2016 Audi A6
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Audi A6 has 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 28. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: vehicle stumbles and cuts off at a few moments of idling. it has also lost power and the gained it back moments later at rapid pace.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
77
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
2.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
19 complaints- • VEHICLE STUMBLES AND CUTS OFF AT A FEW MOMENTS OF IDLING. IT HAS ALSO LOST POWER AND THE GAINED IT BACK MOMENTS LATER AT RAPID PACE.
- • 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 WO
- • 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
“VEHICLE STUMBLES AND CUTS OFF AT A FEW MOMENTS OF IDLING. IT HAS ALSO LOST POWER AND THE GAINED IT BACK MOMENTS LATER AT RAPID PACE.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Audi A6
Based on 37 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 26K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Audi A6
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Audi A6
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi A6 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2016 A6, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 77 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: VEHICLE STUMBLES AND CUTS OFF AT A FEW MOMENTS OF IDLING. IT HAS ALSO LOST POWER AND THE GAINED IT BACK MOMENTS LATER AT RAPID PACE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI BAKERSFIE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 2016 AUDI A6. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL RAILS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE STUMBLES AND CUTS OFF AT A FEW MOMENTS OF IDLING. IT HAS ALSO LOST POWER AND THE GAINED IT BACK MOMENTS LATER AT RAPID PACE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi A6 — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 28
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Audi A6