1999 Audi A6: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 217 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (16% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v056000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. 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. The VIN was invalid.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v056000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“While driving 60 mph on the freeway, the car accelerated on its own to 72 mph as if going into cruise control. Confirmed the cruise control switch was turned off. Applied the brakes seven times. Car did not respond to braking. Engine seemed to race against the brakes. I put the car in neutral, moved to side of the road. Applied the hand brake. Turned key off. Car slowed then stopped. Since this incident the car was test driven twice by mechanics, during which it seemed to operate normally. On january 27, 2015 the car was taken to the local dealer, bellevue audi, for diagnosis. Awaiting results. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 audi a6. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, smoke and flames began to enter the vehicle through the air vents. The contact moved the vehicle over and extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact stated that the passenger sustained burns to the fingers. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection and the cause of the fire was unknown. There was not a police or fire report filed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 96,000. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2013
“Have had nothing but problems with the audi a6 since inception. Car started making a horrible noise that sounds like it is coming from engine or transmission. Car cannot pass emissions. Engine smoking fluid is pouring out of front of transmission. The car dealer: nalley audi in roswell, georgia. The car dealer nalley audi fraudulently took money from me and never repaired vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2012
“Audi claims that transmission fluid and filter never needs to be changed, this is not only incorrect, but this also causes transmission problems on a regular basis. This should not be told to the customer for it is a lie just so the customer has constant transmission problems while audi racks in the money. It is a scam and it should be eliminated from potential and existing audi customers. No oil was ever made not to break down and not ever be changed. A new audi owner usually listens to the dealership about their cars, and usually don't change the fluids or filters, hence transmission break downs and expensive repairs. Scam *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2012
“My wife was driving to work this morning when she had a tire blowout on the highway going 60mph. I met up with her to put the spare on and I was expecting a nail or something in the tire. When I inspected the tire I was surprised to notice a severe blowout on the rear passenger tire on the inside side wall of the tire from the tread to the rim. This is concerning to me because we still had 40,000 miles left on the warranty and we still have the same brand/size on the other tires. I am worried that this may happen on the other tires. The brand of tire is yokohama avid trz size: p205/55r16 89t. I know this tire is not on the recall list, but I am suspect of this tire after this incident. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2011
“My 1999 audi a6 2.8 has ABS control module failure. This appears to be a common problem among 1996 to 2001 audi's and vw's lack of anti-lock braking system control makes my vehicle unsafe. Audi is not willing to correct this problem. This problem affects a large number of vehicles.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2011
“ABS module failure, ABS system failed, ABS warning light on , alarm and brake warning light on. Common failure on this model bosch unit. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · Aug 2011
“Catalytic converters (2 front) need to be replaced. And the check engine light is on steady, indicates engine misfire. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L, V6 5-VALVE ENGINES, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WHILE DRIVING DURING EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES THE THROTTLE MAY FREEZE IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO ICE ACCUMULATING IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
Remedy: AUDI WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT THROTTLE BODY KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED IN THE COLD-WEATHER STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING, WILL BE NOTIFIED OF A SERVICE ACTION, UNDER WHICH THEY WILL BE PROVIDED THE FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH QUATTRO DRIVE SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS A FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. IF THE VEHICLE IS REFUELED SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED, AND IS KEPT RUNNING WHILE BEING REFUELED, THE FUEL VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM COULD PRODUCE SUFFICIENT BACK PRESSURE TO CAUSE FUEL TO BE EJECTED AFTER A COMPLETE FILL-UP WHEN THE FUEL PUMP NOZZLE IS REMOVED FROM THE FILLER NECK.
Remedy: VW IS PROVIDING A NEW PAGE FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO REQUESTING OWNERS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE A LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT REFUELING INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLED INSIDE OF THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. DEALERS WILL ALSO REMOVE THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FENDER WELL AT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact A6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Audi A6 reliable?
NHTSA has 217 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Audi A6. The most complained-about area is electrical system (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Audi A6 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Audi A6 have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.