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Your vehicleHome›Audi›A6› 2021
Audi · Midsize Sedan

2021 Audi A6

Hybrid
Midsize Cars
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
D
Safety Signal
60 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 12
Complaintsnone reporting a crash, fire or injury 27
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 26 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Audi A6 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid midsize sedan with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the A6 quattro, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 27 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Audi A6 — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Audi A6 · Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
A6 quattroHybridAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion233126$3,150
A6 quattroHybridAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion222924$3,400
A6 AllroadHybridAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion202622$3,750

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43175, 42774, 42791.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
A6 Allroad, A6 quattro5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleWagon
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3 L

Engine Output

Horsepower335 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainAWD/All-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds7

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: quattro Premium, quattro Premium Plus, quattro Premium Plus/Sport quattro Premium Plus, quattro Premium/Sport quattro Premium). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length194.5–194.9 in
Width (body, without mirrors)74.4–74.8 in
Height57.5–57.9 in
Wheelbase115.0–115.4 in
Track, front64.2–65.0 in
Track, rear63.4–63.8 in
Curb weight4,266–4,495 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear52/48 to 55/45

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door Sedan, Allroad 4-door Wagon. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 A6
Other years The 2027 A6 Recalls Audi recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Audi A6 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
○minor

Back Over Prevention

90TV
356,894 vehicles 58% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 reported Dec 19, 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

90VC
44,387 vehicles 82% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. Risk An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V201000 reported Mar 31, 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

47T9
7,499 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid. Risk Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V601000 reported Aug 25, 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

90V2
50,883 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down. Risk A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V861000 reported Nov 21, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

91Ei
6,076 vehicles 93% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V806000 reported Oct 26, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

91DZ
170,296 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V742000 reported Oct 5, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

20DN
47,238 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster. Risk An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V155000 reported Mar 14, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Suspension

42L5
31,058 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed. Risk Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 reported Jan 26, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

69CR, 69CS
45,496 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Cr Risk An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V606000 reported Aug 5, 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

42L1
40,993 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion. Risk A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 reported Apr 26, 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

70i2
3,421 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly. Risk An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V159000 reported Mar 10, 2021 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

69BM
166 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors. Risk A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V749000 reported Dec 2, 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific A6

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Audi publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Audi’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Audi A6, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Audi A6

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this A6 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
27complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

26 per 10,000 built · Audi reported 10,263 A6 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2021: 1 · 2022: 5 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2026: 9

Most-cited components

Electrical System 15
Forward Collision Avoidance 6
Engine 5
Power Train 3
Fuel/Propulsion System 2
Structure 2

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing an emergency limp-home mode that instantly created a roadway collision hazard.
Electrical System Sep 21, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11765960
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 and no earlier incidence that led up to this issue.
Power Train Apr 9, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11730290
The car has traffic sign recognition and uses it for "predictive control" where the vehicle will read traffic signs and adjust the adaptive cruise control setting to based on road signs. It had previously been working well but a software update was recently performed under TSB 2074688/3 on November 6th, 2025 and problems have shown up.
Forward Collision Avoidance Dec 1, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11702177
Both daytime running lights have progressively changed from white to yellow and lost intensity. The discoloration began on one side and later appeared on the other, concentrated at the lower angled section of the daytime running light. There are no warning lamps, messages, or stored fault codes.
Exterior Lighting Oct 19, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11772117
The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The engine overheating and the low coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a failed coolant pump vacuum.
Engine at 80,000 miles May 11, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11736958
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 car.
Steering Sep 9, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11543607

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9%
SW AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 2 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 2,407
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-25
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 2352 service bulletins, 33 service campaigns, 19 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Unknown Or Other, Structure, Engine.

  • TSB_2083409_1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Unknown Or Other
  • This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
  • TSB_2083393_1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Engine
  • This bulletin provides information when the starter/generator drive belt is noisy or came off.
  • TSB_2052680_2 Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Unknown Or Other
  • This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
  • TSB_2083385_1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-23 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin provides information when there is a warning message in the instrument cluster about external sound.
  • TSB_2076396_3 Service bulletin
    2026-09-23 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin provides information regarding driver assist systems; Audi adaptive light, Audi pre sense system fault, adaptive cruise assist inop (DTC C12D5FA).
  • TSB_2063336_5 Service bulletin
    2026-09-23 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin provides information when DTC C12BFF0 is stored in the lane change modeul or the radar sensor; intersection assist/lane change assist are inoperable.
  • TSB_2074846_5 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Steering
  • This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
  • TSB_2065871_4 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Steering
  • This bulletin provides informaiton when DTC B200FF0 is stored.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0300
P0300 on Audi →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →12 bulletins
P0306
P0306 on Audi →		Cylinder 6 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →12 bulletins
P0301
P0301 on Audi →		Cylinder 1 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →8 bulletins
P0302
P0302 on Audi →		Cylinder 2 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →8 bulletins
P0303
P0303 on Audi →		Cylinder 3 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →8 bulletins
P0304
P0304 on Audi →		Cylinder 4 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →8 bulletins
P0305
P0305 on Audi →		Cylinder 5 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →8 bulletins
P0327
P0327 on Audi →		Knock sensor 1 signal too low.Engine2 bulletins
P0328
P0328 on Audi →		Knock sensor 1 signal too high.Engine · Knock sensor →2 bulletins
P0332
P0332 on Audi →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins
P0333
P0333 on Audi →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Audi A6 failed the emissions check on 1.9% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.3% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.9%

failed emissions

472 initial inspections of 461 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 A6Every 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.9%1.9%470
Failed the safety inspection1.3%1.5%472
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.42%0.19%472
Miles driven a year8,68910,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer45,97054,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

A6 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 2026 A 1 9 24 mpg2025 B 2 7 26 mpg2024 A 1 3 26 mpg2023 A 1 3 27 mpg2022 C 5 4 26 mpg2021 this page D 12 27 26 mpg2020 F 9 34 27 mpg2019 D 7 114 27 mpg2018 B 2 11 28 mpg2017 C 3 20 28 mpg2016 C 3 51 30 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 A6

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Audi A6 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A6. The most serious on file is 22V861000, covering Electrical System. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Audi A6?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Audi A6 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it D (60/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi A6?

Across the 3 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Audi A6, the best EPA combined figure is 26 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Audi A6?

Transport Canada measured it at 194.5–194.9 in long, 74.4–74.8 in wide (body, without mirrors), 57.5–57.9 in tall, on a 115.0–115.4 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,266–4,495 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Audi A6?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi A6, most often about electrical system, forward collision avoidance, engine. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Audi A6?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Audi A6 is 5 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Audi A6?

The manufacturer has filed 2407 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A6, most often covering electrical system, equipment, unknown or other. The most recent is dated 2026-09-25. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Audi A6 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Audi A6 failed the emissions check on 1.9% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.3% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations3 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates3 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls12NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints27NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins2407NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA12 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 A6 The A6 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Audi recall on file All campaigns filed against Audi vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this A6 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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