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
- 91
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 91 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.
Air bags
47% · 43 reportsShow 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, 2006-03-03
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, 2017-11-20
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, 2017-11-20
Electrical system
18% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I purchased a 2005 Audi A6 3.2 quattro in August of 2008 with 37,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-26
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Steering
9% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car stopped in parking lot and would not move, turn on, shift gears or anything.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-27
Also filed under Power train
Service brakes
9% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Exterior lighting
7% · 6 reportsShow 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, 2016-01-03
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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▮
2005Complaint volume 91 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2008-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-05-30 Fuel tank leak
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R
2017-04-28Air bags16V382000 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.
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R
2018-03-30Air bags17V032000 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.
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R
2018-06-29Air bags18V427000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V382000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V032000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V427000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.