CarBrief

NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A6, and the largest group is about the engine[1][2]. It also has three recalls, so check your VIN for open repairs before you buy[3][4][5].

51owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
24–30MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 51 complaints for this model year[1]. Two mention a fire and one mentions injuries. None mention a crash or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

The engine group has the most complaints, 19 of them[2]. Two of those mention a fire, and the median mileage at failure is 29,643[2]. The next groups are:

We read a small sample of the complaint texts. In 6 of the 12 engine complaints we read, owners describe coolant loss, a leaking water pump or a failed thermostat, sometimes with overheating, a check engine light or a tow[2]. In 4 of the 12, owners describe the engine shutting off or stalling, including while driving[2]. Three of the 7 electrical complaints we read also describe coolant or water pump trouble[9].

In the air bag sample, 8 of 10 complaints are about waiting for the passenger seat sensor recall repair[10][5]. Owners say the dealer told them parts were unavailable, and some mention an air bag warning light[10][5]. Three of those texts are identical, so this sample may overstate how many separate owners wrote.

The fuel and propulsion sample is mixed. Owners describe fuel spilling while refueling, a short range on a full tank, and recalls they believe apply to their cars[11]. This is a small sample and does not show how common any of these problems are.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year[6]. Newest first:

Owners in our complaint sample report that dealers did not have parts for the air bag recall repair at the time[10].

Fuel economy

EPA lists four versions with different engines and drive types:

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
3.0L 6-cyl, premium, AWD[14] 20 / 29 / 24 $3,400
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel, AWD[7] 25 / 38 / 30 $3,200
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, premium, FWD[15] 24 / 34 / 28 $2,950
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, premium, AWD[16] 22 / 32 / 25 $3,300

The diesel has the best combined rating at 30 MPG[7]. The 2.0L front-wheel-drive version is next at 28 MPG[15]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2016 A6 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 5 stars for rollover in both the all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive sedans[8][17]. Rollover risk is 9.0% for both[8][17].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated at 252 hp[18]. The 3.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 333 hp[19].

Size comes from Canadian-market specifications, so US cars can differ slightly. All three sedan variants measure 194 in long, 74 in wide, 57 in tall, with a 115 in wheelbase[20][21][22]. Curb weight differs:

Variant Curb weight
2.0 TFSI quattro[20] 3,957 lb
3.0 TFSI quattro[21] 4,101 lb
TDI quattro[22] 4,178 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 16 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 51 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 20 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 130 complaints, 10 recalls1999: 217 complaints, 9 recalls19992000: 148 complaints, 4 recalls2001: 113 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 88 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 66 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 35 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 91 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 67 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 53 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 71 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 21 complaints, 4 recalls2010: 17 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 21 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 60 complaints, 8 recalls2013: 52 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 41 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 22 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 51 complaints, 3 recalls5120162017: 20 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 11 complaints, 2 recalls2019: 114 complaints, 7 recalls20192020: 34 complaints, 9 recalls2021: 27 complaints, 12 recalls2022: 4 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20232024: 3 complaints, 1 recalls2025: 9 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 9 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each A6 model year. The 2016 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995162
1996512
1997202
199813010
19992179
20001484
20011137
2002884
2003667
2004354
2005913
2006674
2007534
2008714
2009214
2010173
2011213
2012608
2013526
2014414
2015224
2016513
2017203
2018112
20191147
2020349
20212712
202245
202331
202431
202593
202691

Between 2013 and 2018, only 2013 has more complaints than 2016. The counts are 52 for 2013, 51 for 2016, 41 for 2014, 22 for 2015, 20 for 2017 and 11 for 2018[6]. Recalls on file run 6 for 2013, 4 each for 2014 and 2015, 3 each for 2016 and 2017, and 2 for 2018[6].

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Treat them as a rough guide, not a ranking of reliability.

Should you buy a used 2016 Audi A6?

The 2016 A6 has top crash ratings and a wide range of fuel economy, from 24 to 30 MPG combined depending on version[14][7][8]. Its 51 complaints are more than 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 have[1][6]. The engine group stands out, and in the sample we read, coolant and water pump trouble appears in several engine complaints[2]. Before buying, check the VIN on NHTSA for the three recalls, ask for proof that each repair was done, and ask for service records on the cooling system[3][4][5]. These are owner reports and not a measure of how many cars have the problem.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A6?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 19 of 51[1][2]. In the sample we read, owners describe coolant loss, water pump or thermostat trouble, and stalling[2].
Does the 2016 Audi A6 have recalls?
Yes, three: fuel rails (19V035), an auxiliary heater connector (18V862) and the front passenger occupant detection sensor (18V370)[3][4][5].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Audi A6?
EPA combined ratings run from 24 MPG for the 3.0L AWD to 30 MPG for the 3.0L turbo diesel AWD[14][7]. The 2.0L turbo is rated 28 MPG in front-wheel drive and 25 MPG in all-wheel drive[15][16].
How safe is the 2016 Audi A6?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall in both the AWD and FWD sedans[8][17].
Is 2016 a good year for the Audi A6?
Among 2013 to 2018, only 2013 has more complaints (52 against 51 for 2016)[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so check the recall status of the exact car[3][4][5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A6 (0 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 19 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,643). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 19V035, filed January 16, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 18V862, filed December 5, 2018: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V370, filed June 4, 2018: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi A6 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for A6 quattro, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 38 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 8 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 4 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for A6 quattro, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for A6, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for A6 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Audi A6 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 252 hp. www.epa.gov
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Audi A6 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 333 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A6 4DR SEDAN 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 194 in, width 74 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 3,957 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A6 4DR SEDAN 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 194 in, width 74 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A6 4DR SEDAN TDI QUATTRO: length 194 in, width 74 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,178 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.