2016 Audi A6 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this 2016 Audi A6 most often report cooling system problems, including water pump and thermostat failures, coolant loss, and overheating. Sudden engine shutdowns, stalls, and loss of power while driving are also common, as are passenger airbag warnings tied to a recall for which owners report parts were unavailable. Mileage is missing from many reports; where it is given, the cooling and power problems fall between about 1,560 and 70,240 miles, and brake vibration reports cluster at highway speeds.

1. 1
   Engine

   Coolant pump, water pump and thermostat failures

   • 13 complaints (25%)
   • median 38,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2018–2026

   Owners describe water pump or thermostat leaks and coolant loss, with some reporting steam, a check engine light, or overheating. Several say the water pump, thermostat, or coolant housing was replaced, and a report describes repeated water pump failures. A report says the owner was quoted a large out-of-pocket cost for another water pump, and some say their VIN was not covered by a coolant-related recall. Where mileage is given, these reports fall between about 26,000 and 51,000 miles, and a report describes steam and low coolant with no warning lamps shown.

   What to check: Ask whether the seller has records for water pump, thermostat, and coolant housing work, and check the coolant level and the area under the engine for leaks. Ask for the VIN recall status for coolant-related campaigns, since some complaints say their vehicle was not included.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I think the Audi recall needs to include more years. It ends at 2015 A6. I have a 2016 A6 that needed towed in march. I was driving and the car started smoking, the engine coolant was gone, and the car had to be towed in. The problem seems the same as the recall for the coolant system that was just announced. They replaced the coolant system in march of this year. My vehicle only had about 26k miles.”

   NHTSA complaint #11090249, filed 2018-04, 26,287 miles

   “Ok purchased the car october 2019, immediately noticed a burning smell, in the car. Took out to Audi multiple times ask if there was a leak, before the warranty ran out. They said no, now a year later my check engine light has come on. One diagnostic done at jiffy lube read a code that says it is the computer auxiliary output. Took the car to Audi to do a second diagnostic, they said its the thermostat, and coolant pump. My car is not ever heating and the heat and air work fine. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11395680, filed 2021-02, 38,000 miles
2. 2
   Engine

   Sudden engine shutdown, stall or power loss

   • 10 complaints (20%)
   • median 38,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2016–2026

   Owners describe the engine shutting off or stalling while driving, at a stop light, or while slowing for a turn, and in some cases the car would not restart right away. Other reports describe stumbling or cutting out at idle, shuddering and failing to accelerate with no warning light illuminated, and sudden loss of motive power with an electric power control message. Some owners restarted the engine after a short wait, and a dealer diagnosis for a stall found a wiring harness damaged by moisture intrusion. Where mileage is given, these reports range from 1,560 to 70,240 miles, and several describe the engine shutting off or losing power at low speed or while stopped.

   What to check: Ask whether there are records of any stalls, shutdowns, or power loss events, and whether the dealer diagnosed a wiring harness or moisture problem. On a test drive, check idle, low-speed, and acceleration response, and watch for warning messages or restart difficulty.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Vehicle has shut off while driving. Vehicle has shut off while at a stop light; would not immediately restart. Fiddled with the gears, put in park. Got vehicle to start after about 30-60 seconds. 30-60 seconds is a significant amount of time at a stop light that has just turned green. This has happened 3 times. Enter vehicle; start; put in reverse or drive to exit my driveway; car has shut off while attempting to exit driveway, 4 times; warning/prompting me to put it in park. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11180999, filed 2019-02, 33,000 miles

   “My wife was slowing this car down to make a right turn on a busy expressway, after she made the turn, the engine suddenly shut off and the 'stop/start deactivated manually restart your car light came on. The steering well was locked, the car dead on the street, the interior lights and radio were working normally, her seat belt was buckled, all doors were closed. Thankfully the other drivers did not hit our car, she was able to restart the car after 2 minutes and we drove home without further incident. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11072020, filed 2018-02, 23,000 miles
3. 3
   Air bags

   Airbag warning light and recall parts unavailable

   • 7 complaints (14%)
   • median 22,000 mi at 2.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2018–2022

   Owners describe the passenger airbag warning light coming on intermittently or switching off with a passenger in the front seat. Several say the recall repair parts were unavailable and the repair had been pending for a long time, with no date given. A complaint says the owner was told to keep driving until a fix was available. Where mileage is given, these reports fall between about 21,000 and 25,000 miles, and some describe the light coming on and off with a passenger seated.

   Recall 18V370000

   What to check: Ask whether the passenger airbag recall repair has been completed and check the VIN for open recalls before buying. Start the car and check whether the passenger airbag light stays on, goes off, or flickers when someone sits in the front seat.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Takata recall the airbag off light goes on and off at times on this vehicle while someone sitting on passenger seat. Audi does not have an eta for replacement parts and not willing to provide a loaner vehicle. I am afraid for the safety of my family at this point and think Audi should take back this lease or provide us with a new vehicle that is safe to drive until it has been repaired.”

   NHTSA complaint #11112012, filed 2018-07, 25,000 miles

   “1. Vehicle airbag indicator has illumated. I haven't received a recall letter from manufacturer. Have concerns about driving with airbag light on. 2. There is a recall for electrical wiring. 3. Fuel system/ fuel rail is being recalled.”

   NHTSA complaint #11463291, filed 2022-05
4. 4
   Fuel system

   Fuel rail recall, leak risk and repair delays

   • 7 complaints (14%)
   • median 59,120 mi at 7.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2019–2026

   Owners describe the fuel rail recall as covering possible fuel leaks, and some say the repair was delayed for months while parts were not available. Other complaints describe fuel rail trouble codes and the engine light coming on, and a shudder or failure to accelerate where the fuel rails had not yet been replaced. Another says no open recall was listed for their VIN, even though the owner had paid for repairs. Mileage is given in only one of these reports, at 70,240 miles, and others describe a long wait for the recall repair.

   Recall 19V035000

   What to check: Ask for the recall status of the fuel rails under the VIN, and whether the repair was completed rather than only scheduled. Check for any fuel smell, engine light, or trouble codes, and ask for records of any fuel rail work.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant system. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11727798, filed 2026-03

   “In february 2019 I received a recall letter, NHTSA 19v035, from Audi telling me my car may have a defect in the fuel rails which could leak fuel causing a fire! I immediately contacted my dealer Audi of wallingford ct and put my name on a waiting list for repair. I have now been waiting seven months and despite several calls to the service dept, it has not been fixed. They tell me they are not getting the parts from Audi. Today they told me they have not received the needed parts in months! This is for a defect which could cause a fire. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11255113, filed 2019-09
5. 5
   Brakes

   Brake vibration or pulsation at highway speeds

   Mentioned in 4 of 46 sampled complaints

   Owners describe vibration or pulsation felt when braking, most often at highway speeds, and a report says the brake pedal pulsated during driving with stopping distance increased. A complaint says rotors were replaced but the vibration returned, and another says the dealer attributed the feel to the car being a performance model. Where mileage is given, these reports fall between about 17,000 and 33,500 miles, and most describe the vibration at highway speeds.

   What to check: Ask whether the brake rotors were replaced and whether the vibration returned, and get the repair records for the front brakes. On a highway-speed test drive with firm braking, check for vibration or pulsation in the pedal or steering wheel.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “At high speeds (around 65 or more), when I apply the brakes I can sense some vibration in the brakes. I mentioned to the dealer that the brakes are not smooth as in my other cars. I was told, it is because Audi is a performance car. Now I know that it is just poorly built.”

   NHTSA complaint #11538985, filed 2023-08

   “The vehicle vibrates heavily when the brakes are applied at highway speeds. Brakes rotors replaced with less than 15k miles vehicle appear to have the same issue and has confirms by Audi dealer but refused to address the safety issues... Rotors replaced at 25k miles and vehicle now has 40k miles and need rotors replace again”

   NHTSA complaint #11395849, filed 2021-02, 25,000 miles

Buying note. Ask for records of any water pump, thermostat, and coolant work, and confirm whether the fuel rail and passenger airbag recall repairs have been completed. A pre-purchase inspection with a test drive that includes firm braking, idle, and restart checks is a practical step before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.