2017 Audi A6 Safety Report
2017 Audi A6 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Audi A6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 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 | Low (19) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi A6 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 50 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi A6 | 107 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Audi A6 | 21 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Audi A6 | 24 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 11 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Audi A6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 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.
Air Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Audi onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlySteering
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyLane Departure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Lane Departure issues Audi onlySteering,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Audi A6
Reliability Score
The 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Audi A6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Audi A6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags Airbag sensors and occupant classification failures have been reported, posing a risk in case of a collision. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Engine mounts have failed, leading to loose engines and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering The power steering control module has caused numerous error codes, and the steering rack has failed at around 54,000 miles, leading to sudden steering failure. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Unknown Issues Other issues, such as intermittent blind spot warning and airbag deployment, have been reported. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Audi A6:
Airbags have been reported to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a collision.
Engine mounts have failed, leading to loose engines and potential safety hazards.
The power steering control module has caused numerous error codes, and the steering rack has failed at around 54,000 miles.
Issues with the electrical system, including the engine, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2017 Audi A6
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2017 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 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.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Audi A6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Audi A6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Frequent motor mounts failure, and leakage of hydraulic fluid from both left and right mounts. Motor mounts failure have occurred about three times in the last four years. After some online research and reading, found out that other newer Audi owners are having a similar issues with their mount amounts at low mileage just like myself.
Engine mounts failed. They are fluid damped and the seals failed and leaked and now the motor is sitting loose in a metal on metal condition with the mounts collapsed. Additionally the manifold and timing chain cover leaks. Additionally the water pump failed. This is all on a car with <75k miles. Problems have been noted by mechanics including Audi dealership. No warning lamps except during p...
There is an issue with the power steering control module that causes a lot of error codes to populate. Many of the codes are generic and hard to diagnose, even with Audi certified diagnostic equipment/tools. When this code initially presented, ~9 months ago, there was a red steering wheel light on the dash. I found a company that repairs these modules with these specific codes (I’d imagine good bu...
Passengers side blind spot warning system is intermittent working. Vehicle fails to register tractor trailer and cars on a random basis. Dealer states no codes, however it won’t show codes or an issue if it isn’t aware there is a vehicle present. Offered video proof of sensor not working properly, dealer still refused to repair.
Air bags deployed
The steering rack for my 2017 Audi A6 2.0T Premium Plus Quattro has failed at roughly 54000 miles. This is the same exact OEM part (OEM Part # 4G1423055EA) that is used in the 2016 A6, which has an extended warranty from Audi due to a lawsuit of 10 years and 125000 miles. My VIN is not included in this extended warranty even though the 2017 Audi A6 and 2016 Audi A6 are the same engines, use the ...
While driving my family on a major Interstate, a myriad of warning ️ lights appeared on my dash panel and my vehicle’s steering literally locked! I have had no previous warning lights or issues with this vehicle since it was purchased. This near fatal incident happened as a 18-wheeler was seeking to merge onto the Interstate and I couldn’t change lanes to allow the oncoming traffic to merge. This ...
Had the car parked in the driveway for about a week and half. When turned it on for the first time after that period, noticed the airbag light in the odometer panel continue to be on. Checked for any airbag recalls but found none. Although no airbag recalls have been placed on this particular vehicle so far; I found an online source which states that vehicle of this year, make and model may be af...
Car overheat. Engine light on. pulled over and then drove directly to local dealer 10min away who noted engine temp control actuator faulty- stuck. Needed to replace thermostat. Dealer noted problem was noted in earlier year Audi A6 models as well but thought 2017 year did not have similar. Could not leave/drive away from dealership since they noted too dangerous with faulty thermostat/coolant/...
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A6. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a stop sign, after lifting her foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to slow the vehicle by depressing on the brake pedal. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the lo...
My 2017 Audi A6 has approximately 50,000 miles on it. I am diligent about obtaining regular maintenance on my vehicle and visited the Audi dealership in Memphis, TN for a 50,000 mile inspection and service in June of 2021. Last week, just 3 months after my 50,000 mile services/inspection, my vehicle stopped operating correctly when making a turn from stopped at a stop sign and lost all power ste...
I was at a stop light and automatic engine shut-off turned the vehicle off. However, when the light turned green car would not start. I had to put it in park and then turn the vehicle on/off to restart the vehicle.
Car loss power and turned off while turning at an intersection. Had to stop, place in Parking and restart the car with power switch
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING, ABS, AND ETC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOWEVER WAS INOPERABLE. A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI OF RICHMOND LOCATED AT 15292 BROAD ST, HENRICO, VA 23233, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED ...
I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO RECALL REPORT 18V370, POSSIBLE FAILURE OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PODS SENSING SYSTEM. AUDI NOTIFIED ME OF THIS DEFECT IN JULY 2018 AND STILL HAS NOT PRODUCED A SOLUTION FOR THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY AS TO WHEN OR WHETHER THE PODS SENSING SYSTEM MIGHT FAIL (INCLUDING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE IMPACT), I CAN'T ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN THE AFFECTED SEAT. I BEL...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TRADE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI FINANCIAL THAT THERE WAS A STOP SALE ON THE VEH...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI OF STUART (3990 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997) THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE WAS NO ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME OF WHEN THEY WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE RECALL NOTICES HAD NOT BEEN MAILED TO THE VEHIC...
MY CAR HAS A RECALL. I'VE CALLED AUDI NO TIMELINE TOLD ME 3-6 MONTHS TILL CAN FIX. I AM ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO SELL MY CAR BECAUSE AUDI CAN'T SELL THE CARS. ESSENTIALLY I'M STUCK WITH AN UNSAFE CAR UNTIL AUDI DECIDES THEY WANT TO FIX.
PURCHASED A NEW 2017 AUDI A6. CAR ONLY HAS 1,200 MILES. DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY WITH MY SON AND ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED NO POWER. THANK GOD WE ARE OK. HAD NO WARNING AT ALL. CAR JUST LOST POWER. I HAVE READ ABOUT OTHER MODELS RECALLED FOR AUDI DUE TO FUEL PUMP. DEALER IS STATING THE ISSUE ON OUR CAR IS ALSO FUEL PUMP. WORRIED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND/OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Audi A6
Has the 2017 AUDI A6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 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 2017 AUDI A6 have?
The 2017 AUDI A6 has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 AUDI A6?
The 2017 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 2017 AUDI A6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 AUDI A6 involve air bags (6 complaints), engine (3 complaints), steering (3 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, lane departure, steering,lane departure,forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2017 AUDI A6 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2017 AUDI A6 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2017 AUDI A6 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 AUDI A6 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 AUDI A6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI A6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 AUDI A6?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI A6.
Should I buy a 2017 AUDI A6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 AUDI A6 is generally recommended. It has 19 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 2017 AUDI A6?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 AUDI A6 are: 1. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 2. ENGINE (3 complaints), 3. STEERING (3 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 5. LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 AUDI A6?
Be cautious of airbag and engine issues, and regularly check the power steering control module and engine mounts. The 2017 AUDI A6 has 19 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 AUDI A6?
The 2017 AUDI A6 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 19 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbags and Engine.
What are the known issues with the 2017 AUDI A6?
Known issues with the 2017 AUDI A6 include: Airbags, Engine, Steering, Unknown Issues. These are based on patterns found across 19 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Audi A6?
Yes, there are recalls for airbag sensors and engine mounts. Check for recalls and have your vehicle inspected.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Audi A6?
Common issues include airbag deployment, engine mounts failure, and power steering control module errors.
How can I prevent sudden steering failure in my 2017 Audi A6?
Regularly inspect and maintain the power steering control module and replace the steering rack if it has failed.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag and engine issues, and regularly check the power steering control module and engine mounts.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Audi A6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Audi A6. The data includes 19 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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