Owners have filed 44 complaints
about the 2004 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2023.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 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 — 29
Against the median year of the Audi A6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 94
18.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Audi A6
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
920.5%
Median failure at 90,000 miles
Brakes
511.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 57,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
49.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 97,500 mi
Seats
36.8%
Median failure at 44,500 miles
Wheels
36.8%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Tires
36.8%
Median failure at 31,200 miles
Airbags
36.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 73,000 mi
Electrical System
36.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 84,824 mi
Stability & Traction Control
24.5%
Median failure at 89,600 miles
Lights
24.5%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
24.5%
Median failure at 81,850 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
12.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.3%
Median failure at 33,516 miles
Suspension
12.3%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Steering
12.3%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
12.3%
Median failure at 4,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
38.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
925.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
617.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
720.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
617.1%
150,000+ miles
38.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 Audi A6 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
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.
Apr 2004peak 4Dec 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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...
Recalls on the 2004 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 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 103,000 milesBurlington, WAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V198000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10724137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,648 milesSEA Island, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRIC HARNESS UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND THEN THE POWER FAILED TO MOVE THE SEAT. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CARPET UNDER THE SEAT WAS SINGED AND HAD MELTED SOME PLASTIC UNDER THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE POSED A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BOTH ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,648 UPDATED 6/1/12 *CN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS THE SHORTING OF THE SEAT HARNESS WIRING UNDER THE PASSENGER CARPETING FROM MOVEMENT AND THERE WAS A BEND/ KINK IN THE HARNESS WHEN ASSEMBLED AND THERE WAS SUB DAMAGE TO ADJACENT WIRE HARNESS. UPDATED 06/22/12
NHTSA complaint #10459296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lincoln University, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
- ABS Module has intermittent failures, available for inspection - Anti-lock brakes will not work - Yes, the problem reoccurs and the module loses power and then errors out - Others - VCDS - ABS lights come on and BRAKE light stays illuminated
NHTSA complaint #11559710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
- ABS Module has intermittent failures, available for inspection - Anti-lock brakes will not work - Yes, the problem reoccurs and the module loses power and then errors out - Others - VCDS - ABS lights come on and BRAKE light stays illuminated
NHTSA complaint #11559710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesGoodyear, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RE: SAFETY RECALL 20L8/JY; 08V157000: FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE MODIFICATION; VIN: (XX); 2004 AUDI A6 3.0L QUATTRO AT5 ATTACHED DOCS: 1. 20L8/JY RECALL NOTICE. 2. 7.14.2008 & 11.18.18 AUDI N. SCOTTSDALE, AZ DEALER INVOICES 3. AUDI A6 GAS TANK DIAGRAM. AUDI CORP EMAIL RESPONSE: "AT THIS TIME WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THAT THE 20L8 REPAIR WAS SPECIFIC TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS INDICATING THIS CURRENT RECOMMENDED REPAIR IS SPECIFIC TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE." "SINCE WE ARE SHOWING THE 20L8 COMPLETED IN JULY OF 2008 AND THE ORIGINAL 20L8 REPAIR IS SPECIFIC TO DRIVER'S SIDE ROLLOVER NIPPLE VALVES, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS CURRENT REPAIR IS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL." "CURRENTLY PER THE NHTSA WEBSITE, THE 20L8 IS NOT SHOWING AS AN OPEN RECALL, SO I WOULD BE UNABLE TO SPEAK TO HOW THEY WOULD REACT TO INFORMATION REGARDING A CLOSED RECALL." 'WE HAVE NO EVIDENCE SUPPORTING AN INCORRECT REPAIR BEING PERFORMED IN JULY OF 2008, SO AT THIS TIME WE WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THIS REPAIR." CURRENT EMISSIONS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (NOV 18, 2018) IS DIAGNOSED BY THE AUDI DEALER AS A GAS TANK LEAK. ALSO, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR COMING FROM GAS TANK. DEALER QUOTED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TANK (SEE ATTACHED #2). THERE ARE SEVERAL ROLLOVER VALVES ON EACH SIDE OF THE GAS TANK ON THE TOP SIDE (SEE ATTACHED #3 GAS TANK DIAGRAM). RECALL (SEE ATTACHED #1) DOES NOT ADDRESS "DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE" OF GAS TANK. DEALER CLAIMED THAT BACK IN 2008 THAT THEY DID NOT EVEN LOWER THE GAS TANK FOR THE REPAIR. IN SUMMARY: MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS A GAS TANK LEAK ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK COMING FROM THE ONE OR MORE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLES ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. THE SAFETY RECALL ADDRESSES REPAIRING AND REINFORCING THESE LEAKING ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLES SO A REPAIR REQUEST SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11157093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTERMARKET RADIO: PIONEER ELECTRONICS AVH-4100 NEX BACKUP CAMERA FAILS AND DISTRACTS DRIVER SIGNIFICANTLY. I HAVE ATTACHED A SCAN OF THE COMPLAINT TO PIONEER ELECTRONICS. THE RADIO LIKELY HAS SOFTWARE DEFECT THAT CAUSES VERY DISTRACTING FAILURES WHEN OPERATING THE BACK-UP CAMERA. PIONEER ADVERTISES THAT THIS BACKUP CAMERA WORKS AS ADVERTISED - IT IS ACTUALLY NOW A DISTRACTION AND HAZARD. AS WELL, OPERATING GOOGLE "ANDROID AUTO" CAUSES MORE SIGNIFICANT DRIVING DISTRACTIONS WHEN USING THE BACKUP CAMERA FUNCTION OF THE AVH-4100. COMPLAINTS TO PIONEER ELECTRONICS HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS. THEY SEEM TO BE ARROGANT AND CLAIM: "ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE THOROUGHLY TESTED." I WOULD LIKE PIONEER ELECTRONICS TO FIX THE SOFTWARE ISSUE AND CREATE A NEW RELEASE THAT ALLOWS THE BACKUP CAMERA TO WORK WITHOUT A DISTRACTION AND SAFTY-HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11010494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
River Falls, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN ENGINE IS COLD, USUALLY BELOW 0 DEGREES FUEL SPRAYS FROM INJECTORS. THIS COULD IGNITE ON EXHAUST MANIFOLDS CAUSING CAR FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10819557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesBurlington, WAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V198000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10724137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesConnellys Springs, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
WITH THE ELEC STABILITY CONTROL BEING INTERMITTENT THIS IS BEING CAUSED BY THE ABS MODULE GOING BAD/INTERMITTENT THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE CHANGES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WITH MY 2002 RAM 1500 (4X4) AS WELL. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM IN ALL CARS AND TRUCKS. THE COST THE FIX FOR AN AUDI IS AROUND $2500.00 AND MY RAM WAS $1300.00.
NHTSA complaint #10683045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesConnellys Springs, NC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WITH THE ELEC STABILITY CONTROL BEING INTERMITTENT THIS IS BEING CAUSED BY THE ABS MODULE GOING BAD/INTERMITTENT THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE CHANGES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WITH MY 2002 RAM 1500 (4X4) AS WELL. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM IN ALL CARS AND TRUCKS. THE COST THE FIX FOR AN AUDI IS AROUND $2500.00 AND MY RAM WAS $1300.00.
NHTSA complaint #10683045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,569 milesAventura Florida, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITTED INSIDE AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK COLLAPSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,569.
NHTSA complaint #10679130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,201 milesClearwater, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE FIRST THROTTLE VALVE MALFUNCTION HAPPENED ON JULY 2013. COST TO REPAIR 1557.95 PART COST 878.00 MILEAGE 66784 THE SECOND MALFUNCTION HAPPENED ON OCT. 14, 2014 TO REPAIR 1200.00 PART COST 913.00, MILEAGE 69202 WHAT HAPPENS HERE IS THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN E MAJOR ACCIDENT IF SHE WAS REAR ENDED. I CALLED AUDI TO TELL THEM THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN. THAT IS WHY I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL, TO SEND THEM A MESSAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10654540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,201 milesClearwater, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE FIRST THROTTLE VALVE MALFUNCTION HAPPENED ON JULY 2013. COST TO REPAIR 1557.95 PART COST 878.00 MILEAGE 66784 THE SECOND MALFUNCTION HAPPENED ON OCT. 14, 2014 TO REPAIR 1200.00 PART COST 913.00, MILEAGE 69202 WHAT HAPPENS HERE IS THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN E MAJOR ACCIDENT IF SHE WAS REAR ENDED. I CALLED AUDI TO TELL THEM THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN. THAT IS WHY I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL, TO SEND THEM A MESSAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10654540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK CAUSED BY BROKEN GAS "IN TANK SENDING UNITS" HOUSING AND SEAL. GAS WILL LEAK AND FILL THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WITH FUMS AS WELL AS UNDER THE CAR. REPLACEMENT REQUIRED BUYING A REVISED DESIGN SENDING UNITS THAT INCLUDE ALL THREE SENDING UNITS. THE PRICE IS HIGH ~$500 AND THE CONSEQUENCES VERY DANGEROUS. MY CAR IS: 2004 AUDI A6 [XXX] 2004 A6Q 2.7T INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10555455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,648 milesSEA Island, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRIC HARNESS UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND THEN THE POWER FAILED TO MOVE THE SEAT. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CARPET UNDER THE SEAT WAS SINGED AND HAD MELTED SOME PLASTIC UNDER THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE POSED A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BOTH ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,648 UPDATED 6/1/12 *CN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS THE SHORTING OF THE SEAT HARNESS WIRING UNDER THE PASSENGER CARPETING FROM MOVEMENT AND THERE WAS A BEND/ KINK IN THE HARNESS WHEN ASSEMBLED AND THERE WAS SUB DAMAGE TO ADJACENT WIRE HARNESS. UPDATED 06/22/12
NHTSA complaint #10459296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
REPLACED CYLINDER BANK 1 RIGHT SIDE!
NHTSA complaint #10447875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Falls, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PASSENGER SIDE MECHANICAL VERTICAL ADJUSTER DOES NOT FUNCTION IS LAMP POINT TO ABOUT 10 FEET TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. DIVER SIDE ADJUSTER APPEAR TO FUNCTION OK. ONLINE BLOGS CONFER MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH AUDI HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS AS COMMON, RECURRENT, AND COSTLY TO FIX. DRIVING WITH POORLY AIMED LIGHTS IS OBVIOUSLY SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10424568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesNorth Palm Beach, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE OVER THE THREE QUARTER CAPACITY LEVEL, A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FUEL WOULD LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10392604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,469 milesHudson, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2004 AUDI A6 SEDAN, 3.0 ENGINE DEVELOPED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER JUST BEFORE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10384828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesIlliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HIT GUARDRAILS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE THEN TIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND WENT INTO A RAVINE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE, RIBS, A CONCUSSION, AND LOST TEETH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 04/08/11
NHTSA complaint #10377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLarchmont, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR'S ENGINE STOPPED WHILE AT A RED LIGHT. WOULD NOT START AFTER FAILURE. ULTIMATELY, CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILED FUEL PUMP. I SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP FOR 2003 A6 MODELS INCLUDING 3L VEHICLES, BUT NOT FOR 2004 MODELS.]
NHTSA complaint #10377739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,100 milesMillburn, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
I AM WRITING ABOUT MY 2004 A6 AVANT, WHICH HAS 78,000 MILES. AT A RECENT OIL SERVICE AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE, IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. EXHAUST WAS LEAKING FROM BOTH SIDES, I WAS TOLD. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY AUDI DEALER, WHERE THEY CHECKED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE MECHANIC WHO EXAMINED THE CAR CONCURRED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UNDER A FEDERALLY MANDATED WARRANTY, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE COVERED FOR EIGHT YEARS OR 80,000 MILES. YET THE DEALER HAS DECLINED TO COVER REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I WAS GIVEN A REPAIR ESTIMATE OF $2,400.
NHTSA complaint #10356542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,500 milesWarren, PA
SEATS
I FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2004 AUDI A6 IN DEC OF 2009. I REPORTED THAT MY BACK PASSENGER SEAT HAD ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE, AND WAS BURNT. BOTH MY SEAT CUSHION AND UPPER BACK CUSHION WERE BURNED. AT THE TIME I HAD NOT CONTACTED AUDI, YET FILED A COMPLAINT, BECAUSE I FELT AND STILL DO THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. SINCE MY LAST COMPLAINT I DID CONTACT BOTH MY DEALERSHIP (ROTH AUDI IN ERIE, PA) AND AUDI HEADQUARTERS AKA: AUDI CUSTOMER RELATIONS. THEY WERE VERY WILLING TO WORK WITH ME, SEEMED EXTREMELY CONCERNED AND SAID NOT TO WORRY BECAUSE I STILL HAD A WARRANTY LEFT ON MY CAR. WELL AFTER THE CAR RETURNED HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THEY ONLY FIXED HALF OF THE PROBLEM! THE DEALERSHIP SAID AUDI TOLD THEM TO REPLACE THE BOTTOM CUSHION ONLY. THE DEALERSHIP PAINTED OVER THE TOP CUSHION AND I FOUND THIS OUT AFTER I BEGAN WIPING MY SEAT, BECAUSE I THOUGHT I HAD SMUDGE MARKS ON IT... NOPE PAINT WAS COMING OFF AND COULD SEE THE BURNED SEAT UNDERNEATH THE PAINT. I CALLED AUDI BACK, AND THEY HAD ME TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE ASSESSED AGAIN. AFTER 6 DAYS OR SO THE PERSON I HAD BEEN DEALING WITH FROM AUDI CUSTOMER RELATIONS CALLED TO SAY WE CANT REPLACE THAT PART OF THE SEAT BECAUSE THEY FOUND NO DEFECT IN THE HEATING ELEMENT. SO IN ESSENCE, THEY ONLY DID HALF OF THEIR JOB SINCE THE SEAT BURNED FROM ONE INCIDENT! I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED THE FTC, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RE: THIS ISSUE. I WILL NOT STOP THERE IF I DO NOT GET THIS RESOLVED. THE ENTIRE SEAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. CONSIDERING VW RECALLED MANY OF THEIR CARS FOR THE SAME REASON, AND AUDI IS OWNED BY VW I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE A BIT MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE VIEWED MANY FORUMS, AND FOUND THERE WERE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE WITH REGARDS TO THE HEATED SEATING EITHER CATCHING ON FIRE OF BURNING THE SEAT. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF NHTSA IS HONESTLY LOOKING INTO THIS? THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10326935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,500 milesYoungstown, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED THE THROTTLE FLUCTUATES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER CHANGE THE MASS AIR FLOW METER. THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE THROTTLE FLUCTUATION SO THE DEALER REMOVED THE MASS AIR FLOW METER. THE DEALER THEN RESET THE COMPUTER FOR THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE AS WELL. THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO FLUCTUATE. THE CONTACT STATED THE THROTTLE FLUCTUATION IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,500.
NHTSA complaint #10317158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLOS Altos, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING A 2004 AUDI A6 AVANT ON HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE REACHING THE HIGHWAY CURB. THE HIGHWAY POLICE WHO CAME BY SEEING THE FLASHERS ON THE CAR ASSISTED IS PUSHING THE CAR SAFELY INTO THE HIGHWAY CURB AREA. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS. THE DEALER IDENTIFIED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10301772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.