Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 85 of 88 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 62 of 88 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
20 complaint records1 fire report
"WHEN MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS VEHICLE WILL SHUTOFF OR WILL START TO LOOSE POWER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
15 complaint records
"TYPICAL AUDI FUEL LEAK PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT IS A ROLL OVER VALVE. THEY FIXED IT. IT STILL LEAKS AND NOW IT IS MY PROBLEM AT $2800. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Electrical system
15 complaint records2 fire reports
"AFTER PARKING THE CAR IT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE DASHBOARD THE FIREMEN CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND SAID IT WAS FROM THE ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM THE DASHBOARD. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE08008 opened Jan 2008 | closed May 2008 | Fuel System, Other | FUEL TANK LEAK - led to recall 08V157000 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V267000 | Fuel System, Other | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. | Normally free |
| 08V157000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 68,240 MY 2001-2004 AUDI A6 QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 2.8L, OR 3.0L ENGINES AND MY 2001-2005 ALLROAD QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L OR 4.2L ENGINES. | Normally free |
| 06V198000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 04V133000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011171 2011-04-27 | Fuel System | 499 | On certain vehicles, aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve, combined with bending stress from the aluminium ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple, may lead to cracking of the nipple. |
| 2008116 2008-04-04 | Fuel System | 3,601 | On certain Audi A6 Quattro and Allroad Quattro, aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve, combined with bending stress from the aluminium ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple, may lead to cracking of the... |
| 2004095 2004-03-16 | Electrical | 9,655 | On certain Audi S6, A6 and A6 Allroad Quattro, contact between the left driver's side crash element and the headlight switch wiring harness could eventually result in an electrical short. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0023742052680_4 Oct 2023 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries. | |
| SM 48-2022 Jun 2022 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| A0021482021205_6 Jun 2021 | Equipment | This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc. | |
| A0020362002047_1 Apr 2020 | Equipment | This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly. | |
| A0019252011732_1 Sep 2019 | Electrical System | 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWC 19-05 Aug 2019 | Equipment | This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries. | |
| AWC 19-04 Jul 2019 | Equipment | This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8 | |
| A0019212052680_1 Jun 2019 | Seat Belts | This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). | |
| A941791 2012749- Jul 2017 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens. | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| A171782 2010043- May 2017 | Engine | This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change. | |
| A571738 2017082- Mar 2017 | Equipment | This informational bulletin contains instructions for sychronizing the remote key after the battery has been disconnected or replaced. | |
| ATE-17-05 Mar 2017 | Equipment | Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support... | |
| A441662 2010334- Oct 2016 | Wheels | This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt. | |
| A001578 2021205- Dec 2015 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10-05 dated June 14, 2010. VIN plate and/or B-Pillar Safety Certification label requires replacement. | |
| A201559 2011703- Dec 2015 | Fuel System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013. The fuel tank has been removed from the vehicle and must be neutralized before shipment or disposal. | |
| A961501 2019260- Sep 2015 | Electrical System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-67 dated July 10, 2013. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door opener control module, J530. The customer?s door opener system may not be compatible with J530. | |
| A191562 2025303- Sep 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| A1915612025303-5 Jul 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| SB-01-15-29 Jul 2015 | Engine | AUDI: ENGINE, ON SOME VEHICLES, WOULD RUN IRREGULARLY OR HAVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON OR POSSIBLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT VALVE CAN LOOSEN AND IN OIL CIRCUIT, THERE IS NO DAMAGE FROM LOOSENED PARTICLES. MODEL ALL. ALL YEARS. *PE | |
| A971548 2013504- May 2015 | Electrical System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 10-15 dated October 20, 2010. Sporadic fault memory entries are stored in various control modules. Contacts may be widened (over 0.63 mm) if incorrect pins or incorrect methods for current flow tests are used. | |
| A941565 2012749- Apr 2015 | Exterior Lighting | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. | |
| A911579 2038824- Mar 2015 | Electrical System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-69 dated November 4, 2014. The following message appears on the MMI display: "Device or cable type not supported". | |
| A101511 2018288- Mar 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. | |
| A011514 2014753- Mar 2015 | Fuel System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-09 dated June 21, 2013. The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in excessive accumulation of deposits on intake valves, intake manifold, fuel injectors, and... | |
| A171557 2010043- Mar 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 504 00/507 00). | |
| A011507 2028344- Feb 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. | |
| A001470 2039206- Dec 2014 | Electrical System | High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. Audi of America has started to host its TSB videos outside of ElsaPro. | |
| 00147020392061 Dec 2014 | Equipment | High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. | |
| Accessories Oper Dec 2014 | Equipment | This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin. | |
| 44145520103346 Oct 2014 | Wheels | Tightening wheel bolts | |
| A441455 2010334- Oct 2014 | Wheels | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. | |
| A001467 2002047- Jul 2014 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC). | |
| Edition96 Jul 2014 | Equipment | Technical bulletins and updates | |
| A001465 2011732- Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 12-32 dated February 7, 2012. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update. | |
| 001465201173210 Jul 2014 | Equipment | This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update. | |
| AUD4927ENG Jul 2014 | Unknown Or Other | Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota. | |
| Edition92 Jun 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants | |
| A191450 2025303- Jun 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| Edition89 Jun 2014 | Electrical System | ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins | |
| A371431 2013002- Jun 2014 | Power Train | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 11-19 dated January 31, 2011. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket. As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. | |
| 37 14 31 2013002 Jun 2014 | Power Train | As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket. | |
| 37143120130025 Jun 2014 | Power Train | ATF pan leaks | |
| 37 13 07 2033658 May 2014 | Power Train | Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals | |
| A371430 2003658- May 2014 | Power Train | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the accelerator is depressed, and/or the vehicle hesitates (lacks power on take-off). No DTCs are stored. | |
| 37 14 30 2003658 May 2014 | Power Train | This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. | |
| 37143020036586 May 2014 | Power Train | Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals | |
| Update91i8 May 2014 | Unknown Or Other | Google Maps Street View (NVLW)) | |
| TSB-44-13-46 Dec 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | AUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, USE CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH AND NOT TORQUE STICKS, TORQUE EXTENSION BARS AND IMPACT GUNS/WRENCHES NOT APPROVED FOR USAGE ON WHEEL BOLTS BY MANUFACTURER, THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL, HUB. MODEL 1995-2014 ALL. *PE | |
| A441346 2010334- Dec 2013 | Wheels | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel... | |
| 44134620103345 Dec 2013 | Wheels | Tightening wheel bolts | |
| 741312 2004327-4 Oct 2013 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 70 number 08-39 dated December 4, 2008. Leather upholstery is dirty or stained. | |
| A901341 2010353- Sep 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating process has completed. | |
| Edition53 Sep 2013 | Equipment | Audi Elsa Newsletter | |
| A101310 2018288- Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. | |
| 131020182884 Sep 2013 | Back Over Prevention | If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger,... | |
| 2013_06_ATU Audi Aug 2013 | Equipment | This document contains information on the Audi side assist update. | |
| A961367 2019260- Jul 2013 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 12-37 dated June 11, 2012. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door opener control module, J530. The customer's door opener system may not be compatible with J530. | |
| Edition42 Jul 2013 | Equipment | Audi Elsa Newsletter | |
| A011309 2014753- Jun 2013 | Fuel System | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10-01 dated February 5, 2010. Excessive accumulation of deposits on intake valves, intake manifold, fuel injectors and combustion chambers. Engine runs rough after cold start. Excessive engine cranking time. |
Showing 60 of 124 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Audi A6 →