2021 Audi A6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 A6 years
The 2021 Audi A6 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 10th worst of 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other A6 years. It has 17 complaints and 11 recalls, with the Electrical System as the top problem area (65% of complaints).
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 22 city / 29 hwy
Top 2021 Audi A6 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (65%)
- Engine4 (24%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (12%)
- Other2 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (12%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
What owners report
- Electrical system malfunction warnings appear, followed by loss of dash display, transmission dropping into neutral, and engine shutting off while driving.
- Liquid intrusion into the trunk area reaches a control module, causing vehicle malfunction while driving through an intersection.
- Sunroof glass reportedly shattered on its own while driving on the freeway, with the glass pushed upward instead of down.
- Battery warning symbol appears along with loss of automatic restart and air conditioning function, prompting the vehicle to advise stopping.
- Audi Pre-sense collision avoidance system activates unexpectedly during rain or while backing out of a driveway, causing a hard stop.
- Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and oil cooler bracket lead to engine overheating and, in one case, a seized engine.
2021 Audi A6 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
- NHTSA 25V201000Mar 31, 2025Electrical System44,387 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
- NHTSA 23V601000Aug 25, 2023Brakes7,499 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
2021 Audi A6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 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.
2021 compared with other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi A6 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 A6 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years tracked, giving it a 'Good' verdict relative to other A6 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Audi A6?
- The Electrical System accounts for 65% of complaints (11 of 17), with a median mileage at failure of 38,000 miles across the model, followed by Engine issues at 24% (median mileage 80,000).
- Does the 2021 Audi A6 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2021 Audi A6, covering areas such as Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Electrical System, Brakes, Suspension, and Seat Belts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Audi A6 compare to other A6 years?
- The 2021 A6's complaint index of 40 is lower than the worst years, 2019 (100) and 2013 (93), and higher than the best year, 2018 (20), placing it in the better half of A6 model years.