Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Audi a-6 yr 2000 while driving the car my husband eyes became irritated, smelt something burning, shortly after, smoke blew-out from the left air vent into the car and then fire sparks. As the car was moving, he noticed the smoke, slowed down, forced the gear into park and dash out of car. The fire spread from the front to the rear of the vehicle, causing an estimated $22,000 loss which is a total loss. The georgia, dekalb county fire services - incident report num. 02-049367 which was examined by the fire chief clearly state the area of fire origin came from operating, control area (fues box) and form of material ignited was electrical wire (faulty wiring). Our insurance company is now investigating and has also determined a total loss. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle became very smoky inside. The power steering and all the dash lights went out. The vehicle was pulled off the side of the road. Upon inspection it could not be determined where the smoke was coming from. The vehicle was driven for a short distance and the cab filled with smoke again. The vehicle was parked and then towed to an independent repair shop. After inspecting the vehicle the battery was engaged; flames were detected from under the dash board. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire but no inspection was made to determine the cause of the fire. The inside of the vehicle was destroyed due to fire and smoke. The vehicle had recall repairs performed in July 2005 for the electrical system. The NHTSA campaign # 04V133000 concerning the electrical system. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Audi A6. The contact noticed strong fumes entering the vents, which affected the contact's breathing. The contact was not able to use the heater or air conditioner. A week later, while driving, a fire erupted near the dashboard and smoke consumed the inside of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and a fire inspector extinguished the flames. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 06V198000 (electrical system), but the contact did not receive a notification. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was towed and parked. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dt*: the contact stated a recall notification was received in 2004 on NHTSA campaign id # 04V133000, concerning the electrical system. The recall work was performed by the dealership; however the vehicle caught fire and burned while driving. The fire started under the dash on the driver's side. The flames were first noticed coming from the vents. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. The manufacturer was contacted and sent a representative to investigate the scene. The representative commented the recall was suppose to prevent a fire from occurring. The driver's side of the vehicle was severely damaged and the insurance company totaled the vehicle.
Vehicle fire: 2000 Audi A6 caught fire approximately 30 minutes after being parked in a garage. The local fire department determined that the fire originated from under the vehicle's dashboard...similar to reports mentioned in NHTSA action number ea03025. The Audi was completely destroyed, as were a 2000 Chevrolet corvette that was parked next to the Audi, the entire garage, and finished basement. The remainder of thehome was severly damaged by smoke and soot and the occupants have had to leave the home until repairs can be made. No one was injured in the incident, as no one was in the home at the time of the incident.
On 1/30/11, this vehicle, a 2000 Audi A6, had an electrical fire. The vehicle was turned off while listening to the radio. A plastic/rubber burning smell emanated from within the vehicle, followed by black smoke, and flames coming out of the air vents, primarily in the driver's side. A fire had ignited within the electrical board beneath the dashboard/gauge cluster area in the driver's side. The windshield wipers and headlights turned on by themselves during the incident.
Our Audi A6 was taken to Audi rector on 12/20/11 due to an electrical burning smell coming through the air vents. Audi rector repaired the rack and pinion steering and a transmission leak. They said the smell was due to the transmission leak and would dissipate. On the trip home from Audi rector on 12/23/11, the car caught fire starting inside the driver side air vent and burned. It was completely destroyed.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Audi A6. The instrument panel failed. The contact purchased the vehicle in 2007 and the lights on the instrument panel have never completely worked. When it is cold outside, the lights illuminate bright enough to be visible. In warm temperatures, the lights were very low and very dim. The dealer has not been inspected by the dealer. The contact was informed that in order to have it repaired, he would need to replace the entire instrument panel cluster. When the lights are dim, he is unable to see what gear the vehicle is in or detect if there was a possible failure with the engine. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 97,000. Updated 07/29/08 the consumer stated the scrren was not visible. Updated 07/31/08.
This is about my 2000 Audi A6. The central display lcd on the instrument cluster failed to display any information including important warnings such as coolant level, engine temperature, engine oil pressure, brake/ turn lights out, gear position etc. All are important to driving safety. I once had leakage in my radiator but I could not see the warning of dropping water level and that caused damage to my engine and water pump and I was burned when checking engine. It almost caused a accident because it stopped my car in the middle of the high way. As far as I know, almost every Audi a4/A6 in between 1998-2004 model year had the same display problem.
Near total loss of power (intermittent) 17 error codes in OBD. New triptonic transmission 1 month after expiration of warentee. Extended warentee never offered by Audi. Error codes include throttle housing and cam error. I have spent nearly $7,000 in 10 monthes on mechanical repairs and mechanic says that I need approximatly $6,300 more. Audi said that I can have the dealer run a dignostic at my own expense. Addition to the $6,300 need. Check engine light has constantly come on since purchase. Dealer siad that he advises customer many times to disconnect light. Constant repairs since ownership. Audi is not helpfull.
Related recalls
Electrical system
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will reroute the wiring harness by installing a jumper wiring harness. The recall began on December 16, 2006. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Electrical system
On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if…
NHTSA investigations
Driver's side dash fire
Volkswagen of America, inc. (voa) conducted a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 04V133) to add a plastic cover to the top section of the knee bolster crossmember to prevent contact with the headlight switch wiring harness.the scope of the original recall covered model years 1998 through 2004 with vehicle production dates of August 1997 through December 2004.the office of defects investigation has received nine…
Drivers side dashboard fire
Of the 22 total complaints, 11 were received for the 1999 model year and 11 for the 2000 model year. Audi is conducting testing to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Drivers side dash fire
The subject vehicles are equipped with a knee bolster located under the dash, near the drivers knees.a wiring harness is also located in the dash, in that same area.Audi's analysis of 39 vehicles indicated that the knee bolster was rubbing against that wiring harness.over time the harness sheathing wears away and the wires come into contact with the metal knee bolster, resulting in a fire.
Electrical complaints in other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Audi A6?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Audi A6, 24% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Audi A6 electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-198 (electrical system, Jun 5, 2006); NHTSA recall 04V-133 (electrical system, Mar 18, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Audi A6 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.