repaired · 2020 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
2016 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 51 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi A6, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-370 the manufacturer reports only 85% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Audi A6 has problems
51 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Engine2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags
6Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
3Service brakes
3Vehicle speed control
2Structure
2Fuel system, gasoline
1512 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 15 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 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.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q1
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.
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
2016 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
2016 Audi A6 safety ratings
2016 Audi A6 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What A6 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out…
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching…
I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under…
Own a 2016 A6?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.