Is the 2000 Audi A6 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Audi A6 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Audi A6?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2000 Audi A6 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2000 Audi A6

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2000 Audi A6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:21.961Z

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: 148
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2000: 148 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	26
2021	18
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.

Electrical system

25% · 37 reports

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

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Audi A6. The contact noticed strong fumes entering the vents, which affected the contact's breathing. The contact was not able to use the heater or air conditioner.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-15

Drivers side vents of the vehicle started to smoke, it then ignited causing a vehicle fire. The drivers side completely engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-05

Dt*: the contact stated a recall notification was received in 2004 on NHTSA campaign id # 04V133000, concerning the electrical system. The recall work was performed by the dealership; however the vehicle caught fire and burned while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-13

Service brakes

20% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.

Show complaint excerpts

Fuel gauge registers empty after filling with 18 gallons from true empty state;after 100 miles gauge now registers full constantly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-07

Tires

9% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2000Complaint volume 148 complaints filed for this model year.
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
2003-07-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-25 Drivers side dashboard fire
I
2003-11-25Engineering analysisClosed 2004-05-07 Drivers side dash fire
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 →
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

2000 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 30 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 01V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 04V133000 · Electrical system
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 2000 Audi A6 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Audi A6 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Audi A6?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Audi A6 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.