2021 Audi A6

17 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Clinton, OHElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   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 instantly created a roadway collision hazard. Simultaneously, the vehicle's primary safety and convenience systems dropped completely offline, displaying synchronized, consecutive malfunction alerts for the Central Locking System, Audi Pre Sense (Distance Monitoring), Cross Traffic Assist, and Lane Change/Blind Spot Warning systems. A subsequent professional diagnostic scan confirmed that the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) has hard-logged active manufacturer fault codes P310A (Low Fuel Pressure Regulation - Fuel Pressure Fluctuates) and P310B (Low Pressure Fuel Regulation - Fuel Pressure Outside Specification). These synchronized electrical and drivetrain failures occur intermittently, yet have specifically occurred multiple times following exposure to moisture, including rainfall, winter slush, and standard car washes. The identical electrical system dropouts were officially reported to two authorized Audi dealership service centers during its active warranty window, but the underlying system failures remain uncorrected, leaving a recurring safety hazard unaddressed.

   NHTSA complaint 11765960
2. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Reno, NVElectrical system

   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 top of the electronic issues. Did not fix the issue. I am out of town going to see family in California. The vehicle central locking air came back up. I could not get out of the vehicle lock and unlock went out work. Also, the door handles would not work me and my daughter had to climb out of the car windows to get out. So like, you know what? And then we had to try to access the battery compartment to do a hard reset. The vehicle is scheduled to go back to the manufacturer dealer to look at it again next week. However, I will be contacting audi u s a again. Since I told him I had all these issues, they refused to help me out in any way. This is a very big safety issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11762289
3. Filed May 15, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2026Jefferson, MDUnknown or other

   My 2021 Audi A6 produces a strong mold and mildew odor from the HVAC/air conditioning system. The smell occurs consistently after the air conditioning is turned off and persists when entering the vehicle. The issue appears to originate from mold growth on the evaporator coil or dampers, likely caused by moisture accumulation and inadequate condensate drainage in the HVAC system. The vehicle was inspected and treated at an authorized Audi dealership; however, the treatment did not resolve the issue and the odor returned. Online owner forums and communities document the same problem across multiple Audi models and model years, suggesting this is a systemic design or manufacturing issue rather than an isolated incident. A passenger in the vehicle — a minor child with a documented mold allergy — has experienced allergic reactions as a result of exposure to the vehicle's air conditioning output. This constitutes a health and safety concern. The mold contamination in the HVAC system poses a risk to vehicle occupants, particularly those with respiratory conditions or mold sensitivities. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether a defect exists in the HVAC/evaporator system design across Audi vehicles, and whether a safety recall or technical service bulletin is warranted.

   NHTSA complaint 11738142
4. Filed May 11, 2026Failure Mar 10, 202680,000 milesGreenwood, SCEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The engine overheating and the low coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a failed coolant pump vacuum. The contact was informed that the coolant pump vacuum assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11736958
5. Filed May 10, 2026Failure May 5, 2026Huntsville, ALEngine

   Thermostat housing and oil cooler bracket leaking coolant with only 56k miles on the car

   NHTSA complaint 11736875
6. Filed Apr 9, 2026Failure Apr 4, 2026Carmel, INPower train

   I was driving my vehicle when the engine surged and then a transmission warning light came on and there was an immediate and complete loss of drive power. After the vehicle glided to a stop, there was no drive transmission in either forward or reverse. There was no pre-warning and no earlier incidence that led up to this issue. The vehicle is five years old with 39,834 miles and has had all routine maintenance and mileage interval services performed at the dealership, including its recent (Dec-25) 40,000-mile service. Thankfully this complete failure occurred when I was in my neighborhood and travelling 20mph; otherwise, the results could have been catastrophic had it occurred on a multilane highway at speeds of 65-70 MPH. The vehicle was towed to Audi of Indianapolis where the issue was identified as one broken bolt and two loose bolts for the transmission filter cap. This matches a known Audi Issue with a Technical Service Bulletin issued December 13, 2024, where they acknowledge a complete loss of power and a root cause of broken/loose bolts in the transmission filter. This is a known issue and is happening on low mileage well serviced vehicles. Because this issue is known and could result in a severe accident and/or loss of life under high-speed multi-lane highway conditions, it seems Audi of America should issue a recall versus just a TSB and/or extend the warranty for this issue up to 10 years or 100,000 miles which would, perhaps, be considered a normal lifespan for a part.

   NHTSA complaint 11730290
7. Filed Feb 24, 2026Failure Feb 18, 2025Reynoldsburg, OHElectrical system, Power train

   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 told me they pay if I fix it any where to get done quick bc was out stock

   NHTSA complaint 11720235
8. Filed Dec 7, 2025Failure Dec 7, 2025Cedar Falls, IAElectrical system

   While driving at normal speed, the entire digital instrument panel suddenly went black and a red warning triangle appeared. I lost all gauges, including speedometer, fuel level, and warning indicators. This created a serious safety risk because I was in active traffic and had no way to know my speed or see alerts. My VIN shows an open recall for this exact defect (instrument cluster blackout), but the failure has already happened during normal driving. I consider the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired.

   NHTSA complaint 11703548
9. Filed Aug 13, 2025Failure Aug 12, 2025Flossmoor, ILWarnings, Automatic emergency braking

   The Audi Pre-sense is activated by weather. I was driving during a thunderstorm and Audi Presence activated causing the car to come to a hard stop due to precipitation. It happened again backing out of my driveway the Audi Pre-sense was activated and the car came to a hard stop. I thought I had back into another vehicle. This is very dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint 11680304
10. Filed Jan 23, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2024Chandler, AZElectrical system, Warnings, Unknown or other

    The car has had multiple issues with warning lights and malfunctioning systems. Including : 1.Child locks 2.Every single component of the ADAS 3. Emergency services being activated at least a few times a month - this is an SOS for emergency 911 service. The repeated, continuous and mostly false warning lights are a driving distraction that can easily cause an accident. I have photos of all warning lights coming on in the vehicle. The dealership has repeated stated that they couldn't reproduce the problem even though pictures were provided and the car is still under the original warranty period. The latest attempt to fix the vehicle was to replace the sensors on the front of the vehicle. This solution was only attempted after the 4th report of the problem to the dealership where the car was serviced under the original manufacturers warranty

    NHTSA complaint 11638013
11. Filed Jun 23, 2024Failure Jun 23, 2024newton, MAElectrical system

    Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the electrical system malfunction message became more severe and turned from yellow to red. While driving, the vehicle progressively shut down ABS, lane departure, and other systems and gave a transmission warning message. Eventually, the car lost power and I was left stranded at the side of the road.

    NHTSA complaint 11596019
12. Filed Sep 9, 2023Failure Sep 8, 2023Chicago, ILElectrical system, Engine, Steering

    Car reported an engine restarter issue (with battery symbol) and recommended to contact the dealer. Car next shut down automatic restart system, and air conditioning stopped working. Within a short period of time (same day), the car listed a red battery symbol and advised to stop the car. After doing so and contacting the Audi roadside, the car was listing a series of issues on multiple symptoms while also saying in the warning message "still okay to drive". These systems included steering, braking, and what seemed to be other sensors the car powers. Finally (and within 5 minutes of the previous message of being okay to drive), the warnings were continuous and started including the transmission. The car stopped accelerating (we were on the expressway) and we thankfully got to the side of the road. This was an enormously dangerous situation as the car became fully disabled and we were subject to limited options of relief from a major traffic area. Within 30 minutes of being disabled, no electrical charge was present in the car, including emergency flashers, making the situation more dangerous as it was nighttime, so we had to abandon the car and walk down the expressway to find a hotel. Could not even put the car in neutral for the tow. Service is initially reporting a failure of the restart generator. This appears to be an alarmingly common issue with Audis.

    NHTSA complaint 11543607
13. Filed Jun 5, 2023Failure May 28, 202338,000 milesOrlando, FLStarter assembly

    The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while his father was driving 45 MPH, the electrical system Malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several electronic components started to turn off until the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the starter generator to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11525465
14. Filed Feb 6, 2023Failure Mar 18, 2022Wayne, PAElectrical system

    The contact's wife owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11505775
15. Filed Jan 17, 2023Failure Dec 29, 2022Louisville, KYElectrical system

    Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electrical system, start/stop, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent. After a minute or two my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission went into neutral and the engine died all within a few seconds. Fortunately I was able to coast to a stop in the center median of an expressway and contacted the dealer. Flatbed towed to dealer who stated most likely the generator between the lithium battery bank and gas engine failed. They have seen several in this year for A6 and A7's with mild hybrid engines. I was lucky to be in low volume traffic as there was no power to indicate to drivers around me that my engine quit and not even turn signals worked. After having car towed to Audi dealer, they proceeded to tell me it was the starter/generator and the part was on back order for two to three months.

    NHTSA complaint 11502114
16. Filed Sep 22, 2022Failure Sep 20, 2022Mount Pleasant, WIBody

    Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. No other cars around when this occurred. Caused a very loud BANG. Was driving on the freeway when this occurred. Dealer would not confirm issue was spontaneous - felt something must have hit the car to cause this. No defined impact location on roof. Also, roof glass was pushed up in the middle instead of down like would be expected if something hit it from the outside. No warning before it occurred.

    NHTSA complaint 11485934
17. Filed Apr 7, 2022Failure Sep 20, 2021Pike Road, ALElectrical system

    Liquid spulked in the trunk and somehow was able to get to the control module that is located under the rear seat similar concerns as recalled Audi Q5. Vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of a busy intersection.

    NHTSA complaint 11460079