NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2019 Audi A6 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 114 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 7 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH14 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 Audi A6 receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 114 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 7 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 41,850 miles (IQR: 37,42546,275 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

2019 Audi A6Luxury2019
DLC Port: Driver lower dash trim near parking brake assembly

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.6 / 10

95 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
114

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
7

7 Active / Free Remedies

Switch A6 Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity91% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

87
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):41,850 milesIQR: 37,42546,275 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11744302 • Filed: 06/15/2026

I recently brought my 2019 A6 to Nyack Audi for an unrelated repair, after performing their complimentary inspection the service advisor told me my water pump was leaking coolant into the vacuum hose system; and the pump, PCV valve, sensors, solenoids and vacuum hose system ne...

ODI #11736719 • Filed: 05/09/2026

The central locking / electronic door lock system on my 2019 Audi A6 intermittently malfunctions, sometimes with a long beep sound and an error message appearing on the screen in front of my steering wheel. The affected system is available for inspection upon request. The issu...

ODI #11733922 • Filed: 04/27/2026

Shortly after purchasing in 2025 I began having occasional issues with the door locks. Eventually the issue would self resolve but now I have experienced at least 2 times in last month being locked inside the vehicle and unable to exit without climbing into the passenger seat....

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

42
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):71,323 milesIQR: 60,16182,484 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757339 • Filed: 08/17/2026

The factory-installed mechanical water pump module suffered a severe internal seal and housing failure. This allowed pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the engine's vacuum control system and vacuum lines, damaging crucial emissions and vacuum tubing. This defe...

ODI #11749217 • Filed: 07/08/2026Odometer: 93,645 mi

My 2019 Audi A6 was diagnosed with catastrophic internal engine failure on May 9, 2026 at Audi of Newton, Newton, NJ, at 93,645 miles. The vehicle required a full engine rebuild performed by REV Auto NJ at a cost of $12,000. The failure involved metal debris found in the engin...

ODI #11744302 • Filed: 06/15/2026

I recently brought my 2019 A6 to Nyack Audi for an unrelated repair, after performing their complimentary inspection the service advisor told me my water pump was leaking coolant into the vacuum hose system; and the pump, PCV valve, sensors, solenoids and vacuum hose system ne...

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity73% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

35
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):41,850 milesIQR: 37,42546,275 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11732943 • Filed: 04/22/2026

Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and con...

ODI #11607013 • Filed: 08/07/2024

Rearview camera (or various combinations of between 1 and 4 of the surround view cameras -- no rhyme or reason to which camera(s) fail in a given incident) frequently fails and displays a black screen instead of rearward facing view. This happens roughly one of every ten times...

ODI #11576416 • Filed: 03/09/2024

Electrical malfunction warning. Steering wheel got tight. Transmission failure warning. Then the the car began to stop. all types of various warnings were popping up on the heads up display. It is in the process of getting taken to the nearest dealer.

#4 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity70% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

34
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):33,000 milesIQR: 32,58341,850 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11736719 • Filed: 05/09/2026

The central locking / electronic door lock system on my 2019 Audi A6 intermittently malfunctions, sometimes with a long beep sound and an error message appearing on the screen in front of my steering wheel. The affected system is available for inspection upon request. The issu...

ODI #11732943 • Filed: 04/22/2026

Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and con...

ODI #11636241 • Filed: 01/16/2025

Yellow battery indicator light came on while driving car in 35 degree weather after a week of sitting in garage (holidays). I pulled over, read the manual and it said this could cause battery light to illuminate. I called the dealership service to ask them, they said possible ...

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity69% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

19
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):33,000 milesIQR: 32,58341,850 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11732943 • Filed: 04/22/2026

Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and con...

ODI #11573334 • Filed: 02/22/2024

When backing up the car the cameras don't turn on and often times the collision sensors go off randomly. On the highway the emergency brakes go off randomly when a car passes by on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

ODI #11563358 • Filed: 01/03/2024

The car couldn't start and stopped abruptly on the way through bunches of errors on the dashboard with check engine light and steering was firm and could not lock the Car or open the door Here are the warning list for 2019 Audi A6: Electrical system malfunction Electrical syst...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

5
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):72,173 milesIQR: 61,43682,909 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11749217 • Filed: 07/08/2026Odometer: 93,645 mi

My 2019 Audi A6 was diagnosed with catastrophic internal engine failure on May 9, 2026 at Audi of Newton, Newton, NJ, at 93,645 miles. The vehicle required a full engine rebuild performed by REV Auto NJ at a cost of $12,000. The failure involved metal debris found in the engin...

ODI #11535209 • Filed: 07/29/2023

1 / 2 · Purchased 2019 Audi A6 Prestige sedan in August 19, 2023 Issue #1: Transmission Issue · Day after purchase, transmission error appeared on dashboard during highway driving · Car acted up a little, so quickly got off highway and drove home. Emotionally scared · Called t...

ODI #11518884 • Filed: 04/25/2023Odometer: 50,700 mi

Massive safety liability here. My 2019 Audi A6 was on the highway traveling at 75mph on 4/25/2023 at noon when with no prior warning, all of the electrical systems started failing rapidly. In the course of 90 seconds, there was an electrical malfunction warning, quickly follow...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

1
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (1)
ODI #11715048 • Filed: 02/02/2026

Incident Summary for NHTSA Complaint Component Involved: Electrical System: Alternator / Charging System Vehicle State: In motion (City street/Highway) Speed at Failure: Approximately [Insert Speed] MPH Narrative Description: The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical fail...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (7)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V159000Reported: 10/03/2021

AIR BAGS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V153000Reported: 19/03/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.

Safety Consequence: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge. The recall began by May 22, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 27H2.
NHTSA Campaign #22V155000Reported: 14/03/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V861000Reported: 21/11/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V601000Reported: 25/08/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #25V900000Reported: 19/12/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V125000Reported: 04/03/2026

LANE DEPARTURE:SOFTWARE

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.

Safety Consequence: The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Audi A6

Before purchasing a used 2019 Audi A6, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Audi A6

Is the 2019 Audi A6 a reliable used car?

The 2019 Audi A6 earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 114 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Audi A6?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 41,850 miles (IQR: 37,42546,275 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Audi A6?

Yes, the NHTSA records 7 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.