Owners have filed 148 complaints
about the 2001 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 98
Against the median year of the Audi A6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% 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.
Automatic Transmission
1025.6%
Engine
615.4%
Tank Assembly
615.4%
Frontal
512.8%
Gasoline
410.3%
Accelerator Pedal
37.7%
Interior/Under Dash
37.7%
Fuel Gauge System
25.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
44.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
89.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1112.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2023.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1719.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2023.3%
150,000+ miles
44.7%
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 2001peak 11May 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.
PE08008Opened 31 Jan 2008Closed 30 May 2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK LEAK
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLA...
PE02008Opened 23 Jan 2002Closed 12 Jul 2002SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET
Recalls on the 2001 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.
United States — NHTSA
11V267000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
08V157000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 68,240 MY 2001-2004 AUDI A6 QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 2.8L, OR 3.0L ENGINES AND MY 2001-2005 ALLROAD QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L OR 4.2L ENGINES. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
06V198000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
04V133000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
Risk: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
03V143000
TIRES
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE CALCULATED "VEHICLE NORMAL LOAD" EXCEEDS THE ALLOWABLE WEIGHT OF THE AXLE LOAD WITH TIRE DIMENSION 225/45R 17 91Y BY 19KG.
01V202000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (ALLROAD). WHEN ACTIVATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER UNDER HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS SUCH AS FREEZING, SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN, ONE WIPER COULD BE DELAYED BEHIND THE OTHER WIPER.
Risk: IF THAT HAPPENS, THE WIPER BLADES, BECAUSE THEY OVERLAP WIPING AREAS, COULD BECOME ENTANGLED WITH EACH OTHER AND CEASE FUNCTIONING. THIS COULD IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.
01V157000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Risk: RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2011171499 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve, combined with bending stress from the aluminium ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple, may lead to cracking of the nipple. If this happens, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will reinforce the rollover valve nipple.
Recall 20081163,601 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Audi A6 Quattro and Allroad Quattro, aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve, combined with bending stress from the aluminium ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple, may lead to cracking of the nipple. If this happens, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will reinforce the rollover valve nipple.
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 200309282 units in Canada
Wheels
Certain vehicles equipped with a 2.7L engine are not in compliance with CMVSS 110. The calculated "Vehicle Normal Load" exceeds the allowable weight of the axle load with tire dimension 225/45R17 by 19 kg. Correction: Dealer will install five proper sized tires.
Recall 2002102184 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain Audi A6 Allroad, activating the windshield wiper under heavy load conditions such as freezing, snow or heavy rain, one wiper could be delayed behind the other wiper. If that happens, the wiper blades, because they overlap wiping areas, could become entangled with each other and cease functioning. This could impair the driver's visibility. Correction: Dealers will replace the entire driver side wiper arm.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Colorado Springs, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving about 67 on the open highway and was struck from behind by another vehicle. I lost control of my car and careened into a guard rail. I went unconscious and when I woke I was badly injured. All the air bags in car had deployed except for the driver's airbag. As a consequence, I sustained severe damages to my ribs and neck. I am lucky to be alive.
NHTSA complaint #11428121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, CT1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY, INCLUDING MINOR HEARING LOSS IN THE LEFT EAR. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10860319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWhippany, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND EVACUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OCCURRED THAT ORIGINATED AT THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10767326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,200 milesMurrysville, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
THE INSULATED HEAR SHIELD AROUND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER STARTED A SLOW BURN AND EXCESSIVE SMOKE, CAUSING A FIRE ALARM, WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AT MY WORK PLACE. THE FIRE COMPANY RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 01/30/12
NHTSA complaint #10445388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,419 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVING BELOW RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMIT AROUND CORNER (POSTED 25MPH, GOING BETWEEN 10MPH AND 15MPH). LIGHT RAIN, CAR SLID AND BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO HIT A CURB AND DAMAGE MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10410332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Glarus, WIFire
SEATS
I HAVE A 2001 AUDI A6. THE PASSENGER SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER WAS ON A LOW HEATED SETTING. A BLANKET WAS OVER THE TOP. AFTER WARMING UP THE CAR NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. IT BURNED A HOLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO THE COILS AND THROUGH THE BLANKET. I WILL BE CONTACTING AUDI USA ABOUT THIS BUT FEEL THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AS MY SON'S CAR SEAT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE. SO FAR THE DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING AND THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY LONG AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10378765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Audi A6 is experiencing symptoms of a documented and open recall at Audi, and Audi USA and the dealer are refusing to even evaluate the vehicle for recall status. The recall is a rollover valve nipple, with age and stress cracking can develop on the plastic fuel tank, causing a leak to occur. My car is experiencing just such a symptom, and has been confirmed by two independent mechanics.
NHTSA complaint #11520957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving about 67 on the open highway and was struck from behind by another vehicle. I lost control of my car and careened into a guard rail. I went unconscious and when I woke I was badly injured. All the air bags in car had deployed except for the driver's airbag. As a consequence, I sustained severe damages to my ribs and neck. I am lucky to be alive.
NHTSA complaint #11428121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesCorona, CA
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT ON
NHTSA complaint #11289146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesReno, NV
WHEELS
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 80 AROUND A CURVE WHEN I HEAR A LOUD NOISE O LOOKED AROUND AT THE OTHER CARS IN THE OTHER LANES TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY WERE LOOKING AT ME WONDERING THE SAME THING OR THEY SAW THE BLOWOUT AND OR HEARD THE NOISE? I REALIZED IT WAS MY TIRE LOSING STEERING CONTROL. I QUICKLY MOVED OVER TO SHOULDER FOUND I WAS RIDING ON RIM. THE TIRE HAD BLOWN OFF RIM TO THE BACK OF WHEEL WELL PUSHING OFF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE CABLE FOR THAT WHEEL AND DAMAGING MY WHEEL WELL. A FEW MINUTES AFTER EXAMINING TIRE A STATE OF NEVADA EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE VAN PULLED UP AND SAID AFTER LOOKING AT TIRE, YOUR LUCKY YOU DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH THAT TIRE FAILURE. HE PUT ON SPARE AND I DROVE AWAY. I ALSO HAD OTHER TIRE EXPERTS LOOK AT TIRE AND NOT ONE OF THEM SAID IT WAS A ROAD HAZARD EVEN THOUGH THE MANUFACTURER SAID IT WAS AFTER THEIR INSPECTION. ONE OF THE TIRE EXPERTS WHO SELLS THEIR TIRES SAID DON'T EVEN TRY TO GET THEM TO REPLACE THAT TIRE THEY NEVER DO. GOODYEAR IS THE PARENT COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #11138799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panorama City, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE IN THE VEHICLE, STRONG SMELL CABIN AFTER FILLING GAS TANK TO FULL. IT IS A SAFTEY WARNING BECAUSE ANY IGNITION OR LIGHTING CAN IGNITE A FLAME.
NHTSA complaint #10898496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, CT1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY, INCLUDING MINOR HEARING LOSS IN THE LEFT EAR. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10860319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWhippany, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND EVACUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OCCURRED THAT ORIGINATED AT THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10767326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2001 AUDI A6 QUATTRO 2.8L WITH P1411 AND P1423 DTC CODES. I AM HEARING IT IS A VACUUM HOSE OR COMBI VALUE PROBLEMS FROM WHAT I AM READING, COMMON TO THIS MODEL, BUT I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND NOT WANT TO TACKLE IT. IN A RECENT FORUM I WAS TOLD MANY OF THE ITEMS I HAVE LISTED WERE RECALL ITEMS-INCLUDING VACUUM HOSES. YES, MANY WERE, THERE WAS EVEN A LAW SUIT WITH AUDI, THAT AUDI DENIED MY CLAIM AND PAID SEVERAL ON. I APPEALED AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND AND DID NOT DEFINE WHY THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT. AUDI STILL HAS YET TO COVER THE VEHICLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL MANNER I EXPECTED. MY LIFE BURDENS ARE ENOUGH, I DO NOT NEED A CAR MANUFACTURER OR DEALER TO YANK ME AROUND, THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 205,000 MILES, BECAUSE I PAID OUTRAGEOUS CAR REPAIRS ON IT. I FEEL AUDI IS A GOOD CAR, BUT FIXING THINGS ON IT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALLS AND SERVICE WARRANTIES IS NOT HAPPENING. DO I REALLY HAVE TO SUE TO GET RESULTS, THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I HAVE EXPERIENCED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FAILED EMISSIONS TESTING, HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS, ISSUES WITH WATER IN LENSES AND MIRRORS, TURN SIGNAL ISSUES, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL LINE, REPLACED TIE RODS, AND ABS BRAKE LIGHT SIGNALS AFTER BRAKE REPAIR. I AM HOPING NHTSA CAN SHED SOME LIGHT AND ASSIST ME WITH RECTIFYING MY CAR SITUATION POSSIBLY. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND I AM HOPEFUL TO RECEIVE SOME RELIEF.
NHTSA complaint #10706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
ENGINE
I HAVE A 2001 AUDI A6 QUATTRO 2.8L WITH P1411 AND P1423 DTC CODES. I AM HEARING IT IS A VACUUM HOSE OR COMBI VALUE PROBLEMS FROM WHAT I AM READING, COMMON TO THIS MODEL, BUT I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND NOT WANT TO TACKLE IT. IN A RECENT FORUM I WAS TOLD MANY OF THE ITEMS I HAVE LISTED WERE RECALL ITEMS-INCLUDING VACUUM HOSES. YES, MANY WERE, THERE WAS EVEN A LAW SUIT WITH AUDI, THAT AUDI DENIED MY CLAIM AND PAID SEVERAL ON. I APPEALED AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND AND DID NOT DEFINE WHY THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT. AUDI STILL HAS YET TO COVER THE VEHICLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL MANNER I EXPECTED. MY LIFE BURDENS ARE ENOUGH, I DO NOT NEED A CAR MANUFACTURER OR DEALER TO YANK ME AROUND, THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 205,000 MILES, BECAUSE I PAID OUTRAGEOUS CAR REPAIRS ON IT. I FEEL AUDI IS A GOOD CAR, BUT FIXING THINGS ON IT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALLS AND SERVICE WARRANTIES IS NOT HAPPENING. DO I REALLY HAVE TO SUE TO GET RESULTS, THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I HAVE EXPERIENCED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FAILED EMISSIONS TESTING, HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS, ISSUES WITH WATER IN LENSES AND MIRRORS, TURN SIGNAL ISSUES, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL LINE, REPLACED TIE RODS, AND ABS BRAKE LIGHT SIGNALS AFTER BRAKE REPAIR. I AM HOPING NHTSA CAN SHED SOME LIGHT AND ASSIST ME WITH RECTIFYING MY CAR SITUATION POSSIBLY. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND I AM HOPEFUL TO RECEIVE SOME RELIEF.
NHTSA complaint #10706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2001 AUDI A6 QUATTRO 2.8L WITH P1411 AND P1423 DTC CODES. I AM HEARING IT IS A VACUUM HOSE OR COMBI VALUE PROBLEMS FROM WHAT I AM READING, COMMON TO THIS MODEL, BUT I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND NOT WANT TO TACKLE IT. IN A RECENT FORUM I WAS TOLD MANY OF THE ITEMS I HAVE LISTED WERE RECALL ITEMS-INCLUDING VACUUM HOSES. YES, MANY WERE, THERE WAS EVEN A LAW SUIT WITH AUDI, THAT AUDI DENIED MY CLAIM AND PAID SEVERAL ON. I APPEALED AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND AND DID NOT DEFINE WHY THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT. AUDI STILL HAS YET TO COVER THE VEHICLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL MANNER I EXPECTED. MY LIFE BURDENS ARE ENOUGH, I DO NOT NEED A CAR MANUFACTURER OR DEALER TO YANK ME AROUND, THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 205,000 MILES, BECAUSE I PAID OUTRAGEOUS CAR REPAIRS ON IT. I FEEL AUDI IS A GOOD CAR, BUT FIXING THINGS ON IT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALLS AND SERVICE WARRANTIES IS NOT HAPPENING. DO I REALLY HAVE TO SUE TO GET RESULTS, THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I HAVE EXPERIENCED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FAILED EMISSIONS TESTING, HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS, ISSUES WITH WATER IN LENSES AND MIRRORS, TURN SIGNAL ISSUES, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL LINE, REPLACED TIE RODS, AND ABS BRAKE LIGHT SIGNALS AFTER BRAKE REPAIR. I AM HOPING NHTSA CAN SHED SOME LIGHT AND ASSIST ME WITH RECTIFYING MY CAR SITUATION POSSIBLY. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND I AM HOPEFUL TO RECEIVE SOME RELIEF.
NHTSA complaint #10706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreen Valley, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GAS LEAKING ON THE FLOOR OF GARAGE FROM ROLL-OVER NIPPLE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO APPLY RECALL (NOT COVERED VIN) FOR THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH AUDI PARTS AS LISTED IN DOT RECALL DOCUMENTS. THE REPAIR FAILED IN APRIL 2015. THE 3M MATERIAL USED IN THE REPAIR HAD DETERIORATED.
NHTSA complaint #10706443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesOmaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 104,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON AUDI'S. THE CAR WAS A $55000 CAR! I ENDED UP SELLING IT FOR PARTS, AS THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS MORE THAN THE MARKET VALUE. I WILL NEVER BUY AUDI AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10627673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesClarksburg, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
THERE IS NOT ACCIDENT INVOLVED YET. THERE IS A GAS SMELL ON LEFT REAR SIDE, OVER THE WHEEL ARCH ON MY AUDI A6 2001. I SEARCHED NHTSA FOR AUDI RECALL CAMPAIGN. THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN# 11V267000 HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACT AUDI-USA AT THE NUMBER PROVIDED BY THIS CAMPAIGN, THAT IS 1-800-822-2834, AFTER ASKING MY THE VEHICLE MILEAGE, AUDI-USA JUST SAID MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE THIS RECALL. APPARENTLY, THE DEFECT EXACTLY MATCHES WHAT THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN# 11V267000 DESCRIBES. WHY AUDI-USA REFUSES TO COVER MY CAR? I AM WONDERING WHETHER IT'S BECAUSE MY CAR IS AT HIGH MILEAGE. THEY MAY TRY TO SAVE COST, BUT THIS IS AN APPARENT SAFETY HAZARD CAUSED BY MANUFACTURING DEFECT. AND THE DEFECT SHOULD BE FIXED REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE MILEAGE. REGULATORS NEED TO OVERSIGHT THINGS LIKE THIS. THE CAR MANUFACTURERS CANNOT JUST WAIT TO FIX DEFECTS UNTIL REAL ACCIDENT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10578826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
OUR 2001 AUDI AND MANY OTHER CARS LIKE IT HAVE PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS THAT PERFORM WELL FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THEN IN ANY SUNNY LOCATION LIKE THE US SOUTHWEST THEY BEGIN TO FOG UP AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY MORE OPAQUE. THIS RESULTS IS MORE LIGHT SCATTER USING THE HEADLAMPS AT NIGHT: THE HEADLAMPS NO LONGER FOCUS A NARROW BEAM OF LIGHT ON THE ROADWAY AHEAD. DUE TO FOGGED, OPAQUE HEAD LAMP LIGHT SCATTER VISIBILITY IS REDUCED PUTTING ESPECIALLY PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES AT RISK WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. ALSO, ONCOMING TRAFFIC EXPERIENCES GREATER NIGHTTIME GLARE FROM FOGGED HEADLAMPS INCREASING ACCIDENT RISK. OFTEN, REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR NEW PLASTIC HEADLAMPS ARE PROHIBITIVE - AT TIMES MORE THAN THE COST OF A USED CAR. MANY US DRIVERS THUS DRIVE WITH FOGGED UP, OPAQUE HEADLAMPS. PREVIOUSLY GLASS HEADLAMPS DELIVERED MANY DECADES OF RELIABLE SERVICE WITHOUT EVER FOGGING UP AS DO THE WINDOWS OF ANY OLDER CAR. I BELIEVE THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER ISSUING A SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10575329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE PEDAL MODULE WAS STUCK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10565648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,995 milesWaynesville, MO
ENGINE
DRIVING WESTBOUND ON I20 FROM COLUMBIA, SC TO ST ROBERT/FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. LIMPED ABOUT 3/4 MI TO NEXT EXIT AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. TRANSPORTED VEHICLE BACK TO NEAREST AUDI DEALER (45 MI EAST) IN COLUMBIA, SC. AUDI OF COLUMBIA DID DIAGNOSTIC AND AFTER $2527.00 DETERMINED THAT THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ON BANK 1 BROKE IN THE CENTER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER STATED HE HAS NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING IN ALL HIS YEARS WITH AUDI. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MATERIAL DEFECT AND I SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE (SERVICE MANAGERS RECOMMENDATION).
NHTSA complaint #10557844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,300 milesBronx, NY
STRUCTURE
I PARKED MY CAR FRIDAY NIGHT WHEN I CAME FROM WORK. I WOKE UP SATURDAY MORNING I HAD A FLOOD IN MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND BACK I CHECKED ALL WINDOWS WAS SHUT SO I WENT TO MECH AND HE SAYS WITH THIS MODEL FROM 2001 TO 2004 HE SEEN THIS PROBLEM A LOT IT'S A CLOGGED DRAIN SO HE SAID ITS A DEFAULT ON AUDI.
NHTSA complaint #10516204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FILLING CAR WITH GAS THE GAS LEAKS OUT BY FILLER TUBE AT LEAST A GALLON OR MORE. HAVE TRIED TWO DIFFERENT GARAGES TO FIX PROBLEM BUT STILL LEAKS. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE AN EXPLOSION CAUSED FROM THIS PROBLEM, OR GAS LEAKED OUT MY DRIVEWAY OR ROADS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON THE REPUTATION OF AUDI AND VW.
NHTSA complaint #10469167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesShelburne, VT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CENTER DISPLAY LCD PANEL IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FADES OUT PARTICULARLY IN WARM WEATHER AND THE INFORMATION IT PROVIDES CANNOT BE READ. SINCE SOME OF THE INFORMATION SHOWN IN THIS DISPLAY IS IMPORTANT FOR SAFE OPERATION OF VEHICLE THE FAILURE OF THE DISPLAY TO BE ADEQUATELY LEGIBLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10465697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WAS DRIVING IN MY 2001 AUDI A6 TO WORK, AT ABOUT 45 MPH, AND WHEN APPLY MY BRAKE, IT SUDDENLY WENT SOFT AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH STARTS FLASHING. I PERFORMED A BRAKE SERVICE BUT AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND OUT IT HAD A FAULTY ABS CIRCUIT AND WOULD COST AROUND $2000 TO REPAIR. I LATER DID A RESEARCH AND LEARNED THAT THESE VEHICLES HAS A COMMON ABS PROBLEM, WHICH THE AUDI DEALERS WOULD NOT ANSWER TO. I ALSO LEARNED THIS DEVICE WERE RECALL ON THE VW. ARE THERE ANYONE TO PROTECTS US FROM THIS COSTLY, FAULTY UNIT FAILURE?
NHTSA complaint #10461096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,200 milesMurrysville, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
THE INSULATED HEAR SHIELD AROUND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER STARTED A SLOW BURN AND EXCESSIVE SMOKE, CAUSING A FIRE ALARM, WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AT MY WORK PLACE. THE FIRE COMPANY RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 01/30/12
NHTSA complaint #10445388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesFort Collins, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER TIME AND THE CONTACT FOUND A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 02/01/12 *BF UPDATED 02/07/12*BF THE CONSUMER STATED AUDI AGREED TO PAY THE COST OF REPLACING THE FUEL TANK. UPDATED 02/22/12
NHTSA complaint #10443555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesFort Collins, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER TIME AND THE CONTACT FOUND A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 02/01/12 *BF UPDATED 02/07/12*BF THE CONSUMER STATED AUDI AGREED TO PAY THE COST OF REPLACING THE FUEL TANK. UPDATED 02/22/12
NHTSA complaint #10443555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMandiville, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK NEAR THE FUEL TANK FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V157000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO HAVE THE NIPPLE ON TOP OF THE TANK REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10436204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesShelburne, VT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLAMPS GRADUALLY DEVELOPED A MISTING OR FOGGING OF LENS WHICH REDUCED LIGHT DURING NIGHT DRIVING, REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL CLEANING WITH SPECIAL MATERIALS TO RESTORE LIGHT OUTPUT. PROBLEM STARTED RECURRING MORE FREQUENTLY AND HEADLAMPS NOW REQUIRE PROFESSSIONAL RESTORATION EVERY 3 - 6 MONTHS, THE MISTING OF THE LENSES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FAIL THE MANDATORY VERMONT SAFETY INSPECTION IN 2010. CLEANING COSTS ARE CONSIDERABLE, AND AUDI DOES NOT MAKE NEW HEADLAMP LENSES OR HEADLAMP SHELLS AVAILABLE, ONLY COMPLETE HEADLAMP UNITS ARE AVAILABLE AT COST APPROACHING $ 2000 FOR THE PAIR. THE MISTING OVER OF THE LENSES WITH A DEPOSIT THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED BY ANY NORMAL MEANS CREATES HAZARDOUS NIGHT-TIME DRIVING CONDITIONS PARTICULARLY DURING RAIN OR SNOW.
NHTSA complaint #10427603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.