO THE RIM. THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME BECAUSE WE STILL HAD 40,000 MILES LEFT ON THE WARRANTY AND WE STILL HAVE THE SAME BRAND/SIZE ON THE OTHER TIRES. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN ON THE OTHER TIRES. THE BRAND OF TIRE IS YOKOHAMA AVID TRZ SIZE: P205/55R16 89T. I KNOW THIS TIRE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT I AM SUSPECT OF THIS TIRE AFTER THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10439657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesPoint Roberts, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
ABS MODULE FAILURE, ABS SYSTEM FAILED, ABS WARNING LIGHT ON , ALARM AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ON. COMMON FAILURE ON THIS MODEL BOSCH UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10423020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,700 milesMoscow, ID
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 AUDI A6 QUATTRO SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT AT MAYBE 5 MPH, MY FOOT WAS LIGHTLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AS I WAS NEARLY IN THE PARKING STALL. THE ENGINE WAS AT IDLE SPEED. AS I COASTED INTO THE PARKING STALL WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING REVVED UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD HITTING THE PARKING CURB DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM JUMPING OVER THE CURB, AND SHIFTED THE GEAR SELECTOR INTO N. THE ENGINE THEN REVVED EVEN HIGHER, AT WHICH POINT I TURNED OFF THE KEY. WITH THE KEY OFF, I MOVED THE GEAR SELECTOR TO P, AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN RAN IDLED AT NORMAL SPEED, AND DROVE NORMALLY TO MY HOME ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED; THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS AS I WAS COASTING TO A STOP AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. AGAIN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE WAS RETURNING TO IDLE SPEED. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION THE ENGINE REVVED CAUSING ME TO COAST THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE BEING ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP, AGAIN BY APPLYING STRONG BREAKING FORCE. I THEN PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN N AND THE ENGINE REVVED HIGHER, SO I SWITCHED OFF THE KEY. THANKFULLY THE OTHER VEHICLES HAD ALREADY CLEARED THE INTERSECTION AND THERE WAS NO COLLISION. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT IDLED AND DROVE AS NORMAL AGAIN. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE 45 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY IN BOTH CASES.
NHTSA complaint #10397211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,500 milesGreat Neck, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (2 FRONT) NEED TO BE REPLACED. AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON STEADY, INDICATES ENGINE MISFIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10396597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesArden Hills, MN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVING HOME TONIGHT MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED ACCELERATING (I DRIVE AN AUDI A6 1999). USING THE BRAKES I WAS ABLE TO SLOW IT DOWN ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY THOUGH MY BRAKES SEEMED TO BE FIGHTING AGAINST THE CAR. I ROLLED THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS AS MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND LUCKILY AVOIDING THE OTHER CARS WAITING THERE I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I WAITED TEN MINUTES OR SO AND TRIED STARTING MY CAR. THE ENGINE REVVED TO 4 TO 5000 RPMS SO, I QUICKLY SHUT IT OFF AGAIN. I WAITED AGAIN, TRIED IT ONCE MORE AND THE CAR STARTED FINE. I DROVE HOME, CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I COULD BE SEEN ON 02/14/11. FOUR DAYS FROM NOW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10381378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesArden Hills, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DRIVING HOME TONIGHT MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED ACCELERATING (I DRIVE AN AUDI A6 1999). USING THE BRAKES I WAS ABLE TO SLOW IT DOWN ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY THOUGH MY BRAKES SEEMED TO BE FIGHTING AGAINST THE CAR. I ROLLED THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS AS MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND LUCKILY AVOIDING THE OTHER CARS WAITING THERE I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I WAITED TEN MINUTES OR SO AND TRIED STARTING MY CAR. THE ENGINE REVVED TO 4 TO 5000 RPMS SO, I QUICKLY SHUT IT OFF AGAIN. I WAITED AGAIN, TRIED IT ONCE MORE AND THE CAR STARTED FINE. I DROVE HOME, CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I COULD BE SEEN ON 02/14/11. FOUR DAYS FROM NOW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10381378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBroadview Heights, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2010, I WAS PULLING IN TO A PARKING SPACE AT THE LOCAL LIBRARY, APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FROM MY HOME. AS I WAS MAKING THE TURN TO PULL INTO THE PARKING SPACE, I HEARD THE ENGINE REV, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AS THOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD "KICKED IN" AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR. RATHER THAN HIT A CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I TURNED THE VEHICLE TO GO UP A CURB AND HIT A TREE. ONCE THE TREE STOPPED THE CAR, I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, BACK DOWN OFF THE CURB, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND PULL OUT THE KEY. OIL WAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOME, WAS EXAMINED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND WAS WRITTEN OFF AS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10372683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLatham, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
ABS WARNING STARTED FLASHING INFREQUENTLY. ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED COMPLETELY. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THAT ABS MODULE HAS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10366580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesColts Neck, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SMOKE ERUPTED THROUGH VENT SYSTEM. PULLED CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD AND FAMILY OF 4 EVACUATED. WITHIN 90 SECONDS, THE DASH ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. INTERIOR/DASH ETC. WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. MOTOR COMPARTMENT UNTOUCHED BY FIRE. SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HAVE PICTURES OF FIRE AND FIRE DEPT RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10346307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpharetta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 1999 AUDI A6 QUATTRO -- ABS UNIT LIGHT FLASHES, DIAGNOSED AS A DEFECTIVE CONTROL UNIT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH AUDI AND VW AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10341625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRiver Falls, WIFire
SEATS
THE SEATS HAVE THE OPTION TO BE HEATED. THE HEAT GOT SO HOT IT BURNED SEAT, AND A PILLOW THAT WAS ON THE SEAT, DESTROYING BOTH THE PILLOW AND THE SEAT FILLING THE CAR WITH A SMOKEY FILM. THE SMELL WAS SO BAD IT FILLED THE CAR AND GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10307084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.