NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls, 24 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Audi A6.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate reports for the 2020 Audi A6. Owners most frequently describe camera system failures, particularly the surround-view and rear cameras displaying black screens or error icons during backing maneuvers, with the glitch persisting until the car sits off for an extended period. Door latch actuator problems also come up repeatedly, with owners reporting that passenger-side doors require multiple pulls to open, pointing to what appears to be an electrical or mechanical fault in the latching mechanism. A handful of reports describe water intrusion into the passenger compartment, in some cases leading to wiring harness corrosion and mold growth in the floor and seat rails. Forward collision avoidance generates the second-largest cluster, with owners describing unexpected warnings or system interventions during normal driving. A single report mentions the panoramic sunroof shattering while driving at highway speed.
24
Total Complaints
By System
The 2020 Audi A6 has 9 recalls, the most serious being a gateway control module that can shut down after liquid spills in the rear seat, causing a sudden loss of engine power, and a fire risk in mild-hybrid 2.0-liter models where moisture can enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short.
A rear suspension lock nut can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control. Two related recalls cover the front passenger airbag: in a crash, the airbag may fail to deploy properly through the instrument panel and can send plastic fragments into the cabin. On the visibility side, a software error can prevent the rearview camera from displaying an image when reversing, and a sticking fuel level sensor can show an inaccurate reading and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. Rear axle misalignment on certain vehicles can also cause uneven or premature tire wear. There is also a brake fluid concern: an incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may lead to the wrong fluid being used, which can reduce braking performance.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid reservoir cap may be labeled incorrectly, potentially leading to the wrong type of brake fluid being used.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and replace it if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid spilled in the rear seat can seep into and disable the gateway control module, which manages vehicle electrical systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the gateway control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel level sender can stick, causing the instrument cluster to display an inaccurate fuel level reading.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag's score line may not have been manufactured correctly, potentially affecting proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line and repair it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag may not deploy correctly through the instrument panel tear seam during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the instrument panel at no cost to restore proper air bag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the starter generator in the mild-hybrid system, causing an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the starter generator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.