2005 Audi A6
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 70 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 113 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: air bags — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2005 AUDI A6 AIR BAGS ARE TOO SHORT AND CAN NOT PROTECT PASSENGER. CONSUMER WAS TAKING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060303
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V032000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171120
TAKATA RECALL-THERE IS NO SOLUTION FOR A FIX FROM AUDI. THEY SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET THEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171120
18% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A 2005 AUDI A6 3.2 QUATTRO IN AUGUST OF 2008 WITH 37,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100526
9% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR STOPPED IN PARKING LOT AND WOULD NOT MOVE, TURN ON, SHIFT GEARS OR ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120427
7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2005 AUDI A6 WHICH HAS A FAILURE OF THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS. BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160103
I PURCHASED A 2005 AUDI A6 3.2 QUATTRO IN AUGUST OF 2008 WITH 37,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100526
5% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL TANK LEAK
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
Campaign 16V382000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 17V032000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 18V427000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V382000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V032000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V427000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Audi A6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Audi A6 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi A6?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A6 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.