2001 Audi A6 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Audi A6, 13% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The air bag light was on couple of months and I checked with local repair shop. They told me the computer says the side driver's airbag has a problem and it won't deploy when I have an accident. I didn't fix it at that time. After 6 or 8 months, I was driving and stopped on signal. All of sudden, the side air bag deployed without any impact. I got injured from the air bag on my left arm. After that, I could see some smoke coming out of the cabin and smells something is burning. Right now, the car is in Audi dealer to be investigated.”
NHTSA complaint #10266620, filed 2009-04, 137,000 miles“While driving in very cold snowy weather my airbag light flashed then stayed on. This occurred 3 times during the winter months and has not reoccurred during warmer months. After turning off the car the light went off. According to the drivers manual the airbags will not deploy with light on. According to odi 756137 with same symptoms indicates no airbag will function even with airbag light out after the intermittent light flashing. I took it to the dealer 2 times, but could not determine problem and would not replace anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078908, filed 2004-06, 46,700 miles“The consumer was going about 50 MPH when she was involved in an accident. Vehicle a pulled in front of vehicle b and stopped short, forcing vehicle b to rear end vehicle a. In the process, the air bags failed to deploy. Owner contacted the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not hit at the right angle to activate the air bags. …”
NHTSA complaint #10111617, filed 2005-03, 54,262 miles“While driving 50 MPH in a rain storm vehicle swerved and lost control, causing it to crash head on into a wall. Upon impact, none of the six air bags deployed. Two weeks later, consumer received a recall notice for the air bag electrical system. Driver sustained neck and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10083832, filed 2004-07, 71,000 miles“I was driving about 67 on the open highway and was struck from behind by another vehicle. I lost control of my car and careened into a guard rail. I went unconscious and when I woke I was badly injured. All the air bags in car had deployed except for the driver's airbag. As a consequence, I sustained severe damages to my ribs and neck. I am lucky to be alive.”
NHTSA complaint #11428121, filed 2021-08Related service bulletins
- 10161273Jun 7, 2019This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage).
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 9% |
| 2017 | 6 | 30% |
| 2016 | 8 | 16% |
| 2015 | 4 | 18% |
| 2014 | 7 | 17% |
| 2013 | 18 | 35% |
| 2012 | 15 | 25% |
| 2011 | 12 | 57% |
| 2010 | 11 | 65% |
| 2009 | 17 | 81% |
| 2008 | 49 | 69% |
| 2007 | 32 | 60% |
| 2006 | 40 | 60% |
| 2005 | 43 | 47% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 15 | 13% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 3 | 6% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Audi A6
19 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsTires
11 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Audi A6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology