VehicleVerdict

2000 Audi A6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 201 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median A6 year — the 2000 model ranks #2 of 33 A6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (38), brakes (30), and fuel system (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

201

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other A6 years?

See all A6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Audi A6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3819%
Brakes3015%
Fuel System2412%
Engine2211%
Tires & Wheels168%
Suspension136%
Steering115%
Transmission105%
Other84%
Airbags84%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Speed Control52%
Body & Structure42%
Lighting42%
Latches & Locks21%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2000 Audi A6 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V056000AirbagsJanuary 31, 2020 · 106,857 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.

06V198000Electrical SystemJune 5, 2006 · 70,512 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

04V133000Electrical SystemMarch 18, 2004 · 172,866 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

01V157000Fuel SystemMay 3, 2001 · 70,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.

Consequence

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

OUR AUDI A6 WAS TAKEN TO AUDI RECTOR ON 12/20/11 DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. AUDI RECTOR REPAIRED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THEY SAID THE SMELL WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION LEAK AND WOULD DISSIPATE. ON THE TRIP HOME FROM AUDI RECTOR ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2011 · fire

THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON STEADY, THE HAND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED CONSTANTLY, AND THREE WARNING BEEPS ARE HEARD. A COMPUTER READING SAYS THERE IS NO CONNECTION WITH THE ABS UNIT. THE ABS DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. IT SOMETIMES OCCURS WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR, AND SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 16, 2010 · crash

FUEL VAPOR DETECTED IN CABIN. GASOLINE DETECTED ON FLOOR SURFACE UNDER DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER LOCATION. ALSO OBSERVE FUEL DRIPPING FROM DRIVER SIDE FUEL TANK. SUSPECT DEFECTIVE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE. ADDENDUM REQUESTED TO INCLUDE YEAR 2000 A6 AUDI C5 CAR YEAR IS 04/2000 A6 QUATTRO C5. SEE;…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 28, 2011

CONSUMER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FOR A MATTER DEALING WITH INTERAMERICANA TRANSPORT INDUSTRIES INC.*MR AFTER A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED THE CONSUMER WAS STILL DISSATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE. OFFENSIVE ODORS HAVE BEEN EMITTING FORM THE VEHICLE. THESE ODORS HAVE MADE SEVERAL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 10, 2003

TIRE FAILURE; PIRELLI P6000 TIRES 255/40/17/ZR; FOUR FAILURES IN 3 YEARS; THE INSIDE WALL SPLITS CAUSING A FLAT; IN THE LATEST, THE INSIDE WALL IS SO SEVERELY CRACKED, THAT THE RUBBER IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE TIRE; TIRES ARE 10 MONTHS OLD, LESS THAN 15,000 MILES; MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 12, 2004

2000 Audi A6 — common questions

Is the 2000 Audi A6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 201 complaints put the 2000 model at #2 of 33 A6 years. It is one of the A6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 A6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (38 complaints), brakes (30 complaints), fuel system (24 complaints).

Does the 2000 Audi A6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Audi A6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi A6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A6 years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2002, 2012, 2003, 2006, 2013, 2008, 2016, 1996. The cleanest record among A6 years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.