Sensor: occupant classification
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.
NHTSA has logged 41 owner complaints about the 2014 Audi A6, most often about the steering. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-781 the manufacturer reports only 84% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
41 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
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.
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.
Risk. A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Risk. If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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
2014 Audi A6 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.



Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The electronic steering system on my Audi A6 failed without warning, locking my steering wheel in place. A review of on line message boards for Audi owners indicates this is a systemic problem, and has, for some owners, actually locked their steering while driving. This did not happen to me, but…
Audi sent a notice in June 2021 regarding the issuance of a limited extended warranty coverage for Electromechanical Steering Unit for certain 2011-2016 model year A4, A4 Allroad, A5, S5, RS5, Q5, SQ5, A6, S6, A7, RS7, A8, and S8 vehicles. The letter stated that "Audi has determined that it is…
RECEIVED STEERING MALFUNCTION - DO NOT DRIVE WARNING ON DASH. LOST POWER STEERING ON THE CAR WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. WAS BARELY ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE AUDI DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THIS WOULD BE A $5100 REPAIR. BASICALLY…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.