Total Complaints
75 filings
AUDI A6 · model year
75 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2016AUDIA6 carries 75 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 A6 is engine with 17 filings, followed by air bags (8) and electrical system (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2016 A6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
75 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 17 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 2 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZER | 1 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
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.
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.
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 Occ
I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190â200 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
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
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.
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.
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.
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
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.
Mileage: 49,000
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.
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.
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.
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 braki
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 braki
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.