2021 Audi A6 Safety Report

2021 Audi A6: Excellent Crash Ratings, Numerous Electrical System Recalls and Complaints

11Complaints
11Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Electrical System (6)Power Train,Electrical System (1)Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi A6

The 2021 Audi A6 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall 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. The vehicle has accumulated 11 recalls, a high number for a single model year, many of which are directly related to critical safety functions like rearview cameras, instrument panel displays, and engine power. For instance, recalls 22V155000 and 21V934000 address software errors that could prevent rearview camera images or cause instrument panel failures, increasing crash risk. Another significant recall, 22V155000, highlights a design flaw where spilled liquid in the rear seat can cause a gateway control module shutdown, leading to a sudden reduction in engine power and increased crash risk. This aligns with the top complaint category, 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,' which accounts for 6 out of 11 total complaints, with several describing complete electrical system malfunctions, loss of gauges, and vehicle stalling. Despite the low number of total complaints (11) and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, the nature of the recalls and complaints suggests potential for serious safety incidents if these issues are not addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2021 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 2021 Audi A6

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi A6:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunction
Multiple complaints describe complete electrical system failures, loss of instrument panel displays (speedometer, fuel), and vehicle stalling due to electrical issues, sometimes linked to liquid spills affecting control modules.		 High Common 20000-30000 miles
Rearview Camera Failure
Multiple recalls (22V155000, 21V934000) indicate software errors can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Instrument Panel Display Failure
Recall 21V934000 addresses a software error causing the instrument panel display to fail, obscuring critical safety information like speed and warning lights.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Gateway Control Module Shutdown
Recall 22V155000 indicates liquid spilled in the rear seat can cause the gateway control module to shut down, leading to a sudden reduction in engine power.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Inaccurate Fuel Level Reading
Recall 22V059000 states the fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel reading and potential engine stall due to lack of fuel.		 Medium Occasional N/A 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:

Electrical System 54% of complaints

The most frequent issue, with 6 out of 11 complaints, involves various electrical malfunctions, including complete system shutdowns, loss of instrument panel, and vehicle stalling.

Forward Collision Avoidance 9% of complaints

One complaint details the Audi Pre-sense system activating inappropriately during weather events, causing the car to come to a hard stop.

Structure 9% of complaints

One complaint reports a spontaneous sunroof shattering while driving on the freeway.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi A6

Is the 2021 Audi A6 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Audi A6 has excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall). However, it has a high number of recalls (11) and a significant pattern of electrical system complaints (6 out of 11 total complaints), which could compromise safety if not addressed.

What are common problems with the 2021 Audi A6?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Audi A6 are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 54% of complaints. These include complete electrical failures, instrument panel malfunctions, and vehicle stalling. Other issues include inappropriate forward collision avoidance activation and sunroof shattering.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A6 have?

The 2021 Audi A6 has 11 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address various issues including rearview camera failures, instrument panel malfunctions, gateway control module shutdowns, inaccurate fuel readings, and rear axle misalignment.

Are there any issues with the electrical system?

Yes, the electrical system is the most problematic component, with 6 out of 11 complaints directly related to it. Several recalls also address electrical system issues, such as software errors affecting rearview cameras and instrument panels, and a design flaw where liquid spills can cause a gateway control module shutdown.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 Audi A6?

The 2021 Audi A6 received an excellent 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 5 stars for Rollover.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test performance but numerous electrical system recalls and complaints, potential buyers should ensure all 11 recalls have been completed and be vigilant for any electrical system warning lights or malfunctions.

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.