2026 Audi A6Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2026 Audi A6. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and forward collision avoidance (3). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system5
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Power train2
- Lane departure2
- Air bags1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Service brakes1
- Engine1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each A6 model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 54 |
| 1997 | 21 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 113 |
| 2002 | 103 |
| 2003 | 71 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2026 | 9 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2026 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, a second vehicle reversed and struck the front end of the contact's vehicle. During the crash, the driver's side front air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained a neck injury that required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. Following the crash, several safety-related failures occurred while operating the vehicle, including an illuminated air bag warning light, an "SOS system not available" warning message, a malfunctioning seat belt restraint that failed to properly secure the driver, and a trunk lid that failed to latch properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 21,002.”
Forward collision avoidance
“This report is on a new vehicle. The incident occurred within one week of purchase. While driving on a freeway at constant speed, with the closest vehicle in front of me approximately 25 yards away and with no warning, the car slammed on the brakes in an emergency fashion and aggressively tightened the seat belt shoulder harness. This was followed by a notice "emergency call cancelled". It is clear that the Audi pre sense malfunctioned and caused the system to think a rear end collision was imminent, when clearly it was not. The internet is littered with complaints about this. Fortunately, this did not result in an accident, but I would classify it as a near miss safety incident since if someone had been close behind me it likely would have resulted in a rear end collision. I have reported this to the Audi dealer that I purchased it from. Given that I haven't had a car accident in forty years, I consider this system more of a safety hazard than a help.”
Fuel/propulsion system
“vehicle was put into gear and lost propulsion . Then all adas warning lights illuminated. This is the second time this has happened”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Station Wagons, Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybrid · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S7)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 Allroad quattro Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,300 | 365 |
| A6 Sedan Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 387 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 8.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2026 A6 questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Audi A6 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Audi A6 problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), forward collision avoidance (3), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Audi A6 get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Audi A6 at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Audi A6?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Audi A6 5 out of 5 stars overall.