The 2016 Audi A6 is associated with 70 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 18 reports (26% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl and 3l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 24 to 30 MPG combined. The 2016 Audi A6 belongs to the 7th generation (C7) A6 platform spanning model years 2015–2018.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 70 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (18 / 26%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 0 crash / 3 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 24–30 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| A6 | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 24 MPG | 34 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,700 / yr |
| A6 quattro Diesel | 3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 MPG | 38 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| A6 quattro | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 32 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $3,050 / yr |
| A6 quattro | 3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $3,150 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 9% |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 9% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Audi A6 models.
View complete 2016 Audi A6 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Audi A6 problems & component breakdown (34 categories) →
Affected Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Defect Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the auxiliary heater connector, replacing the auxiliary heater and connector, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 82C1.
View all 2016 Audi A6 recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →