RoadVitals

2006 Audi A6

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.
67
Latest Apr 27, 2023
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.
4
Latest Jun 22, 2018
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.
4
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 67 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Audi A6, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 417 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

  • Airbags4050.0%
  • Electrical1316.3%
  • Engine67.5%
  • Steering45.0%
  • Brakes45.0%
  • Tires & wheels33.8%
  • Exterior lighting33.8%
  • Powertrain (other)33.8%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
18V427000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 22, 2018
237,947 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69R7View on NHTSA.gov
17V032000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 11, 2017
33,421 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov
16V382000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 1, 2016
194,453 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 67
Airbags
Filed Apr 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11519314
Incident
Apr 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2021

2006 AUDI A6. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE CONSUMER WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER, WHO STATED THEY BOUGHT AND SOLD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE. ALSO THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 119,00 MILES, BUT THE PREVIOUS OWNER STATED THE ACTUAL MILEAGE WAS OVER 200,000. *JS

NHTSA ID
11396292
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 14, 2020

FAILED FUEL INJECTOR SEAL CAUSING FUEL LEAK

NHTSA ID
11309261
Incident
Feb 3, 2020
Mileage
170,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 27, 2019

I HAVE BEEN SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS TO RECTIFY AN OPEN AIRBAG RECALL THROUGH TWO DIFFERENT AUDI DEALERS. NONE OF THE DEALERS BOTH IN OXNARD, CA AND RANCHO MIRAGE, CA HAVE FOLLOWED THROUGH. I ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT FOR 3/11/2019 FOR THE OXNARD, CA LOCATION, AND THE LATEST COUPLE WERE FOR LAST AND THIS MONTH THROUGH THE AUDI IN RANCHO MIRAGE, CA. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY OF THOSE OF MY FAMILY, AS THE RECALL POINTS OUT THAT A METAL MESH WOULD DEPLOY ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG CAUSING POTENTIAL DEATH. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD APPRECIATE IF AUDI OF AMERICA WAS TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BACK.

NHTSA ID
11282640
Incident
Mar 11, 2019
Airbags
Filed Jul 21, 2018

TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING NOTICES IN THE MAIL REGARDING AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 69R7 - PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG FOR 2 YEARS OR MORE. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR FOR SERVICE IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS TO BYERS AUDI ON HAMILTON ROAD IN COLUMBUS, OH, I HAVE ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG AND EACH TIME I AM TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE AIRBAGS AND WILL LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE. IS AUDI COMPLIANT WITH REQUIREMENTS SIMPLY BY NOTIFYING CUSTOMERS OF THE RECALL OR MUST THEY PERFORM THE SERVICE WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME? I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY GRANDCHILDREN.

NHTSA ID
11112809
Incident
Jun 30, 2016
Airbags
Filed Jul 11, 2018

TAKATA RECALL. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE FOR MONTHS BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. IT'S PRETTY BAD TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES CONSTANTLY BUT THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11110873
Incident
May 8, 2018
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Jul 8, 2018

ENGINE OIL LEAKS THIS IS A "NORMAL" PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE CONSUMER AND THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS CORD BROKE OFF. WILL NOT TURN WITH VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11110141
Incident
Apr 15, 2018
Mileage
138,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 20, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (RUSNAK/PASADENA AUDI, 267 W COLORADO BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91105, (626) 714-3159) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PART WAS TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11102876
Incident
Jun 20, 2018

Manufacturer communications

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

A0023742052680_4

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

DC_AudiRingsV12

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Inside the Rings | Volume 12, Spring 2023

TRMDMV_NM_Audi

AIR BAGS

In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 389 Audi owners in the State of New Mexico on March 13, 2023.

TRMDMV_MA_Audi

AIR BAGS

In conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,907 Audi owners in the State of Massachusetts on March 13, 2023.

TRMDMV_CO_Audi

AIR BAGS

In conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,174 Audi owners in the State of Colorado on February 13, 2023.

DC_Rings_VOL10

AIR BAGS; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Takata recall and 3G turndown

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026500—
2025520—
2024010—
2023210—
2022250—
20211511056.1
2020249054.7
20191137052.5
2018112055.5
2017203043.7
2016513050.7
2015224056.6
2014414050.7
2013526053.5
2012598043.2
2011213054.2
2010173052.8
2009214046.2
2008714049.8
2007534049.1
2006Viewing674048.1
2005913148.5
2004354152.0
2003667154.9
2002884155.2
20011137262.1
20001484458.5
19992179866.5
199813010662.7
1997202054.4
1996512045.5
1995162149.6
1994211—

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.