repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
NewRisk. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi A6, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-201 the manufacturer reports only 84% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Audi A6 has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Electrical system
3Engine
2Forward collision avoidance
2Power train
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Engine and engine cooling
1Steering
1Exterior lighting
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2021 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 · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid
Risk. Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Fuel gauge: fuel level float/sensor/sending unit
Risk. An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags
Risk. An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury…
repaired · 2022 Q3
Sensor: side impact
Risk. A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a…
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
2021 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
2021 Audi A6 safety ratings
2021 Audi A6 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (8.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What A6 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing an emergency limp-home mode that…
The vehicle went in for a software update. After purchasing the vehicle, the software update was part of a recall. Since that recall was performed, my vehicle has a lot of electronic glitches and a lot of issues. My external Morty just got done, paying $4500 to track down a central locking issue on…
My alternator was not working and it was a recall and I paid to fix it and they don’t wanna pay me back. I got a new part from audi and fix it at the shop and they don’t wanna pay anything just called and she said we don’t pay only if he’s done at the dealer. And I don’t believe that! Bc dealer…
Own a 2021 A6?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.