Audi · A6 · 2016
2016 Audi A6
3
Recalls
51
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Audi A6 has 3 recalls and 51 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (9 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Audi A6 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 9 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Audi A6 currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 51 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (9), air bags (6), service brakes (3).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Audi A6
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 51
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.0% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 19V035000January 16, 2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 18V862000December 05, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 18V370000June 04, 2018
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
51 totalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 1, 2025
I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190–200 miles before the fuel gauge indicated empty. This represents a sudden and significant loss of fuel range compared to normal operation. There are no warning lights, ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Sep 8, 2025
The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now qu...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 12, 2025
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have ...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
Feb 10, 2025
This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family w...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FIRENov 2, 2024
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 22, 2024
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 d...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Apr 16, 2024
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 we...
Preview excerpt
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Nov 15, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
SUSPENSION
Aug 10, 2023
The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
ENGINE
Aug 10, 2023
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.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 51 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Audi models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Audi A6 Years
2017 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.3r19c2015 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r21c2018 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.2r11c2014 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r40c2019 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.7r108c2013 Audi A6Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.6r52c
More 2016 Audi Models
2016 Audi A3Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.3r118c2016 Audi Q5Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.5r72c2016 Audi Q3Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.3r27c2016 Audi A4Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.24c2016 Audi A7Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.3r15c2016 Audi S3Another 2016 Audi option for same-year comparison.3r14c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A6 have?
The 2016 Audi A6 has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Audi A6?
NHTSA has received 51 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Audi A6.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Audi A6?
The 2016 Audi A6 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A6?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Audi A6 are engine (9 reports), air bags (6 reports), service brakes (3 reports).
Does the 2016 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2016 Audi A6. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.