Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 8% | 25,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% | 4,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% | 76,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% | 48,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 11% | 62,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% | 110,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 9% | 100,000 miles |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% | 42,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 12% | 23,000 miles |
| 2000 | 29 | 20% | 76,000 miles |
| 1999 | 39 | 18% | 89,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% | 74,000 miles |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Massive safety liability here. My 2019 Audi A6 was on the highway traveling at 75mph on 4/25/2023 at noon when with no prior warning, all of the electrical systems started failing rapidly. In the course of 90 seconds, there was an electrical malfunction warning, quickly followed by malfunction warnings for steering, brakes, and cascading shutdowns of all systems like the transmission, ABS, Collision Warning, Lane Departure, lights, hazard warning lights, instrument screens/clusters, HVAC, windows- literally everything. A complete failure of every component and safety system while driving highspeed is extremely dangerous. Had this happened at night, I would have been bricked in the middle of the road without headlights, hazard lights, airbags, etc. The car had to be towed away to the dealership and is available for inspection. …
This 2019 Audi A6 purchased on Aug/2020 brand new from an authorized Audi dealer, after several complaints on its breaking behavior it has been diagnosed at the dealer with "Bended Brake Discs or Pressure Plates". Vehicle has been used as a family car an driven in a normal way only by myself. The odometer currently reads 32,165 miles. I believe that the material or workmanship were/are defective. The safety issue is in relation to the longer distance it takes to break and the extreme vibration on the steering wheel when going over 55+mph. No warning messages or any other vehicle feedback is received.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and pulsated. The stopping distance was increased and there were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with warped front brake rotors that needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 17,000.
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding persistent mechanical failures and safety concerns with my 2014 Audi A6, VIN: [redacted] , which have resulted in significant repair expenses, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards. Despite having the front brakes and sensors replaced in the previous year, I recently experienced brake warning lights and related malfunctions. According to the most recent service report from Audi Bethesda (Repair Order [redacted], dated May 9, 2025), it was discovered that the incorrect brake pad sensor had previously been installed and that connectors were not properly secured. Additionally, the repair team found further issues with the ABS sensor and rear brake pad sensors-indicating an ongoing pattern of misdiagnosis and improper installation by authorized service providers. …
A few times when slowly gliding to a stop (red light or stop sign) when stepping on the brake pedal it seems to go to the floor and needs to be pumped in order to stop. It's a scary situation. I cannot make it happen. It didn't seem to happen until I had the brake fluid changed during routine maintenance at Audi. I reported the problem to dealer where the work was done and they said that they redid the fluid change but the problem has re-occurred a couple of times. Also, it seems that when sitting in the car with it idling I can just about press the brake pedal to the floor.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message was displayed on the instrument panel indicating that the collision avoidance system was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to d. Patrick Audi located at 200 n green river rd, evansville, in 47715, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
I purchased this car in January of 2017 from Audi (international autos) of orland park, illinois. The car was a cpo vehicle, and we also purchased Audi care. We live in central illinois, and we drove the car home 2 hours from the dealership. During the drive, we noticed a vibration when braking at highway speeds. We contacted our local Audi service department, grossinger motors. The brakes were warped, causing the vibration. They identified that the car had recently had the pads and rotors replaced at the orland park dealership and were still under warranty. Rather than having us make the four hour round trip, they replaced them again at their location. Since then we have had 2 more sets of rotors replaced, and the car is back in the shop for the fourth set. The warranty covered the first 3 sets, as they had to be replaced within only a couple thousand miles of each other. …
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold May not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
NHTSA investigations
Brake and clutch pedal bracket
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A6 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (39), 2000 (29), 1998 (19), 2001 (14) and 2002 (11) model years. Brake complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Audi A6 brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 23V-601 (fluid, Aug 25, 2023); 99V131001 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, May 21, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi A6 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (26 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (26).
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.