2016 Audi A6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 A6 years
The 2016 Audi A6 ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 87 and 51 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 39% of complaints, alongside 3 recalls covering fuel rails, electrical connectors, and airbags.
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23 city / 33 hwy
Top 2016 Audi A6 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine20 (39%)
- Fuel System9 (18%)
- Airbags8 (16%)
- Electrical System8 (16%)
- Brakes5 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (10%)
- Other4 (8%)
- Structure & Body3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (4%)
What owners report
- Engine coolant loss leads to smoking and towing, with one owner's repair occurring at 26,287 miles matching the pattern seen in the median engine-failure mileage.
- Engine shuts off suddenly while driving, including during turns, triggering a stop/start warning and locking the steering wheel.
- Vehicle stumbles or loses power briefly while idling or driving, then regains power moments later.
- Brake pedal pulsates and stopping distance increases due to warped front brake rotors, diagnosed by a dealer.
- Airbag recall parts remain unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners without a repair timeline despite an active Takata-related airbag light.
- A body seam not welded properly allows water to leak onto electrical modules, triggering warnings that adaptive cruise and braking are unavailable.
2016 Audi A6 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V862000Dec 5, 2018Electrical System845 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Audi A6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Audi A6 a good year to buy?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2016 Audi A6 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 87 and an Avoid verdict relative to other A6 years. Engine problems account for 39% of its 51 complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A6?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, representing 20 of 51 complaints (39%), with a median failure mileage of 26,287 miles. Fuel system, airbag, and electrical system issues each account for 8-9 complaints.
- Does the 2016 Audi A6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A6: leaking fuel rails, an incorrectly inserted auxiliary heater electrical connector, and a seat airbag stress/wear issue.
- How does the 2016 Audi A6 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 87 is higher than 2017 (27), 2018 (20), and 2021 (40), but lower than 2019's index of 100. Among 16 model years tracked, 2016 ranks 3rd worst.
- Were there any fires reported for the 2016 Audi A6?
- NHTSA lists 2 fire reports for the 2016 Audi A6, out of 51 total complaints, with no associated crashes or deaths.