NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
84 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
The Alternator had failed along with the battery and shut off the car, rendering it useless on the road. The vehicle is still under the New Car Warranty. It was a hazard as it could not be put into neutral and was stuck in park. The dealer had confirmed it was a manufacturer-wide problem with waits of up to 3-6 months for the pa…
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The Alternator had failed along with the battery and shut off the car, rendering it useless on the road. The vehicle is still under the New Car Warranty. It was a hazard as it could not be put into neutral and was stuck in park. The dealer had confirmed it was a manufacturer-wide problem with waits of up to 3-6 months for the part. The tow truck had difficulty towing it up as the car was not able to roll. Before the car shut off immediately it had given the warning "Electrical System: Malfunction! Please Contact Service, as well as Auto Start Stop System: Malfunction!".
NHTSA ODI #11551281
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
Electrical System
Red start/stop malfunction light, then Electical System yellow light malfunction, then Red light Electical System safely stop vehicle all with 2-3 min while driving in normal city conditions
NHTSA ODI #11546977
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance
Received a message for "Electrical System Failure" and drove ok at first but began receiving failure messages for various systems including but not limited to Start/Stop system, transmission, power steering, and crash avoidance systems. Soon after the entertainment and comfort system screens went blank followed by the dash scre…
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Received a message for "Electrical System Failure" and drove ok at first but began receiving failure messages for various systems including but not limited to Start/Stop system, transmission, power steering, and crash avoidance systems. Soon after the entertainment and comfort system screens went blank followed by the dash screen and the car eventually just turned off as I was trying to find a safe place to pull over. Safety was put a risk as I was stranded on a busy road with no shoulder and because the battery was impacted my hazard lights only lasted a short time which left me and my vehicle exposed on the side of the road. The car was towed to the dealer (Audi of Albany) who inspected determined the failure was related to a faulty ignition generator. The car is currently at Audi of Albany and will be for at least 2 weeks so I am assuming it would be available for inspection. Many different warning lights appeared in the short time leading to total shutdown of the car. I recall a start/stop failure message, batter charge low, transmission failure light, power steering failure warning, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision avoidance among others. As stated above all screens in the car eventually turned off and the car fully failed on a main road and required a tow to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI #11546008
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
This is my SECOND entry/complaint regarding the same EXTREMELY DANGEROUS steering malfunction. While driving my 2019 A6 (this time alone) in heavy rain the same warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down.…
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This is my SECOND entry/complaint regarding the same EXTREMELY DANGEROUS steering malfunction. While driving my 2019 A6 (this time alone) in heavy rain the same warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down. As a result, I was unable to steer the vehicle. One again I was able to exit the highway safely. Being close to home with only a few turns, I was able to “limp” the car home, parked in my driveway and contacted Audi. Currently it’s at Nyack Audi awaiting service on Monday 9/11. This is a huge safety issue and needs to be addressed. Doing a bit of online research & reading countless Audi blogs, I found out this to be a common issue with other Audis while driving in the rain. Fist time this occurred was 6/16/22, driving a 2016 S6. Tracking # for that entry is 11543563
NHTSA ODI #11543573
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
On my way to work, my car alerted me to an electrical malfunction and told me to call for service. When I called my Audi dealership, they told me to bring it in for service the following week. After asking if the car was safe to drive, they told me they wouldn't know unless they looked at the car. After pleading with them, th…
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On my way to work, my car alerted me to an electrical malfunction and told me to call for service. When I called my Audi dealership, they told me to bring it in for service the following week. After asking if the car was safe to drive, they told me they wouldn't know unless they looked at the car. After pleading with them, they agreed to an appointment that day. On my way to the dealership - about 10 minutes into the trip on a highway, driving at highway speed, all electrical systems in the car started shutting down, and quickly - air conditioning, all safety features like lane keep assist, collision avoidance, etc. The steering became very heavy, the brakes were underperforming. After slowing down safely, the car shut down and was completely immobile and inoperable.
NHTSA ODI #11543147
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2023
Electrical System
Car started by saying auto start /stop function malfunction, than Electrical Malfunction. after reading an Audi forum on Audi World there is thousand of customers complaining of the same issue. apparently its a known issue with their 48v mild hybrid system and their alternator. multiple dealerships blaming a faulty alternator. t…
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Car started by saying auto start /stop function malfunction, than Electrical Malfunction. after reading an Audi forum on Audi World there is thousand of customers complaining of the same issue. apparently its a known issue with their 48v mild hybrid system and their alternator. multiple dealerships blaming a faulty alternator. this issue has left people stranded and myself the vehicle A/C system stopped working and now parked at home until I can take to dealership. this issue is not a small one or impacting a small amount of consumers and more investigating should be done by your agency to be a Recall on this. Thx
NHTSA ODI #11541326
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine
1 / 2 · Purchased 2019 Audi A6 Prestige sedan in August 19, 2023 Issue #1: Transmission Issue · Day after purchase, transmission error appeared on dashboard during highway driving · Car acted up a little, so quickly got off highway and drove home. Emotionally scared · Called tow company to haul to dealership the next day · In t…
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1 / 2 · Purchased 2019 Audi A6 Prestige sedan in August 19, 2023 Issue #1: Transmission Issue · Day after purchase, transmission error appeared on dashboard during highway driving · Car acted up a little, so quickly got off highway and drove home. Emotionally scared · Called tow company to haul to dealership the next day · In the shop for few days and didn’t have a replacement vehicle. · Also got some message about air bags · I have email communication about these issues with Audi Issue #2: Three safety recalls and periodic electrical warnings between 2019-2022 including... · Inaccurate fuel level indicator o 6-7 months between recall notice and fix o Consistently thinking about range #3: Issue Alternator · 6/22: Warning message appeared on dashboard indicating battery issue, take for service · Friday, 6/23: Took to an widely recognized car shop (specializing in imported vehicles) close by to check it. Mechanic summarized that the alternator voltage output is low. Battery test good. · Recommendation was to replace alternator. Car shop couldn’t get replacement due to supply backlog. o 1:00 PM: On the drive back on highway, frequent warning messages appeared on dash and the car suddenly started accelerated/decelerating. Immediately pulled onto the breakdown lane. o 2:30 PM: After 1.5 hours, Tow truck came to pickup vehicle and take it home o 2:30 – 4: Struggled to get car started to pull off trailer. Completely drained battery packs and kept reengaging the parking brake to prevent the car going in neutral (even manually). It took oil and shaking the car to slide it back onto the driveway. o Scheduled service appointment for Tuesday 6/27 · Saturday, 6/24: Called tow company to haul vehicle to the dealership. Estimated time for tow truck haul, roundtrip to dealership was 2.5 hours of morning. I had complained audi and they have informed me that they cannot do anything or reimburse for expenses. I have spent over $700 and put my life at risk.
NHTSA ODI #11535209
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2023
Electrical System
Was driving and car gave me an Electrical System Malfunction, shortly after all lights (abs, esc, power steering, brakes) came on and vehicle died right after. I was traveling at 25-30mph and was unable to control my vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to a shop because it would not start after. After some research, it seem…
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Was driving and car gave me an Electrical System Malfunction, shortly after all lights (abs, esc, power steering, brakes) came on and vehicle died right after. I was traveling at 25-30mph and was unable to control my vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to a shop because it would not start after. After some research, it seems to be a problem with the 48V mild Hybrid system. Thousands of known cases this should be a recall! Extremely unsafe.
NHTSA ODI #11524566
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Starter warning followed by electrical system malfunction, these were followed by Multiple warning lights (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... pull over immediately and contact dealer. I turned into a road off main highway wit…
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Starter warning followed by electrical system malfunction, these were followed by Multiple warning lights (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, etc) then 1 minute later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... pull over immediately and contact dealer. I turned into a road off main highway within a minute of the last two warnings and as I turned, my center MMI went blank then my electronic dash went blank, transmission went into neutral and the engine died all within a few seconds. Fortunately I was able to coast to a stop.
NHTSA ODI #11523939
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine
While driving the vehicle states that there was an electrical fault and to contact a service center. This was associated with a loss of drive power that made handling more difficult. A dealer advised me this morning that this is a common issue.
NHTSA ODI #11523237
Official recalls
7Mar 4, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 6, 2026.
Dec 19, 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Aug 25, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Nov 21, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Mar 14, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Mar 10, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Mar 19, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge. The recall began by May 22, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 27H2.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗