There are 2 stored owner reports matching the steering leading-label group for the 2016 Audi A6 in our NHTSA-sourced dataset. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
This group counts stored reports whose component label starts with one of this site's matching prefixes, ignoring case. Each matching report counts once within the group. Components mentioned later in the label or only in the narrative are not searched. How component counts work
Loaded 2 of 2 matching reports.
Open the full vehicle complaint log (all categories)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.
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.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Aug 31, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.