FaultScore

FaultScore report

2017 Audi A6 problems

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2017 Audi A6 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 29 worst.

A

FaultScore 10/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Audi A6.

How this is worked out

The numbers

24

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 16 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure not reported
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
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 — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 2017 compares with every other Audi A6

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2017 Audi A6

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 7 29.2%

Median failure at 8,200 miles

Steering 5 20.8%
Engine & Cooling 4 16.7%

Median failure at 1,200 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 3 12.5%
Other & Unspecified 2 8.3%
Electrical System 2 8.3%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 4.2%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 50.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 25.0%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2017 Audi A6 4 DR AWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2017 Audi A6 4 DR AWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2017 Audi A6 4 DR AWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2017 Audi A6 4 DR AWD
9% risk
2017 Audi A6 4 DR FWD
9% risk

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.

Jun 2017 peak 3 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2017 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 2019024 8,631 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 2018365 2,672 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.

Recall 2016662 1,028 units in Canada

Airbag

Certain vehicles may have been equipped with airbag and/or pretensioner igniters that do not meet specifications. This could cause affected airbags and/or pretentioners to fail to deploy properly in the event of a crash, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace affected airbag and/or pretentioner.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Sac, CA

STEERING

My power steering went out & then all of a suffen I was driving & my steering wheel would not move my wheels

NHTSA complaint #11746966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frequent motor mounts failure, and leakage of hydraulic fluid from both left and right mounts. Motor mounts failure have occurred about three times in the last four years. After some online research and reading, found out that other newer Audi owners are having a similar issues with their mount amounts at low mileage just like myself.

NHTSA complaint #11632423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Katy, TX

ENGINE

Engine mounts failed. They are fluid damped and the seals failed and leaked and now the motor is sitting loose in a metal on metal condition with the mounts collapsed. Additionally the manifold and timing chain cover leaks. Additionally the water pump failed. This is all on a car with <75k miles. Problems have been noted by mechanics including Audi dealership. No warning lamps except during pump failure causing engine to over heat

NHTSA complaint #11596583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Randolph, WI

STEERING

There is an issue with the power steering control module that causes a lot of error codes to populate. Many of the codes are generic and hard to diagnose, even with Audi certified diagnostic equipment/tools. When this code initially presented, ~9 months ago, there was a red steering wheel light on the dash. I found a company that repairs these modules with these specific codes (I’d imagine good business since this is a common issue); while I got power steering to work, there are codes that still recommend full replacement of the power steering module (Audi certified diagnostic equipment). This error in the module causes complete loss of power steering, with serious risk to safety of all passengers and other drivers, on and off the road. Because this module may communicate with other modules and systems, it may render other codes and faults with the abs and start/stop systems for example. I’ve taken this issue to an Audi dealer and they say I have to pay out of pocket for a whole replacement of the module and rack&pinion. I understand how to maintain a vehicle but this is a known issue for many other models/trims and years. I’ve read some reports that Audi had de-escalated this issue in other models (2012-2016) to avoid a larger number of vehicles being affected. While my vehicle is 2017, it’s out of the “covered recall” but I’m experiencing similar issues to the very same issue. PS. My car has been sitting for 9 months due to this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11549295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plumas Lake, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Passengers side blind spot warning system is intermittent working. Vehicle fails to register tractor trailer and cars on a random basis. Dealer states no codes, however it won’t show codes or an issue if it isn’t aware there is a vehicle present. Offered video proof of sensor not working properly, dealer still refused to repair.

NHTSA complaint #11543568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lodi, NJ

AIR BAGS

Air bags deployed

NHTSA complaint #11522083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Torrance, CA

STEERING

The steering rack for my 2017 Audi A6 2.0T Premium Plus Quattro has failed at roughly 54000 miles. This is the same exact OEM part (OEM Part # 4G1423055EA) that is used in the 2016 A6, which has an extended warranty from Audi due to a lawsuit of 10 years and 125000 miles. My VIN is not included in this extended warranty even though the 2017 Audi A6 and 2016 Audi A6 are the same engines, use the same OEM steering rack parts, and are the same vehicle outside of minor exterior updates in the facelift model (2017). This part has failed and now I'm being charged $6323.77 by the Audi dealership to fix this issue. I am sure this is simply the same issue as it is the same exact part in the same engine. This extended warranty must include all future Audi vehicles that use the same steering rack that is problematic and was given an extended warranty to cover the replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11512676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shreveport, LA

STEERING

While driving my family on a major Interstate, a myriad of warning ⚠️ lights appeared on my dash panel and my vehicle’s steering literally locked! I have had no previous warning lights or issues with this vehicle since it was purchased. This near fatal incident happened as a 18-wheeler was seeking to merge onto the Interstate and I couldn’t change lanes to allow the oncoming traffic to merge. This malfunction/failure caused me and my family to narrowly miss being fatally crushed by the merging 18-wheeler. After bringing the vehicle to a stop in a safe area off of the Interstate and locating the vehicle owner’s manual, I learned that the Electromechanical Steering Unit failed on my 2017 AUDI A6 (Mfg 6/16). Because all of the local AUDI dealerships were closed, I had to call and have the vehicle towed to my home. Upon further researching the issue in various AUDI forums, I realized this system failure was widely experienced by AUDI owners and that it may have even played a part in prompting AUDI to issue “Electromechanical Steering Unit Extended Warranty” letters to certain AUDI 2011-2016 vehicle owners (A6 owners included). I believe NHTSA should do its due diligence in seeking to reduce highway safety fatalities on our nations highways caused by vehicle safety defects/malfunctions by auto manufacturers and execute a mandate for AUDI to (1) issue a SAFETY RECALL for this issue, OR (2) extend the Electromechanical Steering Unit Warranty to include later model year vehicles. It appears that AUDI has not corrected the known issue on their own; thereby warranting NHTSAs regulatory intervention. I would like NHTSA to launch a defects/safety investigation to determine how many more AUDI owners are at risk of experiencing this life-threatening, correctable, and known issue. Please keep me informed on the results of my report.

NHTSA complaint #11505600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shreveport, LA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While driving my family on a major Interstate, a myriad of warning ⚠️ lights appeared on my dash panel and my vehicle’s steering literally locked! I have had no previous warning lights or issues with this vehicle since it was purchased. This near fatal incident happened as a 18-wheeler was seeking to merge onto the Interstate and I couldn’t change lanes to allow the oncoming traffic to merge. This malfunction/failure caused me and my family to narrowly miss being fatally crushed by the merging 18-wheeler. After bringing the vehicle to a stop in a safe area off of the Interstate and locating the vehicle owner’s manual, I learned that the Electromechanical Steering Unit failed on my 2017 AUDI A6 (Mfg 6/16). Because all of the local AUDI dealerships were closed, I had to call and have the vehicle towed to my home. Upon further researching the issue in various AUDI forums, I realized this system failure was widely experienced by AUDI owners and that it may have even played a part in prompting AUDI to issue “Electromechanical Steering Unit Extended Warranty” letters to certain AUDI 2011-2016 vehicle owners (A6 owners included). I believe NHTSA should do its due diligence in seeking to reduce highway safety fatalities on our nations highways caused by vehicle safety defects/malfunctions by auto manufacturers and execute a mandate for AUDI to (1) issue a SAFETY RECALL for this issue, OR (2) extend the Electromechanical Steering Unit Warranty to include later model year vehicles. It appears that AUDI has not corrected the known issue on their own; thereby warranting NHTSAs regulatory intervention. I would like NHTSA to launch a defects/safety investigation to determine how many more AUDI owners are at risk of experiencing this life-threatening, correctable, and known issue. Please keep me informed on the results of my report.

NHTSA complaint #11505600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shreveport, LA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

While driving my family on a major Interstate, a myriad of warning ⚠️ lights appeared on my dash panel and my vehicle’s steering literally locked! I have had no previous warning lights or issues with this vehicle since it was purchased. This near fatal incident happened as a 18-wheeler was seeking to merge onto the Interstate and I couldn’t change lanes to allow the oncoming traffic to merge. This malfunction/failure caused me and my family to narrowly miss being fatally crushed by the merging 18-wheeler. After bringing the vehicle to a stop in a safe area off of the Interstate and locating the vehicle owner’s manual, I learned that the Electromechanical Steering Unit failed on my 2017 AUDI A6 (Mfg 6/16). Because all of the local AUDI dealerships were closed, I had to call and have the vehicle towed to my home. Upon further researching the issue in various AUDI forums, I realized this system failure was widely experienced by AUDI owners and that it may have even played a part in prompting AUDI to issue “Electromechanical Steering Unit Extended Warranty” letters to certain AUDI 2011-2016 vehicle owners (A6 owners included). I believe NHTSA should do its due diligence in seeking to reduce highway safety fatalities on our nations highways caused by vehicle safety defects/malfunctions by auto manufacturers and execute a mandate for AUDI to (1) issue a SAFETY RECALL for this issue, OR (2) extend the Electromechanical Steering Unit Warranty to include later model year vehicles. It appears that AUDI has not corrected the known issue on their own; thereby warranting NHTSAs regulatory intervention. I would like NHTSA to launch a defects/safety investigation to determine how many more AUDI owners are at risk of experiencing this life-threatening, correctable, and known issue. Please keep me informed on the results of my report.

NHTSA complaint #11505600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

AIR BAGS

Had the car parked in the driveway for about a week and half. When turned it on for the first time after that period, noticed the airbag light in the odometer panel continue to be on. Checked for any airbag recalls but found none. Although no airbag recalls have been placed on this particular vehicle so far; I found an online source which states that vehicle of this year, make and model may be affected with airbag issues. Since this could be of a major safety concern, Please check and advise on how to go about this.

NHTSA complaint #11472118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sharon, MA

ENGINE

Car overheat. Engine light on. pulled over and then drove directly to local dealer 10min away who noted engine temp control actuator faulty- stuck. Needed to replace thermostat. Dealer noted problem was noted in earlier year Audi A6 models as well but thought 2017 year did not have similar. Could not leave/drive away from dealership since they noted too dangerous with faulty thermostat/coolant/heating etc. Hoping others are not experiencing similar danger/risks…

NHTSA complaint #11469154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Chicago, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact owns a 2017 Audi A6. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a stop sign, after lifting her foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to slow the vehicle by depressing on the brake pedal. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and the mechanic was able to duplicate the failure while test driving the vehicle however, there was no error codes was found. The contact had experienced the failure on multiple occasions. The contact stated she had attempted to contact the manufacturer, but no one answered the call. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA complaint #11441047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

STEERING

My 2017 Audi A6 has approximately 50,000 miles on it. I am diligent about obtaining regular maintenance on my vehicle and visited the Audi dealership in Memphis, TN for a 50,000 mile inspection and service in June of 2021. Last week, just 3 months after my 50,000 mile services/inspection, my vehicle stopped operating correctly when making a turn from stopped at a stop sign and lost all power steering. I was informed by the Audi dealership in North Miami, FL (where I am now located), that the steering rack on the vehicle is faulty. The vehicle and this component are still located at the Audi dealership in North Miami while they wait for the part to come in. I can coordinate to make it available for inspection if you would like. I am concerned that this part failed after only 50,000 miles and am particularly concerned that this poses a major safety issue. I was lucky that I was at a near stop and able to make it to safety when this component failed. Had the power steering gone out at any other time, for example, while I was in the middle of an intersection or while driving on a busy roadway, it could have resulted in a major incident. I did not have any warning signs that the power steering was about to shut down, and as mentioned, I had the vehicle inspected just 3 months earlier without any issues. It is also worth noting that Audi had a known issue with the steering rack in the 2012-2016 model years for my vehicle and offered to reimburse owners of those vehicles and warranty the steering rack to 125,000 miles. Audi has indicated to me that the steering rack in my vehicle is the same part as that used in 2016.

NHTSA complaint #11435119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was at a stop light and automatic engine shut-off turned the vehicle off. However, when the light turned green car would not start. I had to put it in park and then turn the vehicle on/off to restart the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11434398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

ENGINE

I was at a stop light and automatic engine shut-off turned the vehicle off. However, when the light turned green car would not start. I had to put it in park and then turn the vehicle on/off to restart the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11434398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car loss power and turned off while turning at an intersection. Had to stop, place in Parking and restart the car with power switch

NHTSA complaint #11424527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Midlothian, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING, ABS, AND ETC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOWEVER WAS INOPERABLE. A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI OF RICHMOND LOCATED AT 15292 BROAD ST, HENRICO, VA 23233, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD BACKED UP INTO THE FIRE WALL AND DAMAGED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE DRAINAGE PANEL AND THE FIRE WALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER IMAGE PROCESSING MODULE AND CAMERA MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11352991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hopewell Junction, NY

AIR BAGS

I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO RECALL REPORT 18V370, POSSIBLE FAILURE OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PODS SENSING SYSTEM. AUDI NOTIFIED ME OF THIS DEFECT IN JULY 2018 AND STILL HAS NOT PRODUCED A SOLUTION FOR THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY AS TO WHEN OR WHETHER THE PODS SENSING SYSTEM MIGHT FAIL (INCLUDING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE IMPACT), I CAN'T ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN THE AFFECTED SEAT. I BELIEVE AUDI IS BEING DELINQUENT IN ITS OBLIGATION TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE. MY DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SOLUTION UNTIL AT LEAST 2019. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSING CONSUMER HARM AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY. THEY SHOULD BE PRECLUDED FROM PRODUCING ANY NEW VEHICLES WITH THE CORRECTED PART UNTIL THEY COMPLETELY REPAIR EVERY AFFECTED EXISTING VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11152138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hopkinton, MA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TRADE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI FINANCIAL THAT THERE WAS A STOP SALE ON THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA complaint #11121720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stuart, FL

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI OF STUART (3990 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997) THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE WAS NO ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME OF WHEN THEY WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE RECALL NOTICES HAD NOT BEEN MAILED TO THE VEHICLE OWNERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11112330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stuart, FL

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI OF STUART (3990 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997) THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE WAS NO ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME OF WHEN THEY WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE RECALL NOTICES HAD NOT BEEN MAILED TO THE VEHICLE OWNERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11112330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,200 miles LA Verne, CA

AIR BAGS

MY CAR HAS A RECALL. I'VE CALLED AUDI NO TIMELINE TOLD ME 3-6 MONTHS TILL CAN FIX. I AM ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO SELL MY CAR BECAUSE AUDI CAN'T SELL THE CARS. ESSENTIALLY I'M STUCK WITH AN UNSAFE CAR UNTIL AUDI DECIDES THEY WANT TO FIX.

NHTSA complaint #11105293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,200 miles Parker, CO

ENGINE

PURCHASED A NEW 2017 AUDI A6. CAR ONLY HAS 1,200 MILES. DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY WITH MY SON AND ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED NO POWER. THANK GOD WE ARE OK. HAD NO WARNING AT ALL. CAR JUST LOST POWER. I HAVE READ ABOUT OTHER MODELS RECALLED FOR AUDI DUE TO FUEL PUMP. DEALER IS STATING THE ISSUE ON OUR CAR IS ALSO FUEL PUMP. WORRIED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND/OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND CAR STOPS RUNNING FOR NO REASON. TRYING TO WORK WITH AUDI TO ALLOW US TO GIVE THEM VEHICLE BACK AS WE HAVE ONLY HAD CAR A COUPLE MONTH. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN VEHICLE AND NOW THAT I HAVE READ ISSUES WITH OTHER MODELS AND WHAT OWNERS HAVE DESCRIBED OUR CAR HAD THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10994503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.