2016 Audi A6 problems

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The Audi A6 is an executive car made by the German company Audi since 1994. Now in its fifth generation, the successor to the Audi 100 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is available in saloon and estate configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. Audi's internal numbering treats the A6 as a continuation of the Audi 100 lineage, with the initial A6 designated as a member of the C4-series, followed by the C5, C6, C7, and the C8. The related Audi A7 is essentially a Sportback (liftback) version of the C7-series and C8-series A6 but is marketed under its own separate identity and model designation.

All generations of the A6 have offered either front-wheel-drive or Torsen-based four-wheel-drive, marketed by Audi as their quattro system. The A6 has also been used as the basis for the company's Allroad models since 1999.

Both petrol and diesel versions of the A6 are offered. The wide range of engines available have power outputs ranging from 150 to 333 PS (110 to 245 kW). These are inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines and more powerful 3-litre units in a V6 configuration with a mechanical compressor.

2016 Audi A6

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Common 2016 Audi A6 problems

The Audi A6, a luxury car produced since 1994, is known for its quality infotainment and excellent performance. However, some model years have been associated with common problems. This article focuses on the 2016 Audi A6, highlighting issues that have been reported by owners.

  • Faulty Airbags and Seatbelt Tensioners: Some 2016 Audi A6 models may have faulty airbags and seatbelt tensioners, which might not work correctly in a collision. These components were reportedly installed in cars built between May 1, 2016, and October 30, 2016.
  • Auxiliary Heater Element: Auxiliary heater elements in the air conditioning system of A6s built between July 8, 2014, and October 31, 2014, could fail. Audi has issued a recall to rectify this issue, and owners should contact their local Audi dealer for further information.
  • Towing Bracket: Audi has identified an issue with the locking mechanism of the hinged tow bar in some A6s built between December 2, 2015, and December 17, 2018. Owners should book their cars into an Audi dealer to have the tow bar inspected, as a bracket may need to be replaced.
  • Panoramic Glass Sunroof: A small number of cars built between July 16, 2018, and October 10, 2018, and fitted with a panoramic glass roof may have an issue with the bonding agent used to keep the glass panels in place. Affected cars will need to have the panels stuck down again to solve the problem.
  • Fuel Leaks: Two recalls have been issued for the A6 regarding fuel leaks. The first concerns cars made from April 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, while the second affects vehicles made between February 18, 2014, and September 2, 2016. Owners should contact their local dealer to find out if their car is affected.
  • Coolant Pump: Particles in the engine coolant could end up blocking the pump and lead to it overheating. This issue affects vehicles made between May 1, 2011, and October 31, 2016, and requires a coolant system check and replacement of any damaged parts, along with a software update.
  • Reduction in Braking Performance: A6s built between January 1, 2012, and August 27, 2014, could experience a reduction in braking performance due to an issue with the diaphragm in the brake servo. Audi dealers can rectify the fault for affected cars.
  • Electronic Issues: Some owners of the 2016 Audi A6 have reported issues with the MMI screen, which can go blank during drives. Additionally, the rear shade may not always go up or down, especially on hot days.

In conclusion, the 2016 Audi A6 has been associated with several common problems, including faulty airbags and seatbelt tensioners, issues with the auxiliary heater element, towing bracket, panoramic glass sunroof, fuel leaks, coolant pump, reduction in braking performance, and electronic issues. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to contact their local Audi dealer for further information and to address any concerns related to these issues.

2016 Audi A6 engine

Are 2016 Audi A6 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2016 Audi A6? The 2016 Audi A6 has a reliability score of three out of five from J.D. Power. That's considered average across all cars, but a lot of luxury midsize sedans score better. Four Lexus models have perfect reliability scores.

What is the most common problem with Audi A6?

The Audi A6 saloon has been blighted by a range of electrical issues: 44% had a fault, two-thirds concerning engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/ infotainment. Although 83% could still be driven, 46% took more than a week to put right.

How many miles can a 2016 Audi A6 last?

Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.

Is Audi A6 high maintenance?

Audis are expensive cars to maintain. According to RepairPal, the average annual Audi repair cost is $987. This is much higher than the average across all brands, which is $652.

Are 2016 Audi A6 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2016 Audi A6? The 2016 Audi A6 has a reliability score of three out of five from J.D. Power. That's considered average across all cars, but a lot of luxury midsize sedans score better. Four Lexus models have perfect reliability scores.

What is the most common problem with Audi A6?

The Audi A6 saloon has been blighted by a range of electrical issues: 44% had a fault, two-thirds concerning engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/ infotainment. Although 83% could still be driven, 46% took more than a week to put right.

How many miles can a 2016 Audi A6 last?

Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.

Is an Audi A6 reliable?

The Audi A6 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $913 which means it has poor ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the A6.

2016 Audi A6 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A6 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Audi A6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2016 Audi A6

The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Audi A6. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Audi A6 vehicles.

2024-05-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-22
  • VIN: WAUCFAFC1GN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.
2024-04-16

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
  • VIN: WAUFFAFC7GN
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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 recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
2024-03-28

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-30
  • VIN: WAUHGAFC9GN
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that the front facing camera would need to be replaced but they could not do so because the part in on back order. The part number is 4H0907217FX. Ever since June 2023, the dealer has indicated that the part is still on back order and unavailable. Today March 28, 2024, I contacted AUDI USA and was informed that Audi stopped making that part and it is no longer available. I have been waiting almost a year for Audi to correct this to no avail. The part in question is tied to several safety systems (emergency braking, collision warnings, etc.) and I feel that my vehicle is unsafe to drive. Obviously, this concerning safety issue affects all Audi owners in the United States and I think Audi should immediately be required to fix this safety issue.
2024-01-12

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
  • VIN: WAUHMAFC7GN
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: The camera associated with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems thought there was an object in the road multiple times while on active cruise control. This resulted in the brakes being engaged - could have been rear ended very easily causing an accident. The camera system has now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as the cruise control. After researching the issue and talking to the dealership I have found the camera to be a very common part failure with all Audi's. I can't even get the part there is such a large demand for repairs.
2023-11-27

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC2GN
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: While driving the car, the steering column failed, making the car unable to steer. Mileage 81,312. The error message was Steering Malfunction, do not drive. and you could not turn the wheel. The independent service center confirmed and replaced the steering column. They stated they are doing 1-2 a week and Audi knows it's an issue as they are stocking the column. The repair cost me $5,000.00. There was no warning until it didn't work.
2023-08-16

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC0GN
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: During annual oil change inspection the mechanic found that the coolant was leaking and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The car has under 48000 miles.
2023-08-16

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-04-10
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC0GN
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: At high speeds (around 65 or more), when I apply the brakes I can sense some vibration in the brakes. I mentioned to the dealer that the brakes are not smooth as in my other cars. I was told, it is because Audi is a "performance car." Now I know that it is just poorly built.
2023-08-11

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC0GN
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
2023-07-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-12
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC6GN
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated while having routine maintenance on the vehicle, the independent mechanic became aware that the water pump was leaking. The contact was informed that the water pump, the thermostat assembly, and the upper coolant pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 26,205.
2023-04-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-06
  • VIN: WAUDFAFC9GN
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I left a gas station located one mile from my house. All seemed well. I drove into my garage, shut the engine off, and saw steam coming from under the hood. Inspection showed coolant below minimum level. I had the car towed to a garage. The water pump seal and water pump had failed. The thermostat also failed. I had no warning that anything was about to happen. No warning lamps or alarms were presented. Had this happened on the freeway, the engine would have overheated and locked up before I knew that there was a problem. I would have lost control of the car. The mechanic said that this failure at such low mileage, 51, 803, was unusual. My experience is that a failed water pump should not be expected before at least 150,000 miles of use.
2023-04-07

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC7GN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while refueling, the gas nozzle would frequently stop, causing gasoline to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the fuel tank sensor needed to be moved to another location on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined to seek a second opinion. The contact was assured by the dealer that the vehicle was safe to be driven. A few days after leaving the dealer, the vehicle stalled while driving at a slow speed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer who discovered that fuel had filled up in the evaporation canister sensor which caused the fuel tank and the fuel pump to become defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
2023-03-29

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-28
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC7GN
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I’ve stated to dealer I’ve been having ongoing problems with my vehicle and they failed to fix the issue , while refueling the fuel nozzle stops and fuel spills. They said it’s safe to drive it’s just a sensor that needs to be moved
2023-01-16

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-13
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC8GN
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Water pump and engine thermostat malfunction, check engine light is on.
2022-12-09

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-11
  • VIN: WAUHMAFC8GN
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The electronic steering control module failed while the vehicle was stopped. A light came on the dash which stated something like ~"Do Not Drive Major Steering Malfunction" and the steering became almost impossible to turn. The vehicle was towed to an Audi Dealer and repaired at my significant cost. I am suspicious that there is a known defect which has not been acknowledged by Audi. I also own a 2014 Audi Q5 which I received a letter to extend the warranty for this specific issue (see uploaded information). The cover letter states this applies to Certain 2011-2016 Model Year Audi B8 (Q5) and C7 (A6) & D4 Vehicles. I contacted Audi Customer Care and they were unwilling to tell me any distinguishing attributes for why some 2016 A6 vehicles are included and my 2016 A6 is not. Audi told me that the VINs, PNs, Date of Manufacturer for covered vehicles is proprietary. My A6 has been babied and has never been in an accident or experienced any pothole or similar trauma, yet I had a major steering failure at ~48000 miles 6 months beyond my warranty period. And there is apparently a known defect in other similar Audi vehicles. Audi was very reluctant to discuss this issue with me and told me there is nothing I can do about it. As a minimum, I deserve an explanation on why my A6 with a known steering system defect in similar vehicles is not addressed in their safety and warranty campaign.
2022-11-09

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-28
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC1GN
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I purchased 4 new tires from Tire Choice Auto Service in St. Peters, MO on 6/29/2021. They recommended Blackline Champoints and installed them that day. I noticed a few weeks ago when I drove a couple hours away to visit a college with my daughter, my traction just didn't seem great. I didn't think much at the time or after because my tires were practically brand new. I work from home and maybe have about 4-5k miles on them. I took my car in on Monday this week to my auto shop for my regular oil change, which coincidentally enough it was the month before I got these new tires. The mechanic asked me if I knew my tires were bald, I laughed telling him I got those after my last oil change, no way they could be bald. Sure enough, the front tires are slicker than anything I have ever seen on a tire and the back has hardly any tread at all. How is this even possible when I haven't even put 5,000 miles on them! I don't drive off road, mostly highway and have not been in any accidents. Which leads me to my next and biggest concern... I was driving in the rain last week with my son and we started hydroplaning out of control, again didn't think it was the tires, just that the road must've been extra slick. We could've been seriously injured and I am beyond frustrated to know this was the culprit. I would like something done to rectify this immediately and am giving this company the chance to make this right before I proceed with next steps. I contacted the company who installed them and they said they are having trouble getting in touch with Blacklion or Blackhawk, whichever it is and it could take weeks to fix this. I have one car and do not have weeks. I would like someone to get in touch with me asap to get this fixed, and I do not want anything close to this same tire if they last under 5,000 miles.
2022-08-12

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-08
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC5GN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that the vehicle had shuddered and failed to accelerate on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the fuel rails needed to be replaced. The spark plugs were replaced. However, the fuel rails were not replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The dealer also informed the contact of prior recall repairs that had been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 70,240.
2022-05-03

AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-28
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC4GN
  • Components: AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1. Vehicle airbag indicator has illumated. I haven't received a recall letter from manufacturer. Have concerns about driving with airbag light on. 2. There is a recall for electrical wiring. 3. Fuel system/ fuel rail is being recalled.
2022-03-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-03-09
  • VIN: waugfafc9gn
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was overheating and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
2021-10-01

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-09-10
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC6GN
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated the emergency lights were illuminated. The vehicle loss coolant and overheated. The stop immediately message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine coolant housing assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
2021-08-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-26
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WAUCFAFC8GN
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The engine caught fire without being used for 24 hours before
2021-02-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-03
  • VIN: WAUGFAFCXGN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
  • Summary: OK PURCHASED THE CAR OCTOBER 2019, IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A BURNING SMELL, IN THE CAR. TOOK OUT TO AUDI MULTIPLE TIMES ASK IF THERE WAS A LEAK, BEFORE THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. THEY SAID NO, NOW A YEAR LATER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. ONE DIAGNOSTIC DONE AT JIFFY LUBE READ A CODE THAT SAYS IT IS THE COMPUTER AUXILIARY OUTPUT. TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI TO DO A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC, THEY SAID ITS THE THERMOSTAT, AND COOLANT PUMP. MY CAR IS NOT EVER HEATING AND THE HEAT AND AIR WORK FINE. HOW IS IT NOW THAT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THEY NOTICE THE LEAK IN THE COOLANT PUMP, WHEN I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SMELL OF BURNING WATER WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF A LEAK ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED ME 1683.00 THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SAME PARTS. A YEAR AGO WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR THERE WERE FAULTY ISSUES WITH THE COMPUTER. AUDI DID REPLACE THIS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT A MONTH AGO THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT COME ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THEM IT WAS ON AND OFF THEY SAID TO BRING IN IF IT CONTINUES. SOON AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN ITS A LEAK IN THE COOLANT PUMP ALLEGEDLY. I REPEATEDLY ASKED THEM IF THE CA HAD A LEAK WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT ONLY BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS GIVING OFF THE BURNT SMELL. THEY WAITED UNTIL THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY TO AGREE WITH ME. THERE IS A RECALL TO FIX THE COOLANT PUMPS ON THE AUDI BUT THEY ARE WANTING TO CHARGE ME TO REPAIR MINE. RIGHT NOW THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ME TONIGHT AND THE EPC LIGHT IS ON. CAR WILL NOT START, NOR WOULD THE ENGINE RECEIVE THE GAS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. ONLY BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR, I SHOULD NOT HAVE MAJOR ISSUES WITH IT AS OF NOW.
2021-02-11

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-02-03
  • VIN: WAUFGAFC7GN
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BRAKES ROTORS REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 15K MILES VEHICLE APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAS CONFIRMS BY AUDI DEALER BUT REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES... ROTORS REPLACED AT 25K MILES AND VEHICLE NOW HAS 40K MILES AND NEED ROTORS REPLACE AGAIN
2020-11-18

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-15
  • VIN: WAUFFAFC3GN
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: PROBLEM#1 FUEL DOOR CLIP SUDDENLY STOPPED CLOSING, THEREFORE I COULDN'T FULLY CLOSE IT. PROBLEM #2 TRUNK LATCH STUCK, THEREFORE I HAVE TO GET INTO THE TRUNK USING THE REAR SEATS, THEN RELEASING THE LATCH FROM INSIDE. ALL THIS HAPPENED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF FINANCING THE VEHICLE.
2019-12-08

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-02
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC8GN
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED BUT IS OF GREAT CONCERN
2019-09-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-08-28
  • VIN: WAUGFAFC9GN
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: AUDI RECALLED 2012-2015 A6 CARS WITH THE 2.0L TFSI ENGINE, ALONG WITH OTHER AUDI MODELS, DUE TO FAULTY COOLANT/WATER PUMP (NHTSA RECALL # 18V-229 MFG RECALL #19N3/19N4). FOR THE A6, THE BRACKETING WAS FOR CARS BUILT FROM 4/4/2011 - 12/22/2014. THE BRACKETING FOR OTHER MODELS IMPACTED BY THE RECALLED VARIED FROM 2012-2017. MY A6 2.0 WAS BUILT IN FEB 2015, BUT WAS CLASSIFIED AS A 2016 MODEL. ON 8/28/2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY AUDI DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT I HAD A DEFECTIVE COOLANT/WATER PUMP, AND THAT THE PUMP WAS ABOUT TO BURST AND NEEDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. I WAS AWARE OF THE RECALL, AND ASKED IF THE PUMP ON MY CAR WAS SIMILAR TO THE PUMPS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, WHICH THEY CONFIRMED THE PUMP PART NUMBER ON MY CAR MATCHED THE PUMP PART NUMBER THAT WAS BEING RECALLED. HOWEVER, SINCE MY CAR WAS CLASSIFIED AS A 2016, IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT THE BRACKETING THAT WAS USED TO DETERMINE WHICH CARS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL WAS NOT BROAD ENOUGH FOR THE A6 MODELS, AS IT APPEARS THAT THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS WERE ALSO USED ON SOME 2016 A6 MODELS OR CARS BUILT AFTER 12/22/2014.

2016 Audi A6 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Audi A6.

2019-01-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
2018-12-05
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
  • Consequence: The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the auxiliary heater connector, replacing the auxiliary heater and connector, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 82C1.
2018-06-04
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Negative 2016 Audi A6 car reviews

  1. Connor Rutherford 2025-01-04

    Hello! I noticed a few things about this car coming from a 5-series BMW. The gas mileage for a 2 liter engine is not great, I'm getting about 12 mpg in traffic even with conservative driving habits. The navigation system is okay, but it could use some improvement such as street routing and traffic display for local streets that I rely on for my daily commute. The engine vibration can be a bit annoying in stop and go traffic, but it's not a deal breaker. The controls may not be as intuitive as I would like, but that could just be personal preference.

  2. Kaden Herman 2024-11-15

    The highway can be quite noisy and the ride can be harsh.

  3. Estevan Kulas 2024-10-10

    We bought our 2016 3.0T prem plus A6 in June 2016. Unfortunately, a month later, the in-dash screen went dark and only powered up again after turning the car off and restarting it after 15 minutes. This happened again every 5-6 months, and despite taking it to the dealership, they were unable to replicate the issue. In March 2018, the car stalled on a busy highway, completely locking up, but luckily we were unharmed. The Steven Creek dealership kept it for 3 days and said they could not replicate the problem. Despite turning off the auto start system, the transmission started to lurch and the engine speed would rumble at low speed as if it might stall again intermittently. Given our previous experiences with our 2008 A4, 2011 A6, and 2011 Q5, which were burning 1 qt of oil every 5000 miles, and were told that this was 'normal,' along with the eventual diesel gate scandal, we have decided to move on from the Audi A6 and leave the VW/Audi brand altogether because we value our lives.

  4. Claude Skiles 2024-09-24

    I was initially excited about the Audi name when I got this car. However, I have noticed a few issues. Firstly, the engine is quite loud, even with the windows closed, which is a big difference compared to my wife's MB E350. Additionally, the ride can be a bit rough, even on the most comfortable setting, especially for passengers in the backseat. Whenever we go out as a family, the kids always prefer to ride in my wife's car. I was also disappointed with the infotainment system, which feels outdated and difficult to navigate. I hope Audi can learn from Tesla or Volvo on how to make their infotainment system more user-friendly and attractive. Despite these issues, I still plan to keep the car until the end of its warranty period.

  5. Marcellus Swift 2024-08-20

    This is my third A6 and I was excited to love it, but unfortunately, it has not met my expectations. I have had some issues with the technology packages, including the GPS and voice activation, and the brake assist has not been working properly. Additionally, there have been some rattling noises that have been concerning. I have been in contact with 'Audi Experience' and the service department, but unfortunately, the issues have not been resolved. I am considering exploring 'lemon law' protection, as this has been a frustrating experience. Despite this, I appreciate the helpful salesperson at the dealership and will continue to consider Audi in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Positive 2016 Audi A6 car reviews

  1. Mike Beahan 2025-01-01

    I absolutely love this car! It's the perfect size for a luxury car and the interior is upscale with high-quality materials. The 3.0T engine is incredibly smooth and has a good amount of pep. While I haven't driven the 2.0T, I imagine it would feel somewhat underpowered due to the car's weight. The Quattro AWD is very capable and the car handles better than any luxury car should. In my opinion, the A6 is the best-looking mid-sized luxury car in its class. However, the MMI (multimedia interface) is a bit of a letdown. While the screen is a nice size and the navigation is clear and bright, the system is not laid out logically and many basic controls are either missing or hidden within multiple menus. The in-car phone control is clunky and awkward, making it faster and easier to use the phone's controls directly (which is unsafe and in most states illegal). The steering wheel controls can only control about 50% of what they should. Despite these issues, the car itself is so great that I'll put up with the MMI's shortcomings.and still give it 4 stars!

  2. Brendon Cruickshank 2024-11-03

    The vehicle is reliable overall, but it occasionally experiences a slight lurching sensation when coming to a stop. Additionally, the car may turn off at times, but it quickly restarts and may exhibit a slight lurching sensation when accelerating from a stop, such as at stop lights.

  3. Louvenia Ernser 2024-09-18

    Update 4/13/21 - 52,500 miles. Hi there! I just wanted to share that I had a bit of an issue with my car recently - the coolant expansion tank hose was leaking. Luckily, I was able to replace the entire piece myself with a new formed hose that only cost $14.50. I'm really impressed with the fit and finish of the car, and it's so quiet inside! I've been thinking about upgrading to a 2014-2016 Mercedes E350 4Matic sport, but I'm still really happy with my A6. I bought it in September 2019 with 46K miles from the original owner after finding the interior of my previous car too cramped. The A6 has base 18

  4. Savion Johnson 2024-08-25

    The car is amazing!

  5. Robbie Balistreri 2024-08-10

    Had this car for a little over a year, no issues at all. I've put 40,000 miles on it in a short time. The diesel is fast, acceleration is fantastic, love the AWD, luxurious interior, comfortable and smooth ride and the fuel economy of the diesel engine. Fuel range on 1 tank of diesel is 650 miles and getting 38 MPG on the highway. This is my first Audi and certainly won't be my last.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Audi A6 problems:

Need advice on buying a used 2016 Audi a6 : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Need advice on buying a used 2016 Audi a6 : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/14insgx/need_advice_on_buying_a_used_2016_audi_a6/

Jun 25, 2023 ... Nothing but routine maintenance, in that period I didn't even have to change the brakes. Audi has fixed their reliability issues, and the V6 on ...

A6 Turbodiesel common issues - Forum
A6 Turbodiesel common issues - Forum
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/893360-A6-Turbodiesel-common-issues

Apr 27, 2020 ... A6 Turbodiesel common issues ... So don't be alarmed with the sticker shock if/when this comes up. 2016 A6 ... 2015 Audi C7 A6 TDI S-Line Black ...

2016 Audi A6 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2016 Audi A6 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/audi/a6/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Audi A6? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Audizine Forums
Audizine Forums
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/848274-Feedback-from-3-0-TDI-Owners

Mar 12, 2019 ... 2016 A6 TDI Prestige - Malone Stage 2, DPF ... As far as the TDI engine goes for the OP, I absolutely love my 14 a6. ... Current: 2014 C7 Audi A6 ...

The Most Common 2016 Audi A6 Problems | GetJerry.com
The Most Common 2016 Audi A6 Problems | GetJerry.com
https://getjerry.com/car-insurance/the-most-common-2016-audi-a6-problems

Jan 9, 2024 ... The most common problems for the 2016 Audi A6 are improper deployment of the passenger airbag, overheating of the auxiliary heat connector, and ...

Other years of Audi A6

audi a6 2017 photo
A6 2017
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18

3

26

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A6 2018
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2

22

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audi a6 2019 photo
A6 2019
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101

5

18

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audi a6 2020 photo
A6 2020
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18

8

16

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A6 2021
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7

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22

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audi a6 1994 photo
A6 1994
Audi

2

1

0

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