2016 Audi A6 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 10th of 22 A6 years we score.

Owner complaints: 70; 7 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 20.6; 30,613 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.83×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 36; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 A6 2017 A6 →

Should You Buy the 2016 Audi A6?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi A6 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 22 A6 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (14 of 70 complaints). Owners also complain about the turbocharger and the brakes. 36 of the 70 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 78 and the 2017 scores 80.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-02 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 74
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Cooling system: a leak14 complaints
Turbocharger failure11 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder6 complaints

How the 2016 A6 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.97×	−11
Everyday problems	0.52×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.65×	−7
Recalls	0.77×	−5
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 70 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A6, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 70.

Cooling system: a leak
14 complaints (20%)
A leak, a failure and overheating. 2 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Turbocharger failure
11 complaints (16%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 10 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (9%)
Vibration or shudder, unusual noises and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
5 complaints (7%)
Stalling. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
4 complaints (6%)
Loss of steering control and locking up. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Engine: a fire
3 complaints (4%)
A fire and stalling. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Turbo oil screen: clogged
3 complaints (4%)
Clogged. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working and hard braking with nothing ahead.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (3%)
Warning lights.
Control module (unspecified): works on and off
2 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (3%)
Harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Fuel system: nozzle shuts off while refueling, fuel spills
2 complaints (3%)
Nozzle shuts off while refueling, fuel spills and a leak.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
A loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
2 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
2 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.

Show 4 more problems

Fuel rail failure
2 complaints (3%)
A failure and a stored fault code.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (3%)
Harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
Surging.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: a fire
2 complaints (3%)
A fire and a failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.

Reported Once (21)

Show the 21 problems reported once

A/C condenser failure
EVAP system failure
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Air suspension failure
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine mounts: a leak
Exhaust manifold: damage
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel filler door: not closing or latching
Fuel pump failure
Fuel leak failure
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Fluid leak (cause not stated)
Parking sensor: wrong readings
Vehicle jack: parts breaking or coming apart
Start-stop system: stalling
Tires: early wear
Transmission fluid leak
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2016 Audi A6 Compares With Other Years

The other A6 years of the 7th generation (C7), 2012 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	63	2.8×	59.0	7	Alternator or charging failure
2018	Excellent	85	0.33×	8.5	2	Cooling system: a leak
2017	Excellent	80	0.54×	13.0	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2016 This year	Good	74	0.83×	20.6	4	Cooling system: a leak
2015	Good	78	0.48×	13.9	5	Cooling system: a leak
2014	Good	71	0.78×	23.0	6	Turbocharger failure
2013	Caution	68	1.3×	40.4	8	Turbocharger: stalling
2012	Good	70	0.88×	28.4	8	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	78	0.52×	15.2	3	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart

See every A6 year

2016 Audi A6 Recalls

Four recalls cover the 2016 Audi A6. The most recent was issued in March 2022: “Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer
Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V178000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 23, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Auxiliary Heater Connector May Overheat
The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V862000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 5, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2016 Audi A6 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi A6, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-02
Bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
The problem:
Under the emissions recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels waited for an approved fix. Their new car warranty could run out before the fix was ready.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs defects in materials or workmanship as the new car warranty would, with the same exclusions, such as tires and wear items.
Who qualifies:
3.0 TDI Gen 2 diesels in the emissions recall whose new car warranty ran out, with no other coverage. Owners who opted out of the class action settlement do not qualify. For Gen 2.1 Q7s it ended November 6, 2017.
Coverage:
From January 31, 2017, or the end of the new car warranty if later, until an emissions fix is approved or denied.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-01
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
The problem:
Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
Who qualifies:
3.0 TDI Gen 2 A6, A7, A8 and Q5, engine codes CPNA or CPNB, fixed under the emissions recall. No model years are named. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-03
Crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
The problem:
The crankcase ventilation valve can fail. It causes a whistling noise in the engine bay and turns on the check engine light.
The fix:
An Audi dealer replaces the crankcase ventilation valve for free if it diagnoses the valve as faulty.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2013 to 2016 Audis with a 3.0 or 4.0 gasoline engine. Cars with a branded title, such as salvage, flood, rebuilt, fleet or lemon law buyback, or bought from a junkyard or body shop, are excluded.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-05
Rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
The problem:
The rear oxygen sensor on the 4.0 TFSI engine can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed rear oxygen sensor, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2016 to 2018 S6, S7, RS7, A8 and S8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2016 Audi A6 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2016 Audi A6. One led to a recall and one other has closed.

Engine stalling after turbocharger failure
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into sudden engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Owners said turbochargers failed when a clogged oil strainer cut off oil. The strainer is hard to reach for service. NHTSA and Audi had about 824 reports of these stalls. NHTSA upgraded it to an engineering analysis.
NHTSA PE21009 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Mar 29, 2021 to May 27, 2022
Turbocharger failures from a clogged oil strainer
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked into engine stalls in 2013-2016 Audi A8, S6, S7, S8 and RS7 cars with 4.0L twin-turbo engines. Audi filed recall 22V-178 to replace the oil strainer with a larger mesh one. Cars built since 2017 with that strainer had no reported turbo failures from oil starvation. NHTSA closed the analysis, citing the recall.
NHTSA EA22001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 4, 2022 to May 26, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2016 A6 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S6 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 A6, from its four recalls, five Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer NHTSA 22V178000
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000
Auxiliary Heater Connector May Overheat NHTSA 18V862000
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA 18V370000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-17-02: bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
AWA-18-01: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
AWA-19-03: crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Listen for whistling and watch for reduced-power warnings.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Cooling system
Turbocharger
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A6 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.