Menu

2002 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 88 owner complaints about the 2002 Audi A6, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

40
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.5× the A6 median · #6 of 27 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints8814 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 12, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Audi A6 has problems

88 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling151
Electrical system152
Service brakes, hydraulic100
Power train100
Fuel system, gasoline100
Air bags76
Vehicle speed control71
Fuel/propulsion system50
Engine50
11 other systems244

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2002 Audi A6 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other A6 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A6 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Audi A6 safety ratings

2002 Audi A6 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Audi A6, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL TANK LEAKPE08008 · closed May 30, 2008
    Led to recall 08V-156
In owners' words

What A6 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS MARKING MISFIRE BUT I HAVE GOTTEN A COMPLETE TUNE-UP, CHANGED ALL 6 COILS ON THE ENGINE CHANGED ALL THE SPARK PLUGS, I'VE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE AND CHANGED EVERYTHING I CAN THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE ENGINE ALL BRAND NEW AND NOTHING HAS WORKED AND ITS STILL SAYING…
Complaint 10430871 · Oct 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI A6 QUATTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO THE IGNITION COIL UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT…
Complaint 10394322 · Apr 5, 2011 · 103,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI A6. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED FOR EMISSIONS 01/10/2011, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE COIL. THE FAILURE LED TO DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE COIL. THE LOCAL…
Complaint 10383128 · Feb 17, 2011 · 99,370 miles

Own a 2002 A6?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.