Is the 1999 Audi A6 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Audi A6 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Audi A6?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A6 have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

1999 Audi A6

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

1999 Audi A6
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 217
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 8
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1999: 217 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	2
1995	16
1996	51
1997	20
1998	130
1999	217
2000	148
2001	113
2002	88
2003	66
2004	35
2005	91
2006	67
2007	53
2008	71
2009	21
2010	17
2011	21
2012	59
2013	52
2014	41
2015	22
2016	51
2017	20
2018	11
2019	114
2020	25
2021	17
2022	2
2023	2
2024	3
2025	5
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

19% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Electrical system

17% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and instrument cluster/panel.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-06

The ignition system has a flaw allowing the ignition/auto-transmission to be switched off in drive. Without knowing that had happened, the driver started the vehicle which immediately began rolling.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-23

Also filed under Power train

Takata recall I've had to replace a wheel bearing and axel 2X @ $550 each time. Car wouldn't align right, so I replaced the tires several times due to the wearing on one side. The calipers won't come off when changing the brakes and rotors.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-09

Also filed under Steering and suspension

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

Vehicle speed control

12% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

9% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and steering wheel/handle bar.

FIREINJURY

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1999-01-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-03-24 Fuel expulsion
▮
1999Complaint volume 217 complaints filed for this model year.
R

1999-06-08Fuel system, gasoline99V058000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1999-10-05Steering99V248000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1999-10-09Service brakes, hydraulic99V131001 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2001-02-05Steering00V414000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2001-05-01Fuel system, gasoline01V157000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2002-01-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-07-12 Brake and clutch pedal bracket
I
2003-05-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-17 Steering wheel heater overheats
I
2003-07-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-25 Drivers side dashboard fire
I
2003-11-25Engineering analysisClosed 2004-05-07 Drivers side dash fire
I
2004-03-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-06-30 Stuck-open throttle
I
2004-06-30Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Stuck-open throttle
R

2004-07-26Electrical system04V133000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-10-29Vehicle speed control04V495000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-02-27Recall queryClosed 2006-07-20 Driver's side dash fire
R

2006-12-16Electrical system06V198000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-21Air bags20V056000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 42 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 99V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 99V248000 · Steering
Recall 99V131001 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 00V414000 · Steering
Recall 01V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 04V133000 · Electrical system
Recall 04V495000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 06V198000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V056000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Audi A6 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Audi A6 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Audi A6?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A6 have?: 9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.