2016 Audi A6 Safety Report
2016 Audi A6 Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Audi A6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Audi A6. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (50) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Audi A6 with 2 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Audi A6 before buying across this generation. |
Audi A6 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi A6 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A6 | 19 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi A6 | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Audi A6 | 107 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Audi A6 | 24 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 11 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Audi A6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Audi A6, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyAir Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Audi onlyFuel/Propulsion System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlyService Brakes
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Audi onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Engine issues Audi onlyForward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi A6
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi A6 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Audi A6
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Audi A6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi A6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gauge Inaccuracies Fuel gauge inaccuracies have been reported, with the fuel tank only lasting 190-200 miles before needing refueling. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Premature Water Pump Failures Water pump failures have occurred prematurely, with one failing at 36,965 miles. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction The forward collision avoidance system has malfunctioned, causing the camera to think there was an object in the road multiple times. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Column Failure The steering column has failed at 81,312 miles, causing the car to be unable to steer. |
High | Common | 80k-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi A6:
Fuel gauge inaccuracies have been reported, with the fuel tank only lasting 190-200 miles before needing refueling.
Water pump failures have occurred prematurely, with one failing at 36,965 miles.
The forward collision avoidance system has malfunctioned, causing the camera to think there was an object in the road multiple times.
The steering column has failed at 81,312 miles, causing the car to be unable to steer.
Recall Details for the 2016 Audi A6
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Audi A6 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Audi A6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Audi A6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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, check engine lights, fuel smells, visible leaks, rough idle, or abnormal noises. The vehicle operates normally otherwise...
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 quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than e...
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 would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you ...
Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off
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 dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrus...
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 were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it app...
I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In J...
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 now stopped working all together resulting in the safety systems being disabled entirely as well as t...
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....
At high speeds (around 65 or more), when I apply the brakes I can sense some vibration in the brakes. I mentioned to the dealer that the brakes are not smooth as in my other cars. I was told, it is because Audi is a "performance car." Now I know that it is just poorly built.
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.
The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
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 vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 26,205.
I left a gas station located one mile from my house. All seemed well. I drove into my garage, shut the engine off, and saw steam coming from under the hood. Inspection showed coolant below minimum level. I had the car towed to a garage. The water pump seal and water pump had failed. The thermostat also failed. I had no warning that anything was about to happen. No warning lamps or alarms were pre...
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while refueling, the gas nozzle would frequently stop, causing gasoline to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the fuel tank sensor needed to be moved to another location on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined to seek a second opinio...
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
Water pump and engine thermostat malfunction, check engine light is on.
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 ...
I purchased 4 new tires from Tire Choice Auto Service in St. Peters, MO on 6/29/2021. They recommended Blackline Champoints and installed them that day. I noticed a few weeks ago when I drove a couple hours away to visit a college with my daughter, my traction just didn't seem great. I didn't think much at the time or after because my tires were practically brand new. I work from home and maybe ha...
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that the vehicle had shuddered and failed to accelerate on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the fuel rails needed ...
Showing 20 of 50 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Audi A6
Has the 2016 AUDI A6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 AUDI A6 has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI A6 have?
The 2016 AUDI A6 has 50 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI A6?
The 2016 AUDI A6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI A6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 AUDI A6 involve engine (9 complaints), air bags (6 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (3 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, power train,electrical system,engine, forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2016 AUDI A6 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2016 AUDI A6 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2016 AUDI A6 have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2016 AUDI A6 out of 50 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 AUDI A6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI A6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 AUDI A6?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI A6. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 AUDI A6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 AUDI A6 is acceptable with caveats. It has 50 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 AUDI A6?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 AUDI A6 are: 1. ENGINE (9 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (2 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 AUDI A6?
Be aware of potential fuel gauge inaccuracies and premature water pump failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid steering and collision avoidance system issues. The 2016 AUDI A6 has 50 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 AUDI A6?
The 2016 AUDI A6 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 50 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel Gauge Inaccuracies and Premature Water Pump Failures.
What are the known issues with the 2016 AUDI A6?
Known issues with the 2016 AUDI A6 include: Fuel Gauge Inaccuracies, Premature Water Pump Failures, Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction, Steering Column Failure. These are based on patterns found across 50 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2016 Audi A6?
Common issues include fuel gauge inaccuracies, premature water pump failures, forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, and steering column failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Audi A6?
Yes, there are recalls for fuel injection system and turbo charger issues.
What should I do if I experience a loss of motive power while driving?
If you experience a loss of motive power, pull over safely and contact a mechanic to diagnose the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fuel gauge inaccuracies and premature water pump failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid steering and collision avoidance system issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi A6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi A6. The data includes 50 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Audi A6 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13