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Audi · Model Year Profile · 2021

Is the 2021 Audi A6 Reliable? Recalls & TSBs

The 2021 Audi A6 has faced six safety recalls, primarily related to electrical systems, rearview camera functionality, and rear axle components. Owners should also be aware of numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) addressing potential issues like engine stalling, transmission noises, and…

Byeditor marcus weberUpdated
2021 AUDI A6 safety profile — editorial illustration
Editorial illustration generated for this model-year profile.

For prospective buyers and current owners, understanding the potential issues with a vehicle is crucial. The 2021 Audi A6, while generally well-regarded, has a record of six safety recalls and 20 manufacturer service bulletins (TSBs) aimed at resolving various technical concerns. This profile details the known 2021 Audi A6 problems, providing insight into what owners might encounter and how these issues are being addressed.

At a glance

The 2021 Audi A6 has a notable record of six safety recalls, primarily affecting electrical systems, safety features, and suspension components. Despite these recalls and a substantial number of 20 manufacturer service bulletins, there have been no owner complaints or federal investigations reported to NHTSA for this model year. This suggests that while technical issues have arisen, they have largely been addressed through manufacturer-initiated actions rather than widespread owner reports of failures.

Recalls

Six recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A6, covering a range of components from critical safety systems to structural integrity. These recalls highlight potential 2021 Audi A6 problems that could affect vehicle safety and performance.

Safety System Recalls

Several recalls address issues impacting the vehicle's safety features:

  • A recall identified as NHTSA ID 20V749000 addresses a potential issue where the electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in the front doors. This could delay the activation of the restraint system in a collision, increasing injury risk.
  • A software error in select 2021 Audi models, including the A6, can cause the instrument panel display to fail. This issue, covered by recall 25V201000, prevents critical safety information from being shown, increasing crash risk.
  • Another software issue, detailed in recall 22V742000, can cause the rearview camera display to be blank or black when reversing. This reduces driver visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Powertrain and Suspension Recalls

Other recalls focus on the fuel system and rear axle components:

  • An inaccurate fuel gauge, caused by a sticking fuel level sender, could lead to an engine stall. This concern is addressed in Audi recall 22V155000 for certain 2019-2022 Audi A6 and A6 allroad models.
  • A potential issue with the rear axle trailing arm lock nut, which may break due to stress corrosion, is covered by recall 21V295000. This could lead to rear axle misalignment.
  • Following the previous recall, recall 22V034000 was issued to address potential rear axle misalignment that may not have been properly inspected after the initial repair. This affects various 2019-2021 Audi models, including the A6.

Owner complaints

No owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A6.

Federal investigations

No federal investigations have been opened against the 2021 Audi A6.

Service bulletins

Audi has issued 20 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 A6, addressing a variety of common 2021 Audi A6 problems that owners might experience. These bulletins provide diagnostic and repair procedures for issues not covered by recalls.

  • Engine Stalling: Audi has released Update 13H3, an ECM software update, to address engine stalling or rough running at idle in certain 2021 Audi A6 vehicles. This is often due to camshaft adjuster control issues.
  • Drive Belt Noise: TSB 2061461/15 addresses grinding, squeaking, or tweeting noises from the starter/generator drive belt, or the belt falling off, in 2021-2025 Audi A4, A6, and Q5 models with the 2.0L TFSI engine. This can also trigger an 'Electrical system: Malfunction!' warning.
  • Steering Column Fault: Technical Service Bulletin 2062288/5 addresses issues with the electric steering column adjustment not working, often accompanied by Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B14BF01. This applies to various 2021-2023 Audi A6, A7, and A8 models.
  • Transmission Noises: TSB 2074806/4 outlines diagnostic steps and repair procedures for customer complaints of noises and vibrations from the DL382 transmission in various 2021-2025 models. These issues are related to the dual clutch bearing.
  • Selector Lever Fault: Owners experiencing an intermittent 'Selector lever fault' message and DTC U040400 in their 2021 A6, A7, S6, and RS 6 models should refer to TSB 90 24 22 2074941/1. A software update via Campaign 91DZ resolves this issue. Another TSB, 2074733/2, addresses similar 'Selector lever fault' messages and inability to select gears, linked to DTCs P17E600, P091900, P18CB00, and P085D00.
  • Drive System Fault: Technical Service Bulletin 01 24 32 2074841/1 addresses a 'Drivers System fault on' message in 2021 Audi A6 models. This is typically accompanied by DTCs like P060600, P060C00, or P0A0F00, indicating a problem with the engine control module (ECM) J623 that requires a software update.

Should you be worried?

The 2021 Audi A6 has a mixed reliability profile. While the absence of owner complaints and federal investigations is reassuring, the presence of six safety recalls indicates that significant issues have required manufacturer intervention. These recalls, particularly those concerning the instrument panel display, rearview camera, and door crash sensors, highlight potential safety risks that Audi has proactively addressed. The numerous TSBs point to a range of common operational and electrical 2021 Audi A6 problems that, while not safety-critical enough for a recall, can affect the ownership experience. Overall, the vehicle has known issues, but Audi appears to be actively providing solutions through official channels.

What 2021 Audi A6 owners should do

If you own a 2021 Audi A6, here are some recommended actions:

  • Check for Recalls: Regularly check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website or Audi's recall checker to ensure all open recalls, especially those related to electrical systems and safety features, have been addressed.
  • Address TSBs: Discuss any symptoms you experience, such as engine stalling, transmission noises, or warning messages like 'Electrical system: Malfunction!' or 'Selector lever fault', with your Audi dealer. Referencing specific TSB numbers can help ensure the correct diagnostic and repair procedures are followed.
  • Software Updates: Many of the identified 2021 Audi A6 problems, particularly those related to electrical systems and control units, are resolved through software updates. Ensure your vehicle's software is up to date during routine service visits.
  • Monitor Warning Lights: Pay close attention to any warning lights or messages on your dashboard, especially those related to the electrical system, engine, or transmission. Promptly addressing these can prevent more serious issues.

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