170 of the
2,209 complaints filed about the Audi A6
are about the braking system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1999.
Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and continuation of same electrical failures despite six additional repairs Multiple failures of all electrical components on highway road and side roads
NHTSA complaint #11732943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding persistent mechanical failures and safety concerns with my 2014 Audi A6, VIN: [XXX] , which have resulted in significant repair expenses, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards. Despite having the front brakes and sensors replaced in the previous year, I recently experienced brake warning lights and related malfunctions. According to the most recent service report from Audi Bethesda (Repair Order [XXX], dated May 9, 2025), it was discovered that the incorrect brake pad sensor had previously been installed and that connectors were not properly secured. Additionally, the repair team found further issues with the ABS sensor and rear brake pad sensors—indicating an ongoing pattern of misdiagnosis and improper installation by authorized service providers. More concerning is the failure of the vehicle’s fuel system, including the fuel pump and filter, which were replaced at considerable expense. According to the repair documentation, there were still unresolved low fuel pressure faults present even after parts replacement. The technicians cited potential metal contamination in the fuel meter valve (N290), which could require full fuel system replacement—an unacceptable situation for a vehicle that has already undergone such costly repairs. After further internal investigation by Mitch Carr’s Auto Service several other concerns were brought to my attention. 1)Battery left to die 2)Fuel filter replaced 3)Glow Plug Replaced 4)Injector Seal Replaced 5)Re-Gen DPF procedure to clear faults 6) Rubber Stem on Tire Replaced INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11668138 — 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 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.
This 2019 Audi A6 purchased on Aug/2020 brand new from an authorized Audi dealer, after several complaints on its breaking behavior it has been diagnosed at the dealer with "Bended Brake Discs or Pressure Plates". Vehicle has been used as a family car an driven in a normal way only by myself. The odometer currently reads 32,165 miles. I believe that the material or workmanship were/are defective. The safety issue is in relation to the longer distance it takes to break and the extreme vibration on the steering wheel when going over 55+mph. No warning messages or any other vehicle feedback is received.
NHTSA complaint #11529863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had my coolant system repaired before I found out there was a recall now my thermostat went bad. My brakes need to be replaced too much and my screw for my radio and system display stopped working every time you change fees it pops
NHTSA complaint #11521861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massive safety liability here. My 2019 Audi A6 was on the highway traveling at 75mph on 4/25/2023 at noon when with no prior warning, all of the electrical systems started failing rapidly. In the course of 90 seconds, there was an electrical malfunction warning, quickly followed by malfunction warnings for steering, brakes, and cascading shutdowns of all systems like the transmission, ABS, Collision Warning, Lane Departure, lights, hazard warning lights, instrument screens/clusters, HVAC, windows- literally everything. A complete failure of every component and safety system while driving highspeed is extremely dangerous. Had this happened at night, I would have been bricked in the middle of the road without headlights, hazard lights, airbags, etc. The car had to be towed away to the dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer is aware of this issue and called it a 48 volt starter/ alternator issue which is apparently systemic/ widespread with 2019-21 Audi 48 volt architectures; parts are generally backordered for months. Please take note: There is an extremely high risk that someone will be killed and seriously injured as a result of this defect. The vehicle is awaiting inspection and repair at an Audi dealership. It is under extended manufacturers warranty at 50,700 miles. No other diagnostics/ inspections/ or reports have taken place yet.
NHTSA complaint #11518884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gateway unit that is located under the rear seat has an inadequate insulation and is susceptible to liquid exposure and electrical failure. A liquid penetrated the rear seat and short-circuit the gateway while vehicle was moving resulting in a near-accident by shutting down power steering, brakes, and many of the car's systems. Failure messages began appearing and vehicle was unresponsive to driver actions. Emergency blinkers were not working at the tail lights which is a critical safety hazard for a disabled vehicle on the road. Dealer confirmed gateway unit failure due to the water exposure and recommended the replacement of the unit. Vehicle had no warning lights or messages prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11475177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN I PARK MY CAR FOR HOURS AND TRY TO DRIVE AGAIN, I GET VERY LOUD NOISE EVERY TIME I BRAKE. AND AFTER 2-3MINUTES LATER NOISE IS GONE. (DAYTIME AND NIGHT TIME) WHEN I GO TO AUDI SERVICE . THEY TOLD ME ITS NORMAL . BUT I NEVER THIS HAPPEND BEFORE. I'M ASHAMED THAT PEOPLE LOOK AT ME WHENEVER I HEAR THIS SOUND. EVEN CARS THAT ARE MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLD DON'T SOUND LIKE THIS, BUT I'VE HAD THIS PHENOMENON NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11406975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BRAKES ROTORS REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 15K MILES VEHICLE APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAS CONFIRMS BY AUDI DEALER BUT REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES... ROTORS REPLACED AT 25K MILES AND VEHICLE NOW HAS 40K MILES AND NEED ROTORS REPLACE AGAIN
NHTSA complaint #11395849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE BRAKES ARE GRABBY AND WITH A GENTLE DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR COMES TO A SUDDEN JERKY STOP. USUALLY HAPPENS FROM SLOWING DOWN FROM 10MPH TO 0MPH THE TRANSMISSION JERKS HARD WHEN SPEED DROPS FROM 15MPH THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY SHOWS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DURING NORMAL DRIVING. CYLINDERS SHOW OIL LEAKAGE REPEATEDLY. THIS HAS BECOME A REPEAT ISSUE AND HAVE ASKED THE DEALER / SERVICE CENTER TO REPORT THIS AS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11384223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, A MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO D. PATRICK AUDI LOCATED AT 200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11375394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AUDI WESTMONT LEASED ME A BRAND NEW 2019 A6 LAST NOVEMBER 12, 2018. THEY CLAIM "ALL" OF AUDI'S 2019 A6'S COME WITH "SUMMER TIRES" ON THEM AND GETTING AN "ALL SEASON" OR "WINTER" TIRE IS NOT POSSIBLE UNLESS I PAY ANOTHER $2,690.83 FOR FOUR MORE "WHEELS AND WINTER TIRES". I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MONTHS ON THEIR "SUMMER TIRES" BRIDGESTONE TURANZA T005 SUMMER TIRES. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH LESS THAN ONE INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND, I TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR WHILE BRAKING. MY WIFE REFUSED TO RIDE AGAIN WITH ME WITH THE TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. I FINALLY WENT BACK IN AND HAD TO PURCHASE FROM THEM FOUR NEW SOTOZERO3 WINTER TIRES AND FOUR NEW WHEELS. I NOW HAVE 8 NEW TIRES AND 8 NEW WHEELS. MY COMPLAIN IS WITH AUDI, NOT THE DEALER. SELLING OR LEASING THESE VEHICLES WITH SUMMER TIRES ONLY IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA THAT EXPERIENCES WINTERS SUCH AS SUBURBAN CHICAGO, IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. AUDI NEEDS TO BE STOPPED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11186086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ALL FOUR BRAKES ROTORS WERE WARPED AT 37K AND HAD THEM REPLACED. NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THE FRONT ONES ARE WARPED AGAIN AFTER 12K MILES. CAR VIBRATES WHEN YOU BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11161958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VACUUM PUMP OIL LEAK (06J145100G). 76K MI, FOUND VIA MULTI POINT INSPECTION ON 10/25/18 (AUDI OF HONOLULU). VEHICLE PROD DATE: 07/2012, ENGINE CODE: CAEB, TRANSMISSION: 0BK, QUATTRO AWD. THE VACUUM PUMP, LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE IS LEAKING MOTOR OIL. EITHER THE INTERNAL SEALS OF THE PUMP OR GASKET IS FAULTY. MOTOR OIL IS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST, TRANSMISSION, FIREWALL INSULATION, ENGINE BELLY PAN, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS/CROSSMEMBER, TRANSMISSION BELLY PAN, AND LOWER REAR OF ENGINE. UNDER MODERATE BRAKING, WHITE SMOKE WOULD APPEAR FROM UNDER THE HOOD (PRESSURE FORCING THE OIL THROUGH THE PUMP SEALS, WHICH THEN LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST.) BRAKING POWER IS SOMETIMES DIMINISHED DUE TO LACK OF VACUUM POWER TO BRAKE BOOSTER (AIR LEAK). AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE (AFTER NORMAL DRIVING), A BURNT SMELL WOULD APPEAR (WHOLE CARPORT WOULD SMELL). EST COST OF PARTS + LABOR, $1K(AUDI OF HONOLULU). VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF WARRANTY. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY.
NHTSA complaint #11150834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JANUARY OF 2017 FROM AUDI (INTERNATIONAL AUTOS) OF ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS. THE CAR WAS A CPO VEHICLE, AND WE ALSO PURCHASED AUDI CARE. WE LIVE IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS, AND WE DROVE THE CAR HOME 2 HOURS FROM THE DEALERSHIP. DURING THE DRIVE, WE NOTICED A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT, GROSSINGER MOTORS. THE BRAKES WERE WARPED, CAUSING THE VIBRATION. THEY IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD RECENTLY HAD THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED AT THE ORLAND PARK DEALERSHIP AND WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. RATHER THAN HAVING US MAKE THE FOUR HOUR ROUND TRIP, THEY REPLACED THEM AGAIN AT THEIR LOCATION. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD 2 MORE SETS OF ROTORS REPLACED, AND THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE FOURTH SET. THE WARRANTY COVERED THE FIRST 3 SETS, AS THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN ONLY A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES OF EACH OTHER. THE LAST FRONT SET WAS DONE IN AUGUST OF 2017, AND LASTED UNTIL JULY OF 2018 - AROUND 10 THOUSAND MILES. THIS TIME, AUDI WILL NOT COVER THE BRAKES, THEY ARE REQUIRING ME TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE READ COUNTLESS ONLINE BLOGS OF OTHER AUDI OWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT GROSSINGER/BLOOMINGTON NORMAL AUTO MALL NOW FOR ALMOST THREE MONTHS. IN PART DUE TO AUDI BLOCKING PURCHASE OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. THEY ARE IN LIMITED SUPPLY, IT WOULD APPEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING WIDESPREAD ISSUES WITH THEM. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO PROVIDE A LOANER DURING THIS TIME, HOWEVER, AUDI WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLE/PARTS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED NEARLY EVERY BRAND OF AUTOMOBILE FROM CHEVROLET TRUCKS TO BMWS AND PORSCHE 911, AND NEVER HAD ANY REPETITIVE BRAKE ISSUES SUCH AS THIS. BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER AUDI VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11150259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND PULSATED. THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #10972115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.