Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Audi A6Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints for the 2016 Audi A6. Most complaints involve engine (17) and air bags (8). The EPA rates it 24–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
24–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jan 2019
Owner complaints
51
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jan 16, 2019NHTSA 19V035000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Dec 5, 2018NHTSA 18V862000

Air bags: occupant classification

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Air bagsReported Jun 4, 2018NHTSA 18V370000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

51 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2016 – Mar 2026
  1. Engine17
  2. Air bags8
  3. Electrical system8
  4. Fuel/propulsion system6
  5. Power train5
  6. Service brakes3
  7. Vehicle speed control3
  8. Forward collision avoidance2
  9. Steering2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each A6 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199654
199721
1998130
1999217
2000148
2001113
2002103
200371
200435
200667
200753
200871
200921
201017
201121
201260
201352
201441
201522
201651
201720
20182
20269
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

17 reports2 fires
“The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than expected for this type of component. These repeated failures create a significant safety concern, as sudden coolant loss can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to engine failure or loss of power while driving. Each problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Audi service center. The vehicle was inspected by Audi technicians, and repairs were recommended both times. The repeated failure of this critical component strongly suggests a systemic defect with the water pump design on this model. Despite a recent Audi water pump settlement, my vehicle was excluded, even though it has now experienced two failures and is requiring a third replacement.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2025EngineODI 11686225

Air bags

8 reports
“This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2025Power train, Air bags, EngineODI 11650550

Electrical system

8 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2024Electrical systemODI 11586615
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
A6 quattro
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
253830$3,150343
A6
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243428$2,850315
A6 quattro
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
223225$3,200343
A6 quattro
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive
202924$3,300375
  • A6 quattro
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    25 city · 38 hwy · $3,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • A6
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    24 city · 34 hwy · $2,850/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • A6 quattro
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 32 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • A6 quattro
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Audi A6 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.0%
Overall
5 / 5
Audi A6 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 10007Vehicle 10006
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 A6 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A6 have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Audi A6 problems?

Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (17), air bags (8), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Audi A6 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Audi A6 at 24–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Audi A6?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Audi A6 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026