FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
2016 Audi A6
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Audi A6, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,000 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 1 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 4 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 6 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 7 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 8 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 10 |
| Aug 2018 | 3 | 13 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 14 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 16 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 18 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 22 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 23 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 24 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 26 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 27 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 29 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 32 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 34 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 35 |
| Apr 2023 | 2 | 37 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| Aug 2023 | 3 | 41 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 42 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 43 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 44 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 45 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 46 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 47 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 48 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 49 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 50 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 51 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine1927.5%
- Fuel system913.0%
- Airbags811.6%
- Electrical811.6%
- Driver assistance68.7%
- Powertrain (other)57.2%
- Brakes45.8%
- Steering22.9%
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
3 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.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. I have documentation that I’ve paid out of pocket to take care of these issues, however being that there is no current open recalls under my vin number I do not believe mechanics know exactly what to do to fix the issues. The vehicle is misfiring, shutting off and the EPC code is stating “fuel system rail” along with the coolant leaking. I have a [XXX] daughter and to be such an expensive vehicle, I thought I would feel safe and valued. I’ve worked as a service BDC manager for years and at other dealerships when a situation like this would occur, we still wanted them to bring the vehicle into the dealership and if it was in fact relatable to the recall we would take care of it, regardless to it being “vin specific”. There is a such thing as “silent recall”. I really hope that you all can take this as an emergency case and help with such terrible situation. Thank you so much. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11727798
- Incident
- Feb 12, 2025
I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190–200 miles before the fuel gauge indicated empty. This represents a sudden and significant loss of fuel range compared to normal operation. There are no warning lights, check engine lights, fuel smells, visible leaks, rough idle, or abnormal noises. The vehicle operates normally otherwise. The issue appears to involve excessive fuel consumption or incorrect fuel management without any driver warning. This condition poses a potential safety risk because the vehicle may unexpectedly run out of fuel while driving, which could result in loss of power in traffic or on highways, increasing the risk of an accident. The issue has been observed repeatedly after refueling. At the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent repair facility, but diagnostic evaluation is planned. Based on owner research and symptoms, the issue may be related to a fuel system, engine management, or emissions-related component malfunction that does not trigger a warning indicator. No prior warning messages or lamps were displayed before or during the occurrence.
- NHTSA ID
- 11707949
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2025
The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than expected for this type of component. These repeated failures create a significant safety concern, as sudden coolant loss can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to engine failure or loss of power while driving. Each problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Audi service center. The vehicle was inspected by Audi technicians, and repairs were recommended both times. The repeated failure of this critical component strongly suggests a systemic defect with the water pump design on this model. Despite a recent Audi water pump settlement, my vehicle was excluded, even though it has now experienced two failures and is requiring a third replacement.
- NHTSA ID
- 11686225
- Incident
- Sep 8, 2025
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.
- NHTSA ID
- 11650550
- Incident
- Feb 10, 2025
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
- NHTSA ID
- 11625896
- Incident
- Nov 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11586615
- Incident
- Apr 22, 2024
- Mileage
- 49,000 mi
I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
- NHTSA ID
- 11583388
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2024
I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that the front facing camera would need to be replaced but they could not do so because the part in on back order. The part number is 4H0907217FX. Ever since June 2023, the dealer has indicated that the part is still on back order and unavailable. Today March 28, 2024, I contacted AUDI USA and was informed that Audi stopped making that part and it is no longer available. I have been waiting almost a year for Audi to correct this to no avail. The part in question is tied to several safety systems (emergency braking, collision warnings, etc.) and I feel that my vehicle is unsafe to drive. Obviously, this concerning safety issue affects all Audi owners in the United States and I think Audi should immediately be required to fix this safety issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11579921
- Incident
- May 30, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
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.
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.
ENGINE
This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 15 | 11 | 0 | 56.1 |
| 2020 | 24 | 9 | 0 | 54.7 |
| 2019 | 113 | 7 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2018 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 55.5 |
| 2017 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 43.7 |
| 2016Viewing | 51 | 3 | 0 | 50.7 |
| 2015 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2014 | 41 | 4 | 0 | 50.7 |
| 2013 | 52 | 6 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2012 | 59 | 8 | 0 | 43.2 |
| 2011 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 54.2 |
| 2010 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2009 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 46.2 |
| 2008 | 71 | 4 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2007 | 53 | 4 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2006 | 67 | 4 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 2005 | 91 | 3 | 1 | 48.5 |
| 2004 | 35 | 4 | 1 | 52.0 |
| 2003 | 66 | 7 | 1 | 54.9 |
| 2002 | 88 | 4 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2001 | 113 | 7 | 2 | 62.1 |
| 2000 | 148 | 4 | 4 | 58.5 |
| 1999 | 217 | 9 | 8 | 66.5 |
| 1998 | 130 | 10 | 6 | 62.7 |
| 1997 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 54.4 |
| 1996 | 51 | 2 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 1995 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 49.6 |
| 1994 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — |
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.