Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Audi A6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The consumer was going about 50 MPH when she was involved in an accident. Vehicle a pulled in front of vehicle b and stopped short, forcing vehicle b to rear end vehicle a. In the process, the air bags failed to deploy. Owner contacted the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not hit at the right angle to activate the air bags. The emergency lights flashed intermittently and the next day the vehicle would not start, the power unit beneath the floor board was soaking wet and had shorted out, the console under the gear shift was so hot that it could not be touched, there was an oil leak.
Dt: the consumer's car caught on fire. Prior to the fire there was an electrical system recall (04v1233000) which could result in a fire, this recall was complete prior to the fire. While driving the car it started to smoke heavily and smoke came through the vents. The consumer saw fire in the vents on the drivers side. The consumer pulled of the road and stopped the car and call 911. There were no warning lights or prior warning to this fire. Insurance company is investigating and do not have the report. Coolant bottle leaked, third brake light bulb blew out.
The insulated hear shield around the catalytic converter started a slow burn and excessive smoke, causing a fire alarm, while the car was parked at my work place. The fire company responded and put the fire out. The incident happened a second time. Updated 01/30/12
Huge oil leak on my 2001 Audi A6 4.2 caused by the pcv valve freezing closed. This has happened to my car 3 times in the last 2 years. This only happens during extreme cold weather, colder that -10 deg f. No indication of the freeze problem until the car slows to below highway speeds and you can smell the oil burning. The pcv valve freezes closed which allows pressure to build in the crankcase of the engine causing overpressure and oil to be forced out of the valve cover gaskets, ignition coil seals, cam seals and crank seals. So much oil leaks out that it covered the entire engine compartment, the front suspension including the front brakes, down the sides of the car, covers the entire underside of the car including the entire exhaust system. Very serious fire danger and possibility of not being able to stop the vehicle because of oil on the brakes. …
I have a 2001 Audi A6 quattro 2.8l with p1411 and p1423 DTC codes. I am hearing it is a vacuum hose or combi value problems from what I am reading, common to this model, but I have had several mechanics look at it and not want to tackle it. In a recent forum I was told many of the items I have listed were recall items-including vacuum hoses. Yes, many were, there was even a law suit with Audi, that Audi denied my claim and paid several on. I appealed and they did not respond and did not define why they refused to cover it. Audi still has yet to cover the vehicle in the professional manner I expected. My life burdens are enough, I do not need a car manufacturer or dealer to yank me around, the vehicle now has 205,000 miles, because I paid outrageous car repairs on it. …
I have a 2001 Audi A6 2.7t and it has almost caused me to get into severe accidents where I would have been seriously injured or killed in a side impact collision. The culprit is this: if you depress the brake (as if you were stopping or coming to a complete stop) and try to reaccelerate, there is little to no acceleration. This "hesitation" has almost got me killed several times. There are hundreds of other Audi A6 consumers regardless of model engine (2.8, 2.7t, 3.0 and 4.2) that have experienced this problem. Thus, it is unacceptable for Audi USA to say this is "normal" and "inherent in the operation of turbochargers" as this is what they have told me before while the car was being serviced. …
Car burns oil 1/2 quart/1000 mi. Almost runs out before warning light comes on. Audi says this is normal- we have had two emergencies on the freeway where we almost ran out of oil. Also, it is very hard to read the oil dip stick- it is artful not useful. Rotors (all) failed at 14K miles and had to be replaced. We are advised we are not alone. Audi corp arrogant and will not respond. Throws everything back to dealer. Dealer fixed rotor problem at no cost. Tried to charge for oil test repair. Believe there are design issues in both instances. Audi has learned nothing from their past problems- they are the most arrogant business I have ever experienced.
Hi Audi 2001 A6 atq 2.8l quattro. Can you investigate the material used on the coolant and windshield wiper reservoirs as I had them crack twice. Also, I brought my car in asked that all recall work be done, I want to be assured that the sensor warranty work was done on the engine coolant temp sensor, oil leaks in upper engine, 3 way catalyst DTC codes sensor as I am getting a check engine light and have already spent over $900 to repair this. Can I get the vacuum hose and tire information as well. I am concerned there are maintenance items which are on your list that my dealer has not performed that I have requested.
Driving westbound on i20 from columbia, sc to st robert/fort leonard wood, mo when engine suddenly lost power. Limped about 3/4 mi to next exit and called for a tow truck. Transported vehicle back to nearest Audi dealer (45 mi east) in columbia, sc. Audi of columbia did diagnostic and after $2527.00 determined that the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 broke in the center. The service department manager stated he has never seen or heard of that happening in all his years with Audi. I believe that this is a material defect and I should not be charged for the replacement of the engine (service managers recommendation).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Audi A6. The contact stated that a valve that allows air in the crankcase freezes. This causes a build-up and prevents oil from escaping due to the frozen valve. The failure occurs in cold weather conditions. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for repair. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.
Engine complaints in other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Audi A6?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Audi A6, 18% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Audi A6 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Audi A6, though it has 7 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 2001 Audi A6 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.