2021 Audi A6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Audi A6 has a Complaint Index of 45 and ranks 12th worst out of 21 model years, but its verdict is capped at Caution because of 11 recall campaigns. Electrical system problems dominate, making up 65% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 45/100
- #12 of 21 A6 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 17
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 22 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Audi A6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Liquid intrusion in the trunk area reached a control module and caused the vehicle to malfunction while driving through an intersection.
- Owners describe cascading warning lights (lane departure, adaptive cruise, collision avoidance) followed within minutes by transmission and engine shutdown while underway.
- At 38,000 miles, an electrical malfunction warning appeared while driving 45 MPH, followed by components turning off and the vehicle stalling, requiring a tow.
- The sunroof reportedly shattered spontaneously on the freeway with a loud bang and no apparent impact.
- Steering-related warnings coincided with the automatic restart system shutting down and air conditioning failing, along with a red battery symbol advising the driver to stop.
- At 80,000 miles, the engine overheated, the low coolant light came on, and the engine seized due to a failed coolant pump.
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 complaints?
- NHTSA lists 17 complaints for the 2021 A6, giving it a Complaint Index of 45, which ranks 12th worst among 21 model years covered. Electrical system issues account for 65% of those complaints.
- Should I avoid the 2021 Audi A6?
- The 2021 A6 carries a Caution verdict, not Avoid. The rating is capped at Caution because of 11 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, despite a moderate complaint index.
- What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi A6?
- Electrical system issues are the top problem area, making up 65% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 38,000 miles for that category.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A6 have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A6, covering areas including electrical system software, brake fluid caps, seat belts, and rearview camera display.
- How does the 2021 Audi A6 compare to other A6 model years?
- With a Complaint Index of 45, the 2021 A6 is less problematic than years like 2019 (index 100, Avoid) but rated worse than 2017 and 2018, which both earned Best verdicts.