RoadVitals

2021 Audi A6 Allroad

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Feb 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Dec 19, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and fuel system categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,030 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical436.4%
  • Driver assistance218.2%
  • Fuel system218.2%
  • Body & structure19.1%
  • Engine19.1%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Dec 19, 2025
356,894 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 90TVView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mar 31, 2025
44,387 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 90VCView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Aug 25, 2023
7,499 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 47T9View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Feb 26, 2026

My vehicle was excluded from Recall 25V20100/90VC; however, in early March 2025, it experienced the exact defect described in that recall: a complete failure of the instrument panel module. I paid $3,737.07 for the repair just weeks before the official recall began in late March 2025. I submitted a reimbursement claim to Audi of America under 49 CFR §573 and §577, including the paid invoice and all relevant documentation. Audi has since denied my claim. I am requesting your help to determine why my VIN was excluded from the known safety defect population. If my vehicle was not included, it suggests the recall may have been under-inclusive.

NHTSA ID
11720755
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 1, 2025

The car has traffic sign recognition and uses it for "predictive control" where the vehicle will read traffic signs and adjust the adaptive cruise control setting to based on road signs. It had previously been working well but a software update was recently performed under TSB 2074688/3 on November 6th, 2025 and problems have shown up. Specifically, the system is incorrectly reading signs and sometimes appearing to make signs up out of nowhere. This has resulted in the car slowing down quickly on highways and nearly causing a couple of rear-end collisions due to the unexpected and erratic braking at highway speeds. The car will be going back to the dealer to be looked at, however this is unsafe because other drivers aren't prepared for a car randomly slowing down in front of them while on the highway for no reason. The car is also available to be inspected if needed. The issues first appeared within a week of having the TSB performed and has happened a number of times since. The following incidents have occurred: * Once on Highway 10 heading North/West between Big Lake and Elk River MN; the car was set to 60mph and hallucinated a 15mph speed limit sign. There was no speed limit sign on the road at all when this happened. This resulted in a near rear-end collision with the car behind. * Two times while on Highway 35E Southbound in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro: 60mph to 40mph on clear roads. Once resulted in a near rear-end collision with the car behind. * Two times while on Highway 35E Northbound in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro: 60mph to 40mph on clear roads * Once on Highway 35W Northbound in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro: 60mph to 40mph on clear roads This software update is dangerous and should be updated or recalled, especially since the car did not have any issues of the sort prior to the update being performed.

NHTSA ID
11702177
Incident
Nov 28, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 27, 2025

The Virtual Cockpit of the car (electronic screen right in front of the driver that displays speed, etc.) randomly turns off during driving, reboots, and displays an error message "Instrument Cluster Malfunction". A loud tone then chimes. This malfunction, while brief, is a safety issue due to the lack of speed information while driving.

NHTSA ID
11669614
Incident
Jun 22, 2025
Electrical
Filed Oct 10, 2023

Notice of electronic failure on dash, then car notified me to pull over safely due to the failure after 20 min of driving. Car stopped shifting gears and electronic power steering failed while the vehicle was moving. Difficult to maneuver the car to safety once the Safely Pull Over light came on. 28,680 miles on the vehicle. Dealer stated the problem is the starter generator.

NHTSA ID
11549109
Incident
Oct 7, 2023
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 19, 2023

At a highway speed of 50 MPH the transmission completely disengaged. I was driving on a busy highway with no shoulder. The vehicle continued to coast until I was forced to stop in an unsafe location. I placed the car in park, then in drive, and it was still disengaged. I needed to turn the car off, turn it on and it drove normally. Before I was able to bring it into Audi it occurred a second time on a bridge. I needed to perform the same steps (park, turn off, turn on) to begin driving again. Audi 'repaired' the vehicle. One month later it happened again. A service report cited this as a known issue. It created a significant risk to safety considering all events occurred at highway speed with no warning.

NHTSA ID
11522924
Incident
Jan 8, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Dec 1, 2022

Audi has failed to come up with a repair for recall 22V742. My car consistently shows 1/4 tank of fuel when it’s actually near zero.

NHTSA ID
11495707
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 1, 2022

The car's fuel guage has been inaccurate since the initial purchase. It would always hang at around 50% and then drop to 5% within 10 miles. Thankfully, we are aware and just check the miles driven so we do not get stranded. Requested fix by dealership, they said there was nothing wrong. The recall for my car appeared and I asked for a fix, they said it's not available yet. It's been 6 months and there's still no fix for this. It would also have random computer issues such as screen shutdowns, and "take to dealership warnings" after the 1st 10k checkup. Had to bring back to the dealership, they replaced the entire computer. Seems to be fine, except a couple restarts. Back left seat is also damaged and would not lock into the upright position. Have not gone to dealership to fix yet as it will take time to buy parts and this is my only car.

NHTSA ID
11482410
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 30, 2022

Today, I was in a protected left turn lane prior to making the turn. When oncoming traffic (4 lanes) cleared, I gently pressed the gas pedal to start the turn, but a red “pre-sense” error triggered and slammed on the brakes. I moved my foot to the brake and then back to the gas, and the error cleared, allowing me to continue the turn. This was dangerous as I could have stopped in front of oncoming traffic or been rear-ended by the car behind me. This is the first time I’ve had pre-sense braking engage, though I’ve gotten error messages while traveling at ~50mph in heavy traffic that’s it’s about to kick in. Several weeks ago, I made an appointment at my dealership to have the error messages looked at, but the first available appointment was about a month out, so I haven’t been able to take it in yet. In today’s incident, there was no warning before the braking engaged. I’m supportive of safety measures, but I am now scared of driving my car - I would rather have none of the fancy safety features than have false positives that put me in danger. This is like the Boeing 737 Max issue - why are cars with these issues allowed to be on the road??? Please make Audi fix this urgently, as message boards suggest it’s been an issue for at least five years!

NHTSA ID
11476690
Incident
Jul 30, 2022

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2069594_3

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding sloshing noises from the roof area when the vehicle is moving; water under front trim.

TSB_2082846_1

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

TSB_2081573_4

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.

TSB_2078648_2

STRUCTURE:BODY

This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.

TSB_2073282_1

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

TSB_2073747_4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi A6 Allroad by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026210
2025110
2024010
2023110
2022240
2021Viewing980
2020840

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.