Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Audi A6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ABS light comes on steady, the hand brake light flashed constantly, and three warning beeps are heard. A computer reading says there is no connection with the ABS unit. The ABS doesn't work at all. It sometimes occurs when I first start the car, and sometimes after driving for a while. The consumer stated someone else was driving her vehicle and he/she rear ended another person. The consumer stated the ABS did not function as designed. Updated 12/16/10
I was driving my 2000 Audi A6 2.7t (about 48,500 miles and out of warranty) home from work, when I noticed the car seemed to have less power. The car did not seem to accelerate very well. Then I noticed that when I took my foot off the accelerator that the car was slowing on its own. I was close to home and the road I was on did not have a place where I could safely pull over so I drove home. When I pulled in I noticed the front passenger wheel was smoking. I picked up a fire extinguisher and used it on the smoking wheel. I kept checking the wheel until all the parts of the brake and wheel were cool to the touch. I had the car carried to the Audi dealer since I did not want repeat the incident. The brake had loosened up since the car rolled when it was taken out of gear. …
ABS control module failure. Intermittent problem in which ABS light comes on, brake light comes on and flashes, and chime comes on. When this occurs it signifies that ABS system is not working because it has lost communication with the components. Diagnosed by Audi dealer as "ABS control module intermittently not communicating." notified Audi of America about issue and contention that it is a safety issue because when ABS working greater control is available in braking situations. With intermittent problem I'll have to glance at dashboard during emergency brake situation and brake according to whether at that moment I have ABS or not. Volkswagen of America has performed a recall on the ABS control unit (nhsta campaign id: 02V031000) for their 2002 jetta.
ABS/brake light started flashing infrequently and I called maplewood Audi service and they proceeding to tell me it was a brake light switch, through further investigation I found that this is a very common problem with their ABS control module and it is a "factory only" fix because of reprogramming and such and it would run about $2000. I belong to a couple of Audi forums and this is one of the most common problems. I don't see how this proprietary system is allowed to continue without accountability by the manufacturer and or dealerships. Unlike their other poor practices for monopolizing service to these cars this one affects braking and thus safety.
Model year 2000, Audi A6 quattro wagon 4 instances of sub-standard equipment: 1) ABS warning lights due to defective ABS controller a very common problem which the manufacturer should be forced to recall. 2) sub-standard materials used in the vent tubing in the engine compartment (cheap plastic that breaks causing increased emissions output harming the environment). 3) dashboard warning display LED faulty, a very common problem which the manufacturer should be forced to recall. 4)plastic components in interior of the auto break easily poor plastic strength (ie cupholder, buttons etc).
Audi A6 ABS not functioning after only 58,000 miles. Audi refuses to stand behind its engineering and repair. Diagnosis" ABS control unit is no longer communicating with the instrument cluster". Cost over $800 to replace and can only be replaced by Audi dealer. Many A6 owners have same problem, yet Audi has not issued a "campaign" / recall. Isn't ABS intrinsic to the safety of the car...sort of like the airbags? Why not engineered to last longer than 58,000 miles? Or, could it be engineered on purpose to generate dealer service revenue? Something not right here.
Vehicle is a 2000 Audi A6 with 2.7t engine.ileage: 52000.failure: dealer diagnosed ABS/controller was bad and needed to be replaced at a cost of $1300.00. The problem causes intermittent ABS failure which will pulsate brakes occassionally in situations where braking would not require ABS activity (ie. Light braking to slow vehicle slightly on dry pavement). This could slow braking response and increase chances of an accident occuring. This problem is commonly discussed in Audi user forums and appears to have a fairly high occurence.
Dt: consumer states that there is a module that is failing on vehicle. This results in the ABS system not working. To replace the module would cost $1,000-$1,300. Consumer has an appointment to have the vehicle fixed this Friday. The problem has been sporadic over the last 6 weeks. When the vehicle was taken to the dealership they could not find the cause of the problem , and he was told to drive it until it failed again. Consumer was concerned that this was happening on other vehicles. He found this information online.
ABS control module has failed on my 2000 Audi A6. From an internet search this appears to be an almost taken for granted repair/replacement item, I.e.; it happens to almost every vehicle. This is not an inexpensive item to replace (500-1300 dollars including labor). There are thousands of complaints, forums, blogs dedicated to this particular issue. I believe a recall is warranted. Please investigate this issue. Thank you.
The ABS light comes on steady, the hand brake light flashed constantly, and three warning beeps are heard. A computer reading says there is no connection with the ABS unit. The ABS doesn't work at all. It sometimes occurs when I first start the car, and sometimes after driving for a while. Audi says my car is too far out of warranty (2000 w/ 77,000 mi). They won't cover any costs.
NHTSA investigations
Brake and clutch pedal bracket
Brake complaints in other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Audi A6?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Audi A6, 20% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Audi A6 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Audi A6, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Audi A6 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.