2001 Audi A6
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 20 of 113 complaints (18%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (8) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 148 in 2000 to 113 in 2001.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,100–4,300 | 4,300 | 4,300 | 4,100–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–19 | 18 | 18 | 18–19 | 18–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–16 / 24–25 | 15–16 / 22–24 | 15–16 / 22–23 | 15–17 / 22–23 | 15–18 / 23–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 468–494 | 494 | 494 | 468–494 | 423–494 | |
| Complaints filed | 217 | 148 | 113 | 88 | 66 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 12 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 23 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 5 | |
| Injuries reported | 15 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Audi A6 have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2001 Audi A6?
Engine: 20 of 113 NHTSA complaints (18%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Audi A6 get?
EPA rates it 18 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 Audi A6?
EPA estimates $4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 2.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 14 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 16 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 11V267000 · May 3, 2011
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 08V157000 · Apr 8, 2008
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 68,240 MY 2001-2004 AUDI A6 QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 2.8L, OR 3.0L ENGINES AND MY 2001-2005 ALLROAD QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L OR 4.2L ENGINES. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 06V198000 · Jun 7, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 04V133000 · Mar 22, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
Consequence: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
TIRES · Campaign 03V143000 · Apr 22, 2003
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE CALCULATED "VEHICLE NORMAL LOAD" EXCEEDS THE ALLOWABLE WEIGHT OF THE AXLE LOAD WITH TIRE DIMENSION 225/45R 17 91Y BY 19KG.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · Campaign 01V202000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (ALLROAD). WHEN ACTIVATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER UNDER HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS SUCH AS FREEZING, SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN, ONE WIPER COULD BE DELAYED BEHIND THE OTHER WIPER.
Consequence: IF THAT HAPPENS, THE WIPER BLADES, BECAUSE THEY OVERLAP WIPING AREAS, COULD BECOME ENTANGLED WITH EACH OTHER AND CEASE FUNCTIONING. THIS COULD IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 01V157000 · May 18, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Consequence: RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.