322 of the
2,209 complaints filed about the Audi A6
are about the airbag system —
15% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
On August 3, 2026, a 2008 Audi A6 was traveling on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia when the driver encountered a large tree branch in the roadway and swerved to avoid it. The vehicle struck a curb, became airborne, rolled, and went down an embankment before coming to rest. The driver was wearing a seat belt. The driver’s frontal airbag in the steering wheel deployed, but none of the side or curtain airbags deployed during the crash. Given the severity and multiple-impact sequence of the accident, I am reporting the non-deployment so NHTSA can evaluate whether the side and curtain airbag systems operated as designed. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. It remains intact and available for inspection, and we have requested that it be preserved.The vehicle has been in the same family since it was purchased new in 2008, with two owners within the family. It had never been involved in an accident before this crash, and to our knowledge there had been no previous airbag deployments or repairs to the airbag or restraint systems. There were no airbag warning lights, messages, or other indications of a problem before the crash.Police responded to the accident, and the vehicle has been inspected by the insurance company. It has not yet been inspected by Audi or an independent engineer specifically regarding the side and curtain airbag non-deployment. I understand a rollover alone does not necessarily require these airbags to deploy. My concern is that the driver’s frontal airbag deployed during a serious, multiple-impact crash while the side and curtain airbags did not, and I would like the non-deployment evaluated while the vehicle remains available for inspection. NHTSA previously conducted a Special Crash Investigation involving side-airbag non-deployment in another 2008 Audi A6 (NHTSA Publication 813261). NHTSA determined that vehicle’s airbags operated as intended. I am referencing it because it involved the same model year
NHTSA complaint #11755588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2015 Audi A6
at 129,000 milesSacramento, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact's sister owns a 2015 Audi A6. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of a Toyota 4Runner. The driver sustained injuries to the chest and neck and had back pain. Medical attention was not provided. The front bumper and frame, and hood were damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. There was no Police report filed. The drivers exchanged information. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Audi is unable to correct the recall repairs despite several attempts by us to schedule. Advised parts are no longer available and were not available during 2 previous attempts to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11723830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving slowly through a shopping mall parking lot with my wife and [XXX] son onboard, the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned. The central locking system cycled repeatedly, and a warning briefly appeared mentioning a steering/light malfunction. Immediately afterward, the emergency release cables for all four doors deployed externally as if the car had been in a crash, even though no collision occurred. At the Audi dealership (Audi Sugar Land, TX), technicians confirmed by diagnostic scan that: The ABS control module stored a fault for “invalid data.” That invalid data was relayed to the airbag module, which falsely triggered a “crash response active” condition. All four door modules stored crash response faults and deployed the emergency release cables. The issue was confirmed, faults were cleared, but no parts were replaced. This false crash response put my family at risk because it activated emergency safety mechanisms without cause. My concern is that if invalid data can trigger a false crash event, it could also trigger other systems, such as airbags, leading to potential injury. The incident occurred with approximately 1,100 miles on the vehicle, one week after purchase, and immediately following the first 100% charge. The dealer documented the event and consulted Audi Technical Assistance, who authorized release of the vehicle after clearing the codes. This is a serious safety defect because critical systems activated without a real crash, creating unnecessary risk for occupants. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IT WAS RECENTLY BEGAN TO LEAK FUEL FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD. THEN THE WHOLE CABIN SPECIALLY IN THE FRONT WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO HAVE BAD VIBRATION DURING REVERSED, AND IDLE, ALSO WHEN THE AC IS ON. THEN THERES THE AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER, THE LIGHT IS ON, IT USED TO SAY '"OFF" THEN WHEN THE SEAT IS USED IT WILL SHUT OFF. NOW IT JUST STAYS ON. LAST IS THE AC COMPRESSOR SEEMS TO BE RATTLING LIKE A BOLT IS LOOSE. ALL THE RECALLS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH MY AUDI AND STILL MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11690179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation Re: Safety Defect & Recall Non-Compliance – 2014 Audi A6 (VIN: [XXX] ) I, [XXX] , a private living woman domiciled at c/o [27870], native to Turtle Island of Choctaw and Moorish lineage, submit this complaint regarding an unrepaired federal safety recall on my 2014 Audi A6. Facts: 1. My vehicle has an open safety recall that remains unrepaired, despite being serviced at Audi dealerships by prior owners. 2. The recall was never disclosed to me by the selling dealer, Roland Holmes Auto Sales, nor by the financing entity, Credit Acceptance Corporation. 3. The unrepaired defect presents a serious safety hazard to myself, my family, and the public. 4. The manufacturer, Audi USA, has failed to complete the required recall work. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter, enforce compliance upon Audi USA, and take appropriate action against the dealer for failure to disclose the recall. Respectfully submitted, [XXX] c/o [27870] All Rights Reserved. Without Prejudice. UCC 1-308. Date: 09/01/2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11684339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11638293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11519314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
1. Vehicle airbag indicator has illumated. I haven't received a recall letter from manufacturer. Have concerns about driving with airbag light on. 2. There is a recall for electrical wiring. 3. Fuel system/ fuel rail is being recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11463291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V056000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11428048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
2002 Audi A6
at 85,000 milesST. Louis, MOCrash3 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021, MR. TRAVIS WAS TRAVELING ON I-70 IN VANDALIA ILLINOIS WHEN HE WAS REAR ENDED AT HIGH SPEEDS BY MR. FREE. MR. TRAVIS' 2002 AUDI A6 SUSTAINED SERIOUS DAMAGE BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MR. TRAVIS SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11405964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #11404182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO REPAIR FOR 2 RECALLS ON 2/22/21, THE NEXT DAY 2/23/21 THEY CALLED ME TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY $ 550.00 FOR THE REPAIR. ACCORDING TO DOWNTOWN AUDI TECH THE ECU OF MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER, BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR THE RECALLS IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION SINCE I CHANGED THE OIL AND CONNECTED MY SCANNER TO RESET THE MAINTENANCE MESSAGE ON THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD. THIS IS ABSURD THAT THEY WANT TO SCAM THEIR CUSTOMERS. NOW THEY WANT TO GIVE ME THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REPAIRING THE RECALLS AND WITH LIGHTS ON ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE, THIS IS NOT ETHICAL OR PROFESSIONAL.
NHTSA complaint #11397718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, WHEN HE CRASHED (T-BONED) ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HIS 2 LOWER DISC AND REQUIRED SURGERY AND ALSO HAD BACK SURGERY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS LOSS. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER AUDI TACOMA LOCATED AT 1701-B ALEXANDER AVE E, FIFE, WA 98424, (253) 475-3832 AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V427000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11361879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (AUDI STRATHAM LOCATED AT 58 PORTSMOUTH AVE, STRATHAM, NH 03885) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAG) FOR THE SAME FAILURE BUT THE FAILURE HAD REOCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11351554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.