Audi A6 Engine Problems
Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Audi A6 across 21 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (32). The words owners use most often: “water pump” (13% of reports).
- 130engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Water pump: mentioned in 17 of 130 complaints (13%)
- Electrical malfunction: mentioned in 7 of 130 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 61 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 130 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 3 an injury.
Audi A6 engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 A6 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2021 A6 | 3 | 18% | — |
| 2020 A6 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2019 A6 | 32 | 28% | 150 |
| 2018 A6 | 7 | 64% | 11,800 |
| 2017 A6 | 4 | 20% | 1,200 |
| 2016 A6 | 17 | 33% | 29,644 |
| 2015 A6 | 6 | 27% | 55 |
| 2014 A6 | 5 | 12% | 20,000 |
| 2013 A6 | 15 | 29% | 60,000 |
| 2012 A6 | 13 | 22% | 84,950 |
| 2011 A6 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2010 A6 | 1 | 6% | 113,000 |
| 2008 A6 | 2 | 3% | 28,650 |
| 2007 A6 | 2 | 4% | 126,000 |
| 2006 A6 | 4 | 6% | 170,000 |
| 2005 A6 | 4 | 4% | 125,000 |
| 2004 A6 | 1 | 3% | 103,000 |
| 2003 A6 | 3 | 5% | 149,000 |
| 2002 A6 | 5 | 6% | 65,645 |
| 2001 A6 | 2 | 2% | 149,995 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
Model years: 2022
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 Audi A6 Sedan, A4 Sedan, Q5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles. The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24iH.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Model years: 1998
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Risk: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
Fix: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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: âMaximum engine speed 2500 RPMâ, forcing an emergency limp-home mode that…
The factory-installed mechanical water pump module suffered a severe internal seal and housing failure. This allowed pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the engine's vacuum control system and vacuum lines, damaging crucial emissions and vacuum tubing. This defect poses a severe…
vehicle was put into gear and lost propulsion . Then all adas warning lights illuminated. This is the second time this has happened
On XXX my 2014 Audi A6 failed to accelerate on a parkway. An EPC light appeared. I restarted. It reappeared and car was slow and shaky. I took right to nearest Audi dealership. The next day, they sent this video, admitting a common problem, and suggesting full engine replacement. [XXX] I have…
My 2019 Audi A6 was diagnosed with catastrophic internal engine failure on May 9, 2026 at Audi of Newton, Newton, NJ, at 93,645 miles. The vehicle required a full engine rebuild performed by REV Auto NJ at a cost of $12,000. The failure involved metal debris found in the engine oil, consistent with…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Audi A6s have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 130 owner complaints about engine for the Audi A6. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Audi A6 engine?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Audi A6?
The most frequent phrase is “water pump”, in 17 of 130 complaints, followed by “electrical malfunction” (7).
Other Audi A6 problems
See all Audi A6 problems.