Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2009 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2022.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Audi A6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
228.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
228.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
228.6%
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.
Nov 2009peak 4Feb 2022
Recalls on the 2009 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 201834219,649 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2016-266 (Audi Recall 69O2), 2017-026 (Audi Recall 69P6) and 2018-022 (Audi Recall 69U1). Vehicles completed under the previous recalls require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts. Additional Note: For the 2009 model year A4 and S4 models, only the Cabriolet versions are involved in this campaign.
Recall 20180221,528 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: For the A4 and S4 models, only the Cabriolet versions are involved in this campaign. Additional Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018342 (Audi 69R7). <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018342">Click here for more information</a>.
Recall 201626659 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018342. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018342">Click here for more information</a>
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saint Petersburg, FL
AIR BAGS
Airbad recall
NHTSA complaint #11454397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly Hills, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Old Battery replaced by Audi dealer with new battery since car would not start. Second Audi dealer checked battery and connections since car would not start. Car started at dealer; however car doesn’t start now about a week after picked up at dealer. This is a major safety issue and driver & passengers are at risk creating a safety hazard of the car not being Able to start. Southern Calif AAA was called to jump start car battery multiple times in last several months. There was no warning on the car either that of a battery issue or that the car was not going to start. The car is available for inspection upon advanced request for an appointment.
NHTSA complaint #11430115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westport, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI FAIRFIELD, 435 COMMERCE DR, FAIRFIELD, CT 06825) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11111916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesArlington, VA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. AUDI DOES NOT YET HAVE A WAY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE MY CAR'S AIRBAG INFLATOR.
NHTSA complaint #11066661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Halifax, VT
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I CAN'T GET ANYWHERE GETTING THIS RECALL DIRECTED TO ME. I CAN'T GET IT INSPECTED UNTIL IT'S CHANGED OUT AND WHEN I TRY AIRBAGRECALL.COM AND ENTER THE INFO, NOTHING HAPPENS. IT TELL ME TO ENTER VALID INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #11066069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesPanorama City, CA
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" I REQUESTED MY REPLACEMENT OVER A YEAR AGO AND STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN THEM.
NHTSA complaint #11062428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRYE, NY
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BUT STILL SHOWS "RECALL INCOMPLETE REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"
NHTSA complaint #11045551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monmouth Beach, NJ
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11043317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Potomac, MD
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL NOTICE
NHTSA complaint #11041585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesErial, NJ
AIR BAGS
TAKATA HAS REPORTED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD POTENTIALLY RUPTURE (DUE TO PROPELLANT DEGRADATION OCCURRING AFTER LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO ABSOLUTE HIGH HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY. IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
NHTSA complaint #11040920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocean, NJ
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. AUDI HAS NOT CONTACTED ME TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED AS THEY HAVE INDICATED THEY WOULD DO. NOW THAT BANKRUPTCY IS FORTHCOMING, I NEED THE AIRBAG REPLACED ASAP. THE LONG DELAY BY AUDI HAS PLACED ME IN JEOPARDY OF INJURY (OR DEATH). THE LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP IS AUDI EATONTOWN, 95 NJ-36, EATONTOWN, NJ 07724.
NHTSA complaint #11040464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winthrop, ME
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V032000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN JULY OF 2016. THE DEALER (MORONG FALMOUTH AUDI, 187 US TOUTE ONE, FALMOUT, ME, 04105) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11036036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain Lakes, NJ
AIR BAGS
THIS RECALL HAD STARTED FROM 2016 AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY NOTE FOR RECALL SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #11010762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lemont, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V032000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN AUDI DEALER OF WESTMOUNT WHERE THEY CONFIRMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED PARTS WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT YET AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11001379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lookout Mountain, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10984344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rolling Meadows, HI
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V032000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10981738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2016 THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS NOW DECEMBER WITH NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE. I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT FOR FEAR OF INJURY TO THEM SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT. THIS MEANS I CAN'T USE MY CAR UNLESS I AM THE ONLY OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH SEVERELY LIMITS MY USE OF MY CAR. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE AGAINST AUDI?
NHTSA complaint #10934449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesAlta Loma, CA
POWER TRAIN
THE CVT TCM HAS BEEN RE-PROGRAMMED BY AUDI DEALER FOR $160 AFTER REBULIT TRANSMISSION FOR $3300. HAD TO TOW A CA FOR $70 TO DEALER JUST TO GET RE-PROGRAMING. TOOK CAR ON HWY AND THE ACCELERATION DIDN'T WORK. HAD TO POOL TO SIDE AND CALLED TOW. FOUND OUT THE TCM HAS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND AUDI IS CHARGING TOO MUCH OF MONEY. COULD NOT FIND ANY PART FROM ANYWHERE UNLESS AUDI. PLUS, THE TCM IS THE ONE MAKING THE TRANSMISSION BREAK.
NHTSA complaint #10904836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesAlta Loma, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CVT TCM HAS BEEN RE-PROGRAMMED BY AUDI DEALER FOR $160 AFTER REBULIT TRANSMISSION FOR $3300. HAD TO TOW A CA FOR $70 TO DEALER JUST TO GET RE-PROGRAMING. TOOK CAR ON HWY AND THE ACCELERATION DIDN'T WORK. HAD TO POOL TO SIDE AND CALLED TOW. FOUND OUT THE TCM HAS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND AUDI IS CHARGING TOO MUCH OF MONEY. COULD NOT FIND ANY PART FROM ANYWHERE UNLESS AUDI. PLUS, THE TCM IS THE ONE MAKING THE TRANSMISSION BREAK.
NHTSA complaint #10904836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly Hill, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10897267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,500 milesDaly City, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PURCHASED A 2009 AUDI A6 AS MY PRIMARY COMMUTER AND FAMILY VEHICLE. AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PUT SOME ITEMS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT, THE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSE ON MY ARM AND SCRAPED OFF ABOUT 2.5 INCHES OF MY SKIN AROUND MY RIGHT ELBOW. WHAT WORRIED ME MOST WAS THAT I WAS HOLDING MY DAUGHTER, FORTUNATELY ON MY LEFT SIDE, AND MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT. I ALSO HAVE A SON WHICH IS CURRENTLY I LEVEL WITH THE DOOR TRIM AND AM CONSTANTLY WORRIED EVERY TIME I OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR. SOMETHING I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALER AND AUDI CORPORATE AND APPARENTLY, THIS IS NOT A BIG ENOUGH ISSUE FOR THEM AT THE MOMENT. ACCORDING TO AUDI, THAT IS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE AND MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES HAVE SIMILAR TRIMS. ALL I REQUESTED WAS FOR THEM TO SOMEHOW INSTALL SOME EXTRA PADDING ON THE TRIM TO GIVE ME PIECE OF MIND AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO LIVE WITH IT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN. PURCHASING THIS CAR AS MY FAMILY CAR, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEM GETTING HURT EACH TIME THE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES AND I WANTED TO SHARE THIS INCIDENT TO OTHER AUDI DRIVERS OUT THERE. PLEASE CHECK BOTH YOUR FRONT DOORS CHROME TRIMS AND YOU WILL FIND THAT THE EDGES ARE EXPOSED AND SHARP.
NHTSA complaint #10355943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Dimas, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY FORMER BUSINESS PARTNER WILL NOT GIVE ME BACK THE VEHICLE THAT I LENT HIM UNDER MY NAME. IT IS DESTROYING MY CREDIT AND I HAVE REPEATEDLY TRIED TO RESOLVE THINGS WITH HIM BUT HE ISN'T COOPERATING. I SPENT $1500 TO ADVERTISE THE LEASED VEHICLE ON SWAP A LEASE AND HE STILL WON'T TELL ME WHERE HE LIVES. I BELIEVE HE IS ON THE RUN OR IS HIDING SOMETHING ILLEGAL. I WANT MY VEHICLE BACK IMMEDIATELY. I AM NO LONGER PARTNERS WITH HIM SINCE I RESIGNED A WEEK AGO. HE IS STILL DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND IS RELUCTANT TO GIVE IT BACK. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10291757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.