The 2016 Audi A6 has 3 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (17 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints51filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
2016 Audi A6 in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
NHTSA recall 19V035000 · Jan 16, 2019 · 74,881 vehicles
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Electrical system › Wiring
NHTSA recall 18V862000 · Dec 5, 2018 · 845 vehicles
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
Risk: The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the auxiliary heater connector, replacing the auxiliary heater and connector, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 82C1.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
NHTSA recall 18V370000 · Jun 4, 2018 · 139,249 vehicles
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2016 Audi A6 4 DR FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
9%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
2016 Audi A6 4 DR AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
9%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
A6 quattro Diesel
30mpg combined
City / highway
25 / 38 mpg
Fuel
Diesel
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
A6
28mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 34 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM-S7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,950/year to fuel
A6 quattro
25mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 32 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel
A6 quattro
24mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine
17
0
2
0
29,643 mi
Air bags Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger; Sensor › Occupant classification
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 12, 2025Fuel/propulsion system There is a recall out for â2016 Audi A6 vehiclesâ the recalls are âfuel system railâ as well as âcoolant pumpâ. 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 âfuel rail systemâ I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. I have documentation that Iâve 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…
Dec 1, 2025Fuel/propulsion system I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190â200 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,…
Sep 8, 2025Engine 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…
Feb 10, 2025Engine 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.
Nov 2, 2024 · fireElectrical system Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
Apr 22, 2024 · 49,000 milesElectrical system 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.
Apr 16, 2024Electrical system 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.
May 30, 2023Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control 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…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
