Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 2016 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Audi A6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
62% 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
12.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
718.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
821.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1540.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
513.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.7%
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.
Mar 2016peak 5Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2016 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
18V862000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
Risk: The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
18V370000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20190248,631 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a small amount of fuel may leak from one or both fuel rails. Safety Risk: Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the left and right fuel rails replaced.
Recall 20183652,672 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a problem with the passenger occupant detection system can cause illumination of the airbag warning light and the airbag system may not properly classify the front passenger. In the event of a crash, the airbag system may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury to a front passenger. Correction: Dealers will install a passenger occupant detection system repair kit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Denton, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TXFire
ENGINE
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GAFire
ENGINE
The engine caught fire without being used for 24 hours before
NHTSA complaint #11430632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesOlympia, WA1 injured
SEATS
MY SMALLISH SIZED PURSE SLIPPED OFF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE FLOOR BOARD BELOW THE DOOR, LANDING ON THE ELECTRONIC SEAT CONTROLS THAT RECLINE THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT RECLINED THE BACK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BRIDGE AND COULDN'T PULL OVER OR STOP, SMASHING MY GRANDSON'S LEGS, WHO WAS IN HIS CAR SEAT BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT. HE WAS SCREAMING AND THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO REACH THE CONTROLS TO STOP THE EMPTY SEAT FROM RECLINING, SQUISHING HIM INTO HIS CAR SEAT ! LUCKILY, IT DIDN'T BREAK BOTH OF HIS LEGS, BUT IT COULD EASILY HAVE DONE THAT IF HE'D BEEN A LITTLE BIGGER. AS IT WAS HE WAS TERRIFIED AND SO TRAUMATIZED, I'M NOT SURE I'LL EVER GET HIM BACK IN THIS CAR. THERE SHOULD BE CONTROLS THAT CAN'T ACCIDENTALLY BE ENGAGED OR SOME KIND OF REACHABLE CONTROL FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #11118561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hope Mills, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. I have documentation that I’ve paid out of pocket to take care of these issues, however being that there is no current open recalls under my vin number I do not believe mechanics know exactly what to do to fix the issues. The vehicle is misfiring, shutting off and the EPC code is stating “fuel system rail” along with the coolant leaking. I have a [XXX] daughter and to be such an expensive vehicle, I thought I would feel safe and valued. I’ve worked as a service BDC manager for years and at other dealerships when a situation like this would occur, we still wanted them to bring the vehicle into the dealership and if it was in fact relatable to the recall we would take care of it, regardless to it being “vin specific”. There is a such thing as “silent recall”. I really hope that you all can take this as an emergency case and help with such terrible situation. Thank you so much. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope Mills, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. I have documentation that I’ve paid out of pocket to take care of these issues, however being that there is no current open recalls under my vin number I do not believe mechanics know exactly what to do to fix the issues. The vehicle is misfiring, shutting off and the EPC code is stating “fuel system rail” along with the coolant leaking. I have a [XXX] daughter and to be such an expensive vehicle, I thought I would feel safe and valued. I’ve worked as a service BDC manager for years and at other dealerships when a situation like this would occur, we still wanted them to bring the vehicle into the dealership and if it was in fact relatable to the recall we would take care of it, regardless to it being “vin specific”. There is a such thing as “silent recall”. I really hope that you all can take this as an emergency case and help with such terrible situation. Thank you so much. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190–200 miles before the fuel gauge indicated empty. This represents a sudden and significant loss of fuel range compared to normal operation. There are no warning lights, check engine lights, fuel smells, visible leaks, rough idle, or abnormal noises. The vehicle operates normally otherwise. The issue appears to involve excessive fuel consumption or incorrect fuel management without any driver warning. This condition poses a potential safety risk because the vehicle may unexpectedly run out of fuel while driving, which could result in loss of power in traffic or on highways, increasing the risk of an accident. The issue has been observed repeatedly after refueling. At the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent repair facility, but diagnostic evaluation is planned. Based on owner research and symptoms, the issue may be related to a fuel system, engine management, or emissions-related component malfunction that does not trigger a warning indicator. No prior warning messages or lamps were displayed before or during the occurrence.
NHTSA complaint #11707949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnfield, MA
ENGINE
The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than expected for this type of component. These repeated failures create a significant safety concern, as sudden coolant loss can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to engine failure or loss of power while driving. Each problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Audi service center. The vehicle was inspected by Audi technicians, and repairs were recommended both times. The repeated failure of this critical component strongly suggests a systemic defect with the water pump design on this model. Despite a recent Audi water pump settlement, my vehicle was excluded, even though it has now experienced two failures and is requiring a third replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11686225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.
NHTSA complaint #11650550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
AIR BAGS
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.
NHTSA complaint #11650550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
ENGINE
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.
NHTSA complaint #11650550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TXFire
ENGINE
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
NHTSA complaint #11625896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesOxnard, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
POWER TRAIN
I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11583388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11583388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
ENGINE
I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11583388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmichael, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that the front facing camera would need to be replaced but they could not do so because the part in on back order. The part number is 4H0907217FX. Ever since June 2023, the dealer has indicated that the part is still on back order and unavailable. Today March 28, 2024, I contacted AUDI USA and was informed that Audi stopped making that part and it is no longer available. I have been waiting almost a year for Audi to correct this to no avail. The part in question is tied to several safety systems (emergency braking, collision warnings, etc.) and I feel that my vehicle is unsafe to drive. Obviously, this concerning safety issue affects all Audi owners in the United States and I think Audi should immediately be required to fix this safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11579921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmichael, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that the front facing camera would need to be replaced but they could not do so because the part in on back order. The part number is 4H0907217FX. Ever since June 2023, the dealer has indicated that the part is still on back order and unavailable. Today March 28, 2024, I contacted AUDI USA and was informed that Audi stopped making that part and it is no longer available. I have been waiting almost a year for Audi to correct this to no avail. The part in question is tied to several safety systems (emergency braking, collision warnings, etc.) and I feel that my vehicle is unsafe to drive. Obviously, this concerning safety issue affects all Audi owners in the United States and I think Audi should immediately be required to fix this safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11579921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond Hill, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I have found the camera to be a very common part failure with all Audi's. I can't even get the part there is such a large demand for repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11565047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond Hill, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I have found the camera to be a very common part failure with all Audi's. I can't even get the part there is such a large demand for repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11565047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I have found the camera to be a very common part failure with all Audi's. I can't even get the part there is such a large demand for repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11565047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raynham, MA
STEERING
While driving the car, the steering column failed, making the car unable to steer. Mileage 81,312. The error message was Steering Malfunction, do not drive. and you could not turn the wheel. The independent service center confirmed and replaced the steering column. They stated they are doing 1-2 a week and Audi knows it's an issue as they are stocking the column. The repair cost me $5,000.00. There was no warning until it didn't work.
NHTSA complaint #11557040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
ENGINE
During annual oil change inspection the mechanic found that the coolant was leaking and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The car has under 48000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11538976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
At high speeds (around 65 or more), when I apply the brakes I can sense some vibration in the brakes. I mentioned to the dealer that the brakes are not smooth as in my other cars. I was told, it is because Audi is a "performance car." Now I know that it is just poorly built.
NHTSA complaint #11538985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
SUSPENSION
The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11537954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,205 milesFalls Church, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated while having routine maintenance on the vehicle, the independent mechanic became aware that the water pump was leaking. The contact was informed that the water pump, the thermostat assembly, and the upper coolant pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 26,205.
NHTSA complaint #11534794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
ENGINE
I left a gas station located one mile from my house. All seemed well. I drove into my garage, shut the engine off, and saw steam coming from under the hood. Inspection showed coolant below minimum level. I had the car towed to a garage. The water pump seal and water pump had failed. The thermostat also failed. I had no warning that anything was about to happen. No warning lamps or alarms were presented. Had this happened on the freeway, the engine would have overheated and locked up before I knew that there was a problem. I would have lost control of the car. The mechanic said that this failure at such low mileage, 51, 803, was unusual. My experience is that a failed water pump should not be expected before at least 150,000 miles of use.
NHTSA complaint #11516312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.