2021 Audi A6 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 21st of 22 A6 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 30
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 28.3
- 10,263 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.6×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 13
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 13
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi A6?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi A6 is 64 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 21st of the 22 A6 years we score.
The most reported problem is the alternator or charging system (6 of 30 complaints). Owners also complain about the instrument cluster and automatic emergency braking. 13 of the 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 13 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 64.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-06 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- 4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
- Alternator or charging failure6 complaints
- Instrument cluster: works on and off4 complaints
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead2 complaints
How the 2021 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.6× | −13 |
| Everyday problems | 1.6× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.99× | −9 |
| Recalls | 2.5× | −9 |
| Score | 64 |
What Owners Report
We read all 30 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 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 30.
Alternator or charging failure
6 complaints (20%)
A failure. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
4 complaints (13%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (7%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (7%)
A leak.
Door latches: not closing or latching
2 complaints (7%)
Not closing or latching and a failure.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (7%)
Wrong readings.
Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off
2 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (7%)
Not opening or unlocking and warning lights. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (7%)
Failure or loss of drive. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (14)
Show the 14 problems reported once
- A/C: stopped working
- Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
- Engine failure: locking up
- Forward collision warning: stopped working
- Fuel system: reduced power or limp mode
- Cross traffic assist: stopped working
- Phone and navigation: the system acting on its own
- Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
- Rearview camera: stopped working
- Seats: damage
- Side blind zone alert: stopped working
- Start-stop system: warning lights
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
How the 2021 Audi A6 Compares With Other Years
The other A6 years of the 8th generation (C8), 2019 to 2025, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 14.5 | 1 | Loss of power (cause not stated) |
| 2025 | Not scored | – | – | 5.6 | 2 | Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 5.6 | 1 | – |
| 2023 | Not scored | – | – | 3.6 | 1 | – |
| 2022 | Not scored | – | – | 15.9 | 6 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2021 This year | Caution | 64 | 1.6× | 28.3 | 13 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2020 | Caution | 64 | 2.7× | 53.6 | 9 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2019 | Caution | 63 | 2.8× | 59.0 | 7 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2018 | Excellent | 85 | 0.33× | 8.5 | 2 | Cooling system: a leak |
2021 Audi A6 Recalls
The 2021 Audi A6 has 13 recalls. The most recent was issued in December 2025: “Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V900000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Instrument Panel Display Failure
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V201000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 31, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V601000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 25, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V861000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 21, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V806000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 26, 2022. By the first quarter of 2025, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V742000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Show 7 more recalls
Fuel Gauge May Display Inaccurate Fuel Reading
An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V155000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V034000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 26, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Cylinder Bore Surface May Develop Cracks
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
NHTSA 21V339000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 12, 2021. By the first quarter of 2022, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V295000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Incorrectly
An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V159000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 10, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Faulty Side Impact Crash Sensor In Front Doors
A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 20V749000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 2, 2020. By the third quarter of 2022, 98% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2021 Audi A6 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi A6, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-06
EVAP purge valve or hose failure
- The problem:
- The EVAP purge valve or its hose can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the EVAP purge valve and hose and replaces them for free if they failed from a defect.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2024 S6, S7 and RS5 with the 2.9 or 3.0 TFSI V6. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-07
Crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- The problem:
- The crankcase breather on the 4.0 EA825 engine can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the crankcase breather and replaces it for free if it failed from a defect.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2023 Audis with the 4.0 EA825 engine. The bulletin names no model. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- 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.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-25-07
Virtual Cockpit failure
- The problem:
- The Virtual Cockpit can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs the Virtual Cockpit for free if it failed from a defect. Damage it caused is also covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2021 A6 sedan and allroad, S6, RS6 Avant, A7, S7, RS7, A8, S8, Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 A6 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door AWD, 4-door AWD with rear side airbags and allroad AWD
S6 4-door AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2021 A6, from its 13 recalls, four 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.
- Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 25V900000
- Instrument Panel Display Failure NHTSA 25V201000
- Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap NHTSA 23V601000
- Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power NHTSA 22V861000
- Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 22V806000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 recalls and which are still open.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-23-06: EVAP purge valve or hose failure
- AWA-23-07: crankcase breather failure, 4.0 engine
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
- AWA-25-07: Virtual Cockpit failure
On the Test Drive
- Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
- Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
- Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Alternator or charging system
- Instrument cluster
- Automatic emergency braking
- 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