VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi A6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median A6 year — the 2016 model ranks #13 of 33 A6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (19), airbags (10), and fuel system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

77

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other A6 years?

A6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted276 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 22 complaints1996: 71 complaints1997: 26 complaints1998: 158 complaints1999: 276 complaints2000: 201 complaints2001: 148 complaints2002: 113 complaints2003: 85 complaints2004: 44 complaints2005: 119 complaints2006: 83 complaints2007: 63 complaints2008: 78 complaints2009: 22 complaints2010: 24 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 86 complaints2013: 79 complaints2014: 47 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 77 complaints2017: 24 complaints2018: 16 complaints2019: 193 complaints2020: 39 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 10 complaints2026: 11 complaints
A6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi A6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1925%
Airbags1013%
Fuel System912%
Electrical System912%
Transmission56%
Driver Assistance56%
Other45%
Brakes45%
Speed Control34%
Steering23%
Body & Structure23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%

Does the 2016 Audi A6 have recalls?

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

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

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.

18V862000Electrical SystemDecember 5, 2018 · 845 units

Defect

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.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 2023

“TAKATA RECALL THE AIRBAG OFF LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE SOMEONE SITTING ON PASSENGER SEAT. AUDI DOES NOT HAVE AN ETA FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AND NOT WILLING TO PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE. I AM AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AT THIS POINT AND THINK AUDI SHOULD TAKE BACK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 1, 2018

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 28, 2022

“GOT A WARNING LIGHT THAT ADAPTIVE CRUISE AND BRAKING WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THERE WAS A SEAM IN THE BODY THAT WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR. THEY SAID THAT WATER WAS LEAKING IN ON ELECTRICAL MODULES. THIS PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 11, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 15, 2023

2016 Audi A6 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi A6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 2016 model at #13 of 33 A6 years. It is one of the A6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 A6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi A6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Audi A6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Audi A6 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.