2021 Audi A6 Safety Report
2021 Audi A6 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Audi A6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (11) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (11) | 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 | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Audi A6 with 1 complaints and 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A6 | 24 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Audi A6 | 1 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Audi A6 | 107 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 19 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Audi A6 | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Audi A6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Electrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlyPower Train,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Audi onlyForward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlySteering,Electrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Electrical System,Engine issues Audi onlyStructure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi A6
Reliability Score
The 2021 Audi A6 receives a reliability score of 55 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 2021 Audi A6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi A6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Malfunction Recalls have been issued for electrical system issues, including instrument cluster and fuel gauge malfunctions. These can lead to loss of critical vehicle information and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction The forward collision avoidance system has been known to activate inappropriately, such as during thunderstorms, potentially causing sudden stops. |
Low | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
| Service Brakes And Hydraulic Fluid Issues Recalls have been issued for service brakes and hydraulic fluid issues, which can affect the vehicle's braking performance and safety. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System Malfunction Back over prevention systems have been recalled, potentially leading to rear-end collisions. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Audi A6:
Issues with the electrical system, including instrument cluster and fuel gauge malfunctions, are common.
The forward collision avoidance system has been known to malfunction in certain conditions.
Service brakes and hydraulic fluid issues have been reported, leading to potential safety concerns.
Back over prevention systems have been recalled, potentially leading to rear-end collisions.
Recall Details for the 2021 Audi A6
The following 11 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A6 by NHTSA:
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rear...
Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Consequence: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate ear...
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
Consequence: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Consequence: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Audi A6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Audi A6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
My alternator was not working and it was a recall and I paid to fix it and they don’t wanna pay me back. I got a new part from audi and fix it at the shop and they don’t wanna pay anything just called and she said we don’t pay only if he’s done at the dealer. And I don’t believe that! Bc dealer told me they pay if I fix it any where to get done quick bc was out stock
While driving at normal speed, the entire digital instrument panel suddenly went black and a red warning triangle appeared. I lost all gauges, including speedometer, fuel level, and warning indicators. This created a serious safety risk because I was in active traffic and had no way to know my speed or see alerts. My VIN shows an open recall for this exact defect (instrument cluster blackout), but...
The Audi Pre-sense is activated by weather. I was driving during a thunderstorm and Audi Presence activated causing the car to come to a hard stop due to precipitation. It happened again backing out of my driveway the Audi Pre-sense was activated and the car came to a hard stop. I thought I had back into another vehicle. This is very dangerous.
The car has had multiple issues with warning lights and malfunctioning systems. Including : 1.Child locks 2.Every single component of the ADAS 3. Emergency services being activated at least a few times a month - this is an SOS for emergency 911 service. The repeated, continuous and mostly false warning lights are a driving distraction that can easily cause an accident. I have photos of all w...
Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the electrical system malfunction message became more severe and turned from yellow to red. While driving, the vehicle progr...
Car reported an engine restarter issue (with battery symbol) and recommended to contact the dealer. Car next shut down automatic restart system, and air conditioning stopped working. Within a short period of time (same day), the car listed a red battery symbol and advised to stop the car. After doing so and contacting the Audi roadside, the car was listing a series of issues on multiple symptoms w...
The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while his father was driving 45 MPH, the electrical system Malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several electronic components started to turn off until the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the starter generator to be repl...
The contact's wife owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The contact ha...
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electrical system, start/stop, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent. After a minute or two my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission went into neutral and the engine died all within a few seconds. Fortunately I was able t...
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. No other cars around when this occurred. Caused a very loud BANG. Was driving on the freeway when this occurred. Dealer would not confirm issue was spontaneous - felt something must have hit the car to cause this. No defined impact location on roof. Also, roof glass was pushed up in the middle instead of down like would be expected if something ...
Liquid spulked in the trunk and somehow was able to get to the control module that is located under the rear seat similar concerns as recalled Audi Q5. Vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of a busy intersection.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi A6
Has the 2021 AUDI A6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 AUDI A6 has 11 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 AUDI A6 have?
The 2021 AUDI A6 has 11 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 AUDI A6?
The 2021 AUDI A6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 AUDI A6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 AUDI A6 involve electrical system (6 complaints), power train,electrical system (1 complaints), forward collision avoidance (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,unknown or other,forward collision avoidance, steering,electrical system,engine, structure.
How many crash reports does the 2021 AUDI A6 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 AUDI A6 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 AUDI A6 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 AUDI A6 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 AUDI A6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI A6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 AUDI A6?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI A6.
Should I buy a 2021 AUDI A6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 AUDI A6 is acceptable with caveats. It has 11 complaints, 11 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 2021 AUDI A6?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 AUDI A6 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 5. STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 AUDI A6?
Be aware of common electrical system issues and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety. The 2021 AUDI A6 has 11 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 AUDI A6?
The 2021 AUDI A6 receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 11 owner complaints, 11 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System Malfunction and Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2021 AUDI A6?
Known issues with the 2021 AUDI A6 include: Electrical System Malfunction, Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction, Service Brakes and Hydraulic Fluid Issues, Back Over Prevention System Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 11 NHTSA complaints. 11 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Audi A6?
Yes, recalls have been issued for electrical system issues, service brakes, and back over prevention systems.
What are the common electrical system issues?
Common issues include instrument cluster and fuel gauge malfunctions, which can lead to loss of critical vehicle information.
Can the forward collision avoidance system malfunction?
Yes, it has been known to activate inappropriately, such as during thunderstorms, potentially causing sudden stops.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of common electrical system issues and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi A6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi A6. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.
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