Is the 2002 Audi A6 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Audi A6 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Audi A6?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Audi A6 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2002 Audi A6

◆ Worse than typical

2002 Audi A6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:20.771Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 88
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2002: 88 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.

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle will slow down without and shut down without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-10

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-14

Electrical system

17% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Audi A6. While driving approximately 55 MPH, there was an odor of smoke. The contact observed smoke coming through the vents on the front driver's side. In addition, the vehicle caught fire under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-06

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-10

Also filed under Air bags and electronic stability control (esc)

Service brakes

14% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

Power train

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

▮
2002Complaint volume 88 complaints filed for this model year.
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

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 →
I
2008-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-05-30 Fuel tank leak
R

2008-06-27Fuel system, gasoline08V157000 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. The…

Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall began on June 27, 2008. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-06-21Fuel system, other11V267000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Audi at…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V133000 · Electrical system
Recall 06V198000 · Electrical system
Recall 08V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 11V267000 · Fuel system, other

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Audi A6 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Audi A6 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Audi A6?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.