The problem
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. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected because the circuit in these vehicles contains a fuse, which precludes excessive current flow in the case of a short circuit. Audi s6 and s6 avant vehicles are all equipped with xenon low beam headlights and, therefore, are not longer affected by this recall.
The risk
This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 06V-198 (06V198000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | JN |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system |
| Report date | June 5, 2006 |
| Owners notified | December 16, 2006 |
| Vehicles affected | 70,512 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 1998 Audi A6 electrical problems 8
- 1999 Audi A6 electrical problems 37
- 2000 Audi A6 electrical problems 36
- 2001 Audi A6 electrical problems 14
- 2002 Audi A6 electrical problems 15
- 2003 Audi A6 electrical problems 14
- 2004 Audi A6 electrical problems 3
- 2001 Audi Allroad electrical problems 2
- 2002 Audi Allroad electrical problems 3
- 2003 Audi Allroad electrical problems 5
- 2004 Audi Allroad electrical problems 1
- 2005 Audi Allroad electrical problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 06V-198 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 70,512 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.