- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Vehicle safety record
2006 Audi A6 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 2006 Audi A6 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (40) and the electrical system (13). Those complaints describe 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2018 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2005 has 0 and the 2007 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A6 year, for its age
#126 most complained-about 2006 vehicle
- Complaints
- 67
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2006 Audi A6 problems
Share of all 67 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2006 Audi A6 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
- The problem
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the automatic rear lid includes an electric motor and clutch that work in conjunction with two gas struts to open and close the rear lid, including a manual close function. If one of the struts has a total loss of pressure, the resultant slow movement of the rear lid is interpreted by the software as an intended manual close and the motor clutch releases to close the rear lid immediately.
- The risk
- This can result in an unintended rapid closing of the rear lid with a risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will install new software free of charge. The recall began on september 14, 2007. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
What owners say
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67 complaints about the 2006 Audi A6
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
The contact owns a 2006 Audi A6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2006 Audi a6. Consumer writes in regards to illuminated check engine light. *Ld the consumer stated the vehicle was leaking oil. The consumer was in contact with the previous owner, who stated they bought and sold the vehicle back to the same dealer for the same issue. Also the consumer purchased the vehicle with 119,00 miles, but the previous owner stated the actual mileage was over 200,000. *Js
FAILED FUEL INJECTOR SEAL CAUSING FUEL LEAK
I have been scheduling appointments to rectify an open airbag recall through two different audi dealers. None of the dealers both in oxnard, ca and rancho mirage, ca have followed through. I originally scheduled appointment for 3/11/2019 for the oxnard, ca location, and the latest couple were for last and this month through the audi in rancho mirage, ca. I am concerned for my safety of those of my family, as the recall points out that a metal mesh would deploy along with the airbag causing potential death. At this point, I would appreciate if audi of america was to purchase my vehicle back.
Takata recall - I have been receiving notices in the mail regarding an important safety recall 69r7 - passenger frontal airbag for 2 years or more. Each time I have taken my car for service in the past several years to byers audi on hamilton road in columbus, oh, I have asked them to replace the airbag and each time I am told that they do not have the airbags and will let me know as soon as they are available. Is audi compliant with requirements simply by notifying customers of the recall or must they perform the service within a certain period of time? I am very concerned about the safety of my grandchildren.
Takata recall. I've been trying to get the repairs done for months but the replacement parts are still not available. It's pretty bad to know about this issue and receive recall notices constantly but there's nothing I can do to fix it.
Engine oil leaks this is a "normal" problem that should not be accepted by the consumer and the adaptive headlights cord broke off. Will not turn with vehicle
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v382000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (rusnak/pasadena audi, 267 w colorado blvd, pasadena, ca 91105, (626) 714-3159) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the part was to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
At 150k miles, experienced no crank, no start. Tow to dealer, and I had already done some triage. They did 2 hrs of troubleshooting problems that were not even related, so I took the car back. Found a trust worthy mechanic and his diag suggested the scm burned out taking the pcm and ecm along with it. The cost would have been in the $6000 range as he stated a %40 failure rate after 150k in alldata. He also said, if I repair it, I need to replace the steering column as well because I will just have issues down...
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the road if I dont. The car also had a slow oil leak. The place where I bought the car said the repair is not worth the cost, so that factored into my decision not to invest in repairs. The oil leak was slow and I never had to top off the oil, but it was significant enough to know it was an issue. That leak was present after 80k miles. So I had to make the unfortunate decision not to invest any money into an attempted fix. I was at the gas station, had just filled up the gas tank, had new struts, new battery and prior to it not starting, the car was running so really good. It looked great and people often thought it was way newer than it was. There was way to much value in the car to trash it, but various parties only offered $200 to scrap it. This is a high end car for audi and I cant believe they are allowed to implement a kill switch after 150k miles. I was planning on keeping that car for a long time. Now unemployed, I have to buy a car I cant afford.
Takata recall there is still no remedy listed on nhtsa website. I have not been contacted by manufacturer for an airbag replacement.
Takata recall, no remedy yet. Nhtsa recall number 17v032. Manufacturer recall number -69p6
TAKATA RECALL NHTSA RECALL #17V032 NO FIX AVAILABLE
"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE?
Takata recall I still have not received any communications regarding the replacement of the airbags. No timely response to the available replacement.
Takata recalled airbags in car. Dealer still doesnt have in stock, I have no other car to drive
SEE ATTACHED MEMO.
"Takata recall" audi of smithtown fails, after six months of requesting, to replace the takata airbag on the passenger side of the subject car. Audi of smithtown rejects responsibility to replace the airbag and claims that nhtsa is responsible for providing replacement airbags. Audi of smithtown is unable to schedule replacement. Audi of smithtown claims total ignorance about all matters regarding airbag replacement. Please advise.
Takata airbag - it has been 8 months and audi has no remedy for the problem. I have a car that cannot accommodate the number of people in my family. Audi refuses to give me a loaner car and they have no timeframe for when a remedy will be available. This is unacceptable. As always, the consumer is left holding the bag for the corporation. How is this right?
Tl* takata recall. The contact's employer owns a 2006 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v382000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called audi morton grove (847-998-8000 located at 7000 golf rd, morton grove, il 60053) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the...
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issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 10/26/17*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. *Js
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v382000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The bell audi dealer stated that there were no parts available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall- we received a recall notice 13 months(may 2016) ago regarding the passenger takata airbag in one of our two audis. In april 2017, even tho we are labeled by nhtsa a zone a, we received another recall notice that an interim repair would be made but not one that would allow us to sit in the passenger seat according to audi in this car. This is not acceptable. To not be allowed to sit in the passenger seat for safety concerns for 13 months and no one knows how much longer for a $40,000+ car is beyond...
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comprehension. I have contacted audi ceo to no avail. Ethe dealership cannot help either. So, the car sits in the garage as my husband is on oxygen and broke his hip and cannot sit in the back seat. Either audi or someone needs to replace the airbag or replace the car with a car we can drive.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v032000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa due to the agency being involved in part distribution. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata airbag I received a recall notice from audi in may 2006. I have periodically called my dealership newport imports in newport beach ca. Eleven months later I am still being told that audi does not have a solution to repair or replace the air bags. This seems like an extremely long wait to have a safety issue corrected, especially as there is no date by which audi expects to have a solution.
Takata recall. Audi currently has no parts to fix/repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v382000 (air bags); however, the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Audi A6: every year compared
All A6 years2006 Audi A6 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Audi A6 | 67 | 4 | D | |
| 2006 BMW 3 Series | 1,243 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 538 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2006 BMW 5 Series | 388 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2006 Audi A4 | 298 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 183 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2006 Volvo S60 | 31 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2006 BMW 330I | 0 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2006 BMW 530I | 0 | 3 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2006 Audi A6
Does the 2006 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2006 Audi A6: inflator module (June 2018); inflator module (January 2017); inflator module (June 2016); trunk lid (August 2007). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi A6?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (40), electrical system (13), engine & cooling (6).
How many complaints has the 2006 Audi A6 had?
67 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 28, 2006 and the latest on April 27, 2023. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2006 Audi A6 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 33 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A6 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A6 years have the most complaints?
1999 (217), 2000 (148), 1998 (130). See every Audi A6 year compared.
What should I do if my 2006 Audi A6 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data