2021 Audi A6: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Audi A6 has 39 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and forward collision avoidance. Owners most often flag fake exhaust outlets: description: owners strongly dislike the fake chrome exhaust tips, calling it a “hack job” and a “horrible styling trend.”: frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

39
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Audi A6 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2021 a good year for the A6?

Across the 25 A6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 231 (1999). With 39 complaints, the 2021 A6 sits belowthe model's median of 59.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
22
forward collision avoidance
6
engine
5
power train
5
structure
3

Recalls affecting the 2021 A6

seat belts:rear/other:retractor

Campaign 21V606000

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 Qua

tires

Campaign 22V034000

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,

air bags

Campaign 21V159000

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 m

electrical system

Campaign 20V749000

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.

What owners report on the C8 A6

Owners praise the C8 A6 for its sharp exterior design, especially the Avant wagon, and its luxurious, tech-forward interior. However, there is strong criticism of the fake exhaust outlets, the reliance on dual touchscreens for climate and audio controls, and t

  • Fake exhaust outlets: Description: Owners strongly dislike the fake chrome exhaust tips, calling it a “hack job” and a “horrible styling trend.”: Frequency: very frequent
  • Hatch water retention: Description: Water pours out from the top edge of the hatch when opened after rain or a car wash. Some dealers attribute it to a failed spoiler seal (not covered by warranty), while others claim it is normal by design.: Frequency: very frequent
  • Dual touchscreen controls: Description: Owners dislike the lack of physical buttons for HVAC, volume, and tuning, citing fingerprints and distraction.: Frequency: recurrent
  • ABS module failure: Description: One owner reported the ABS module failed two months outside the 3-year warranty, costing £3000 to replace (Audi paid half).: Frequency: isolated
  • Interior rattles: Description: One owner described the car as “riddled with rattles.”: Frequency: isolated

Owner insights for the C8 A6. Read the full C8 owner report.

Typical used price

Used A6 listings typically run $15,991–$61,219 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other A6 model years

Compare every A6 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the A6 against its rivals