2021 Audi A6: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Audi A6? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 12 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Audi A6 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 Audi A6 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Audi A6 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
8.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
8.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Audi A6 has 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A6
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Audi A6 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Audi A6?
The 2021 Audi A6 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Audi A6
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including infotainment and sensors, for any issues.
- Verify all 11 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and AEB system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including infotainment and sensors, for any issues.
- Verify all 11 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and AEB system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Audi A6, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi A6, the data suggests a concentration of electrical faults, though the sample size is small and confidence is low. No crash-related complaints were reported. The vehicle has 11 recalls, which buyers should verify are completed.
- Electrical faults account for the majority of complaints (9 out of 12).
- Transmission/drivetrain and forward collision avoidance (AEB) each have 2 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported for the 2021 model year.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems appear in a small number of complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) system concerns are noted.
All 2021 Audi A6 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A6. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A6. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving my vehicle when the engine surged and then a transmission warning light came on and there was an immediate and complete loss of drive power. After the vehicle glided to a stop, there was no drive transmission in either forward or reverse. There was no pre-warning …
My alternator was not working and it was a recall and I paid to fix it and they don’t wanna pay me back. I got a new part from audi and fix it at the shop and they don’t wanna pay anything just called and she said we don’t pay only if he’s done at the dealer. And I don’t believe …
While driving at normal speed, the entire digital instrument panel suddenly went black and a red warning triangle appeared. I lost all gauges, including speedometer, fuel level, and warning indicators. This created a serious safety risk because I was in active traffic and had no …
The Audi Pre-sense is activated by weather. I was driving during a thunderstorm and Audi Presence activated causing the car to come to a hard stop due to precipitation. It happened again backing out of my driveway the Audi Pre-sense was activated and the car came to a hard stop. …
The car has had multiple issues with warning lights and malfunctioning systems. Including : 1.Child locks 2.Every single component of the ADAS 3. Emergency services being activated at least a few times a month - this is an SOS for emergency 911 service. The repeated, continuo…
Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the …
Car reported an engine restarter issue (with battery symbol) and recommended to contact the dealer. Car next shut down automatic restart system, and air conditioning stopped working. Within a short period of time (same day), the car listed a red battery symbol and advised to stop…
The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while his father was driving 45 MPH, the electrical system Malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several electronic components started to turn off until the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable.…
The contact's wife owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r…
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electrical system, start/stop, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent. After a minute or two my center MMI went blank then my electroni…
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. No other cars around when this occurred. Caused a very loud BANG. Was driving on the freeway when this occurred. Dealer would not confirm issue was spontaneous - felt something must have hit the car to cause this. No defined imp…
Liquid spulked in the trunk and somehow was able to get to the control module that is located under the rear seat similar concerns as recalled Audi Q5. Vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of a busy intersection.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Audi A6.
2021 Audi A6 Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A6. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Audi A6 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Audi A6 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Audi A6 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi A6?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (9 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Audi A6?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Audi A6?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Audi A6, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 12 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi A6 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Audi A6. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi A6?▾
The 2021 Audi A6 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi A6 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Audi A6 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.