2001 Audi A6 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Audi A6, 5% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 2001 Audi and many other cars like it have plastic headlights that perform well for several years. Then in any sunny location like the us southwest they begin to fog up and become progressively more opaque. This results is more light scatter using the headlamps at night: the headlamps no longer focus a narrow beam of light on the roadway ahead. Due to fogged, opaque head lamp light scatter visibility is reduced putting especially pedestrians and bicycles at risk while driving at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575329, filed 2014-03, 97,000 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“2001 Audi A6. Left headlight assembly wires shorted against frame and ignited a fire. Car was parked and off. Headlight switch in off position. Car was inspected for electrical leaks the week prior.”
NHTSA complaint #10315548, filed 2010-03, 116,706 miles“Film has built up on inside of headlamp glasses resulting in reduced efficiency of lights and reduced light output creating possible safety hazard. Dealer has no known way of cleaning inside of headlamps.”
NHTSA complaint #10202337, filed 2007-09, 85,000 miles“Headlamps gradually developed a misting or fogging of lens which reduced light during night driving, required professional cleaning with special materials to restore light output. Problem started recurring more frequently and headlamps now require professsional restoration every 3 - 6 months, the misting of the lenses caused the vehicle to fail the mandatory vermont safety inspection in 2010. Cleaning costs are considerable, and Audi does not make new headlamp lenses or headlamp shells available, only complete headlamp units are available at cost approaching $ 2000 for the pair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10427603, filed 2011-09, 95,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10127856Jul 31, 2017This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front…
- 10120003Apr 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker…
- 10122766Oct 24, 2012Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker…
- 10032250Nov 7, 2007Audio: exterior lights, moisture accumulation. Condensation is visible on the inside of headlights, taillights, fog lights, side marker lights, front turn signal or third brake…
- 10023948Nov 7, 2007Exterior lights, moisture accumulation.
- 10025703Feb 26, 2007Exterior lights, mositure accumulation.
- 10022141Feb 26, 2007Headlight aiming, using hella universal beamsetter.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 6 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 7% |
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Audi A6
19 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsTires
11 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