2011 Audi A6 Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Audi A6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2011 Audi A6. The part named most often is air bags, with 12 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system (3) and seats (3). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 962 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 57 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 198 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Air bags12 57%
- Electrical system3 14%
- Seats3 14%
- Engine2 9.5%
- Equipment1 4.8%
- Other or unknown1 4.8%
- Steering1 4.8%
- Vehicle speed control1 4.8%
- Wheels1 4.8%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Takata recall- I was first informed of this recall in march even though the recall for my car started in january. Since, I have received no notification from Audi of the status of repair. Given the direction of Audi, we are not able to use the front passenger seat which makes the car unable to accommodate the specified passengers and the value of the car has plunged. In addition, I have been unable to sell my car given the above. …”
NHTSA complaint #11104558, filed 2018-06Electrical system: “Audi a8 2011 - issue regarding on/off switch we have a new a8. The on/off switch is next to the gear shift level on the console between the front seats. Our dog - a 16 lb bichon - climbed between the seats from the back to sit on the passenger seat. As the dog crossed the center console he stepped on the on/off button shutting off the car which caused a loss of steering and brakes. My wife was able to get to the side of the road as she was on a local road and not going fast but if she had been trying to turn or if she had been on a road with a higher speed limit there could have been a crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386686, filed 2011-03, 6,500 milesSeats: “Rear seatbacks (rigid plastic) is open at the top on passenger and driver side seats. This is an Audi design defect and safety concern to rear seat passengers in an accident. Velcro adhesive does not work. The connectors at the top were either missing or not installed correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #10873612, filed 2016-06, 59,000 milesEngine: “2011 Audi A6 seems to be overlooked compared to the rest of the Audi’s yet the Audi has so many different issues such as timing chain such as water pump, such as brake issues, such as rack pinion yet there hasn’t been anyone investigating this in particular make a model it needs to be done for safety reasons. Additionally, I was never contacted for the airbags cars registered DMV and nobody has bothered to inform me of the New airbag issues. What other issues are there brought to one’s attention?”
NHTSA complaint #11717713, filed 2026-02Mileage when problems were reported
43% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 59,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 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 | 3.2L 6-cyl | CVT | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,400 |
| A6 Avant quattro AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A6 quattro AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A6 quattro AWD | 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 18V427000Jun 22, 2018Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A6 2005–2011, S4 2005–2009, S6 2007–2011 +3 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and…
- 18V004000Jan 4, 2018Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A6 2009–2011, S6 2009–2011, A4 Cabriolet 2009 +1 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Audi A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles, ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland…
- 16V382000Jun 1, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A6 2005–2011, A4 2004–2008
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina…
Recall details for the 2011 Audi A6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 962 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11036911Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- 11036934Aug 11, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- 11036921Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
- 11036915Aug 11, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
- 11036914Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
- 11035854Jul 27, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
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 2011 Audi A6 have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2011 Audi A6 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Audi A6 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 12 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 2011 Audi A6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Audi A6 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Audi A6 (A6, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Audi A6 reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 59,000 miles; 43% 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.