2016 Audi A6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Audi A6 has a complaint index of 80, ranking 5th worst out of 21 model years, and is rated Avoid. Engine problems dominate (39% of complaints, median failure mileage 26,287) alongside three recalls covering fuel rails, an auxiliary heater connector, and airbag seat frames.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #5 of 21 A6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 51
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2016 Audi A6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine stalls or shuts off suddenly while driving, sometimes at low speed after a turn, with the steering wheel locking up.
- Engine coolant loss accompanied by visible smoke, requiring the car to be towed.
- Brake pedal pulsation and increased stopping distance traced to warped front rotors.
- Airbag warning light cycles on and off, tied to a Takata-related recall with parts unavailable for repair.
- Electrical stumbling or brief power loss while idling, with the car cutting off and regaining power moments later.
- Water intrusion from an improperly welded body seam triggers loss of adaptive cruise and braking features.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 A6 ranks 5th worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 80 and an Avoid verdict. Engine issues make up 39% of complaints.
- What are the main problems with the 2016 Audi A6?
- Engine problems lead at 39% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 26,287, followed by fuel system issues (18%) and airbag concerns (16%).
- Does the 2016 Audi A6 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2016 A6: leaking fuel rails, an incorrectly inserted auxiliary heater connector, and airbag seat frame wear.
- How does the 2016 A6 compare to other years?
- The 2016 A6 is worse than the 2017 and 2018 A6, both rated Best with complaint indexes of 20 and 15, but better than the 2019 A6, which has the highest complaint index of 100.