2004 Audi A6 Problems
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles, 27 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Audi A6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2004 Audi A6. The part named most often is fuel system, with 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by brakes (4) and air bags (3). 27 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 147 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the tank assembly, 1 NHTSA investigation and 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system9 26%
- Brakes4 11%
- Air bags3 8.6%
- Electrical system3 8.6%
- Engine cooling3 8.6%
- Seats3 8.6%
- Tires3 8.6%
- Wheels3 8.6%
- Exterior lighting2 5.7%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Re: safety recall 20l8/jy; 08v157000: fuel tank rollover valve modification; VIN: (xx); 2004 Audi A6 3.0l quattro at5 attached docs: 1. 20l8/jy recall notice. 2. 7.14.2008 & 11.18.18 Audi n. Scottsdale, az dealer invoices 3. Audi A6 gas tank diagram. Audi corp email response: at this time we have identified that the 20l8 repair was specific to the driver's side of the vehicle. The dealership is indicating this current recommended repair is specific to the passenger side of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11157093, filed 2018-12, 53,000 milesBrakes: “With the elec stability control being intermittent this is being caused by the ABS module going bad/intermittent the brake pedal pressure changes. I have experienced this with my 2002 ram 1500 (4x4) as well. This could be a problem in all cars and trucks. The cost the fix for an Audi is around $2500.00 and my ram was $1300.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10683045, filed 2015-02, 110,000 milesAir bags: “My Audi dealer informed me of a failure in the passenger side airbag and it had to be replaced at a cost of $931.99, I have owned this car since new and it is accident fee. This is failure of a major safety item and should be looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #10298954, filed 2010-01, 40,706 milesElectrical system: “Upon turning the key in the ignition, a loud pop was heard and smoke began to escape from under the hood. After opening the hood it appeared that the battery had in some way exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #10277358, filed 2009-07, 75,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 27 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,706 and 94,648 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Audi A6 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A6 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A6 quattro 4WD/AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A6 quattro 4WD/AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A6 quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A6 quattro 4WD/AWD | 4.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V267000May 3, 2011Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Audi A6 2001–2004, S6 2002–2003, RS6 2003
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 audi a6, model year 2002-2003 s6 and model year 2003 rs6 vehicles equipped with 4.2l engines and manufactured from june 19, 2001, through june 8, 2004. The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank…
- 08V157000Apr 8, 2008Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Audi A6 2001–2004, Allroad 2001–2005
Volkswagen is recalling 68,240 my 2001-2004 audi a6 quattro vehicles equipped with 2.7l, 2.8l, or 3.0l engines and my 2001-2005 allroad quattro vehicles equipped with 2.7l or 4.2l engines. The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve…
- 06V198000Jun 5, 2006Electrical systemCovers: Audi A6 1998–2004, Allroad 2001–2005
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected…
- 04V133000Mar 18, 2004Electrical systemCovers: Audi A6 1998–2004, S6 1998–2004, Allroad 2001–2004 +1 more
On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
Recall details for the 2004 Audi A6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE08008FUEL TANK LEAKClosed · Jan 31, 2008
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 147 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243930Oct 4, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10214458Jun 15, 2022Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10198567Jun 25, 2021Equipment, Body and structure. This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- 10191136Apr 21, 2021Suspension. This bulletin contains instructions for determining if bushings need to be replaced.
- 10184530Apr 16, 2020Equipment. This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- 10169118Dec 6, 2019Equipment, Exterior lighting. Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4 Cabriolet, 2004-2008 S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback…
- 10169098Dec 4, 2019Tires, Equipment. New document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder
- 10166778Oct 1, 2019Other or unknown. Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.
- 10165539Sep 30, 2019Equipment. This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage.
- 10166284Sep 17, 2019Electrical system. 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
Other model years of the Audi A6
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 21,002 | 0 | — | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 6 | 7,017 | 2 | 5 | 26 | — | Too new |
| 2021 | 18 | 59,000 | 11 | 5 | 26 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 26 | 22,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2019 | 114 | 1,000 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 11 | 11,800 | 2 | 5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 20 | 14,100 | 3 | 5 | 28 | — | Stable |
| 2016 | 51 | 25,602 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 22 | 71,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 41 | 49,400 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 31 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 52 | 60,936 | 6 | — | 28 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 60 | 69,000 | 8 | — | 28 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 21 | 57,000 | 3 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 17 | 64,000 | 3 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 21 | 82,500 | 4 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 71 | 44,000 | 4 | — | 21 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 53 | 88,500 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 67 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 91 | 86,358 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 35 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 66 | 79,975 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 71,145 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 113 | 78,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 148 | 77,040 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 217 | 80,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 130 | 78,500 | 10 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 20 | 95,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 51 | 103,758 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 16 | 118,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
All Audi A6 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Audi A6 have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2004 Audi A6 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Audi A6 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by brakes with 4.
Has the 2004 Audi A6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi A6 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Audi A6 (A6, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Audi A6 reported?
Among the 27 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,706 and 94,648 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.