2016 Audi A6 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Audi A6, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1927.5%
- Fuel system913.0%
- Airbags811.6%
- Electrical811.6%
- Driver assistance68.7%
- Powertrain (other)57.2%
- Brakes45.8%
- Steering22.9%
- Body & structure22.9%
- Other / unspecified22.9%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
- Interior & seats11.4%
- Seat belts11.4%
- Suspension11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
1. Vehicle airbag indicator has illumated. I haven't received a recall letter from manufacturer. Have concerns about driving with airbag light on. 2. There is a recall for electrical wiring. 3. Fuel system/ fuel rail is being recalled.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I have found the camera to be a very common part failure with all Audi's. I can't even get the part there is such a large demand for repairs.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BRAKES ROTORS REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 15K MILES VEHICLE APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAS CONFIRMS BY AUDI DEALER BUT REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES... ROTORS REPLACED AT 25K MILES AND VEHICLE NOW HAS 40K MILES AND NEED ROTORS REPLACE AGAIN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving the car, the steering column failed, making the car unable to steer. Mileage 81,312. The error message was Steering Malfunction, do not drive. and you could not turn the wheel. The independent service center confirmed and replaced the steering column. They stated they are doing 1-2 a week and Audi knows it's an issue as they are stocking the column. The repair cost me $5,000.00. There was no warning until it didn't work.
The electronic steering control module failed while the vehicle was stopped. A light came on the dash which stated something like ~"Do Not Drive Major Steering Malfunction" and the steering became almost impossible to turn. The vehicle was towed to an Audi Dealer and repaired at my significant cost. I am suspicious that there is a known defect which has not been acknowledged by Audi. I also own a 2014 Audi Q5 which I received a letter to extend the warranty for this specific issue (see uploaded information). The cover letter states this applies to Certain 2011-2016 Model Year Audi B8 (Q5) and C7 (A6) & D4 Vehicles. I contacted Audi Customer Care and they were unwilling to tell me any distinguishing attributes for why some 2016 A6 vehicles are included and my 2016 A6 is not. Audi told me that the VINs, PNs, Date of Manufacturer for covered vehicles is proprietary. My A6 has been babied and has never been in an accident or experienced any pothole or similar trauma, yet I had a major steering failure at ~48000 miles 6 months beyond my warranty period. And there is apparently a known defect in other similar Audi vehicles. Audi was very reluctant to discuss this issue with me and told me there is nothing I can do about it. As a minimum, I deserve an explanation on why my A6 with a known steering system defect in similar vehicles is not addressed in their safety and warranty campaign.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEM#1 FUEL DOOR CLIP SUDDENLY STOPPED CLOSING, THEREFORE I COULDN'T FULLY CLOSE IT. PROBLEM #2 TRUNK LATCH STUCK, THEREFORE I HAVE TO GET INTO THE TRUNK USING THE REAR SEATS, THEN RELEASING THE LATCH FROM INSIDE. ALL THIS HAPPENED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF FINANCING THE VEHICLE.
GOT A WARNING LIGHT THAT ADAPTIVE CRUISE AND BRAKING WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THERE WAS A SEAM IN THE BODY THAT WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR. THEY SAID THAT WATER WAS LEAKING IN ON ELECTRICAL MODULES. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUDI AMERICA AND ITS DEALERS HAVE FAIL TO ENSURE MY SAFETY AND FIXING MY CAR ISSUES. AUDI AMERICA SOLD ME A LEMON VEHICLE. EVER SINCE I PURCHASE VEHICLE IT HAS HAD ISSUES INCLUDING STABILITY, WHEEL WROBBLY, AND LOST OF HORSE POWER FEELING LIKE THE CAR IS SHUTTING OFF ON FREE WAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A6. WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE, THE JACK FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER (PAUL MILLER AUDI IN PARSIPPANY, NJ) WHO CAME TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVE, CHRIS DEXTER WITH AUDI OF MENDHAM IN MENDHAM, NJ, FROM WHERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WAS PURCHASED, WAS CONTACTED AND PROMISED TO CALL BACK, BUT DID NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE. THE JACK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased 4 new tires from Tire Choice Auto Service in St. Peters, MO on 6/29/2021. They recommended Blackline Champoints and installed them that day. I noticed a few weeks ago when I drove a couple hours away to visit a college with my daughter, my traction just didn't seem great. I didn't think much at the time or after because my tires were practically brand new. I work from home and maybe have about 4-5k miles on them. I took my car in on Monday this week to my auto shop for my regular oil change, which coincidentally enough it was the month before I got these new tires. The mechanic asked me if I knew my tires were bald, I laughed telling him I got those after my last oil change, no way they could be bald. Sure enough, the front tires are slicker than anything I have ever seen on a tire and the back has hardly any tread at all. How is this even possible when I haven't even put 5,000 miles on them! I don't drive off road, mostly highway and have not been in any accidents. Which leads me to my next and biggest concern... I was driving in the rain last week with my son and we started hydroplaning out of control, again didn't think it was the tires, just that the road must've been extra slick. We could've been seriously injured and I am beyond frustrated to know this was the culprit. I would like something done to rectify this immediately and am giving this company the chance to make this right before I proceed with next steps. I contacted the company who installed them and they said they are having trouble getting in touch with Blacklion or Blackhawk, whichever it is and it could take weeks to fix this. I have one car and do not have weeks. I would like someone to get in touch with me asap to get this fixed, and I do not want anything close to this same tire if they last under 5,000 miles.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SMALLISH SIZED PURSE SLIPPED OFF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE FLOOR BOARD BELOW THE DOOR, LANDING ON THE ELECTRONIC SEAT CONTROLS THAT RECLINE THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT RECLINED THE BACK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BRIDGE AND COULDN'T PULL OVER OR STOP, SMASHING MY GRANDSON'S LEGS, WHO WAS IN HIS CAR SEAT BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT. HE WAS SCREAMING AND THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO REACH THE CONTROLS TO STOP THE EMPTY SEAT FROM RECLINING, SQUISHING HIM INTO HIS CAR SEAT ! LUCKILY, IT DIDN'T BREAK BOTH OF HIS LEGS, BUT IT COULD EASILY HAVE DONE THAT IF HE'D BEEN A LITTLE BIGGER. AS IT WAS HE WAS TERRIFIED AND SO TRAUMATIZED, I'M NOT SURE I'LL EVER GET HIM BACK IN THIS CAR. THERE SHOULD BE CONTROLS THAT CAN'T ACCIDENTALLY BE ENGAGED OR SOME KIND OF REACHABLE CONTROL FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUDI AMERICA AND ITS DEALERS HAVE FAIL TO ENSURE MY SAFETY AND FIXING MY CAR ISSUES. AUDI AMERICA SOLD ME A LEMON VEHICLE. EVER SINCE I PURCHASE VEHICLE IT HAS HAD ISSUES INCLUDING STABILITY, WHEEL WROBBLY, AND LOST OF HORSE POWER FEELING LIKE THE CAR IS SHUTTING OFF ON FREE WAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .