Audi A6 Problems by Year

We compared every Audi A6 model year from 1995–2026 using 1,655 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 54 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2019, 2012, 2016, 1999 and 1998, which drew far more complaints than other A6 years at the same age. The best years are 2022, 2018 and 2011.

30model years
1,655complaints
54recalls
2019, 2012worst years
2022, 2018best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’25’2616512013021714811388663591675371211721605241225120111142618267
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A6. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202672.0×—ElectricalFew
202561.3×2BodyFew
20222−69%5Collision AvoidanceGood
202118typical11ElectricalAverage
2020261.3×9ElectricalAverage
20191144.9×7ElectricalAvoid
201811−55%2EngineGood
201720−41%3AirbagGood
2016511.4×3EngineCaution
201522−44%4EngineGood
201441typical4SteeringAverage
2013521.4×6AirbagAverage
2012601.5×8EngineCaution
201121−47%3AirbagGood
201017−49%3AirbagGood
200921−47%4AirbagGood
2008711.3×4AirbagAverage
200753−44%4AirbagGood
200667−36%4AirbagAverage
200591typical3AirbagAverage
200435−25%4Fuel SystemAverage
2003661.5×7Fuel SystemCaution
2002882.1×4EngineAvoid
20011132.4×7EngineAvoid
20001483.4×4ElectricalAvoid
19992175.5×9Fuel SystemAvoid
19981303.5×10Fuel SystemAvoid
199720−60%2ElectricalGood
199651typical2ElectricalAverage
199516−65%2ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median A6 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Audi A6 problems

Latest Audi A6 recalls

Lane departure › Software

NHTSA recall 26V-125 · Mar 4, 2026 · 1,620 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 25V-900 · Dec 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.

Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor

NHTSA recall 25V-899 · Dec 19, 2025 · 27,768 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-201 · Mar 31, 2025 · 44,387 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid

NHTSA recall 23V-601 · Aug 25, 2023 · 7,499 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023.

All 54 Audi A6 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Audi A6 should you avoid?

2019, 2012, 2016, 1999, 1998 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other A6 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2019.

What is the best year for the Audi A6?

2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other A6 years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Audi A6 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (393), air bags (316) and engine & cooling (241). Electrical complaints peak in the 2019 model year.

How many recalls has the Audi A6 had?

54 recalls across 1995–2026. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi A6 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.