2020 Audi A6 Safety Report

2020 Audi A6: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Electrical System and Recall Concerns

24Complaints
9Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Electrical System (10)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Structure,Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System,Seats (1)Electrical System,Structure (1)Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Forward Collision Avoidance,Back Over Prevention (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Audi A6

The 2020 Audi A6 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side and rollover, and 4 stars for frontal impact, its recall history and complaint data reveal significant electrical system vulnerabilities. There are 24 total complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, which is positive. However, the vehicle has been subject to 9 recalls, a high number for a relatively new model. A major concern is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, which accounts for 10 out of 24 complaints, and is also implicated in multiple recalls, including one where liquid spilled in the rear seat can cause a gateway control module shutdown, leading to a sudden reduction in engine power and increased crash risk. Another recall addresses a starter generator issue that could lead to a fire. Forward collision avoidance systems also show a pattern of complaints, with 3 reports, and one complaint specifically mentions the automated emergency braking randomly activating, which could cause a crash. The recall history further highlights these electrical and safety system issues. Recalls cover critical components such as the rearview camera (software error), brake fluid cap labeling, fuel level sender (inaccurate readings leading to engine stall), and multiple airbag issues (improper deployment, plastic debris). Suspension and tire alignment recalls also point to potential control loss risks. The high number of recalls, particularly those related to electrical systems and safety features, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, its real-world reliability and the proper functioning of its advanced safety systems are questionable based on the data. The recurring theme of electrical malfunctions, often leading to loss of motive power or critical system failures, is a significant concern.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Audi A6 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2020 Audi A6

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Audi A6:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunction/Shutdown
Multiple complaints and recalls indicate widespread electrical system failures, often leading to loss of motive power, disabled controls (steering, brakes), and vehicle stalling. This includes issues with the gateway control module due to liquid ingress and starter generator failures.		 High Common 11000-26000 miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions
Complaints describe the automated emergency braking (AEB) system randomly activating without cause, or the Audi Pre Sense system working intermittently, potentially leading to sudden braking at high speeds or failure to detect obstacles.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rearview Camera/360 Camera System Failure
A software error can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, and some users report the 360 cameras showing black screens or cancel signs, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Airbag Deployment Issues
Multiple recalls address issues with airbag manufacturing, including incorrect score lines on the passenger airbag and improper deployment through the instrument panel tear seam, potentially leading to injury or ineffective protection in a crash.		 High Rare unknown miles
Fuel Level Sender Inaccuracy
A recall indicates the fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel reading and potentially leading to an engine stall due to lack of fuel.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Audi A6:

Electrical System 41% of complaints

The most reported issue, with 10 complaints, involves various electrical system malfunctions, often leading to vehicle shutdown, loss of power, and critical system failures. This is supported by multiple recalls related to electrical components.

Forward Collision Avoidance 12% of complaints

3 complaints relate to the forward collision avoidance system, including random activation of automated emergency braking and intermittent functionality of the Pre Sense system.

Structure,Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

2 complaints mention structural issues, including water leaks into the passenger compartment leading to electrical failures and mold growth.

Back Over Prevention 4% of complaints

1 complaint specifically mentions issues with the rearview camera, which is also subject to a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Audi A6

Is the 2020 Audi A6 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Audi A6 received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, it has a high number of recalls (9) and 24 complaints, with a significant pattern of electrical system malfunctions that can lead to loss of motive power or critical safety system failures, raising concerns about its long-term reliability and the consistent functioning of its advanced safety features.

What are common problems with the 2020 Audi A6?

The most reported issues for the 2020 Audi A6 are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 10 out of 24 complaints. These often involve critical malfunctions leading to vehicle shutdown or loss of power. Other common problems include issues with the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (3 complaints) and structural water leaks.

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A6 have?

The 2020 Audi A6 has 9 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a range of issues including rearview camera software errors, brake fluid cap labeling, electrical system gateway control module failures, fuel level sender inaccuracies, tire and suspension misalignment, and multiple airbag deployment issues.

Are there any fire risks with the 2020 Audi A6?

Yes, there is a recall for certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines due to moisture potentially entering the starter generator and causing a short circuit, which increases the risk of a fire.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2020 Audi A6?

The 2020 Audi A6 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 5 stars for rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Audi A6 performs exceptionally well in crash tests, potential buyers should be aware of the high number of recalls and recurring electrical system complaints; prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical components and ensure all 9 recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Audi A6

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Audi A6. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Audi A6 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 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.