Received an electrical system malfunction on display. Took to dealer for diagnostics. Was told the starter/generator needed to be replaced and was going to cost $4000 but parts were on back order with no eta. It’s been 3 weeks with still no part and no loaner car available. This is ridiculous. This is a new car.
2019 Audi A6
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most A6 years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Audi A6 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 35.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all A6 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 17 of 114 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
114 reportsMultiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (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 c…
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Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (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 in the parking lot. Flatbed towed to dealer who stated most likely the generator between the lithium battery bank and gas engine failed. They have seen several in this year for A6 and A7's with mild hybrid engines. I'm lucky to be in low volume traffic as there was no power to indicate to drivers around me that my engine quit and not even turn signals worked.
I experienced a total failure of the electric system in my 2019 A6. Car stopped running in the middle of the road. Had to use the tool in the trunk to manually switch the car to neutral so I could push it off the road. Car was towed to the Audi dealer in my area. Audi dealer reported the alternator is faulty. Yellow Electrical i…
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I experienced a total failure of the electric system in my 2019 A6. Car stopped running in the middle of the road. Had to use the tool in the trunk to manually switch the car to neutral so I could push it off the road. Car was towed to the Audi dealer in my area. Audi dealer reported the alternator is faulty. Yellow Electrical issue warning message showed up on, dashboard, then Red electrical issue message showed indicating the vehicle will shut down. Dealer reported “a bunch” of A6s 2019 and newer are expediting these issues and parts are on back order because of it.
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera and blind spot monitoring system intermittently failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer reprogrammed the computer and th…
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The contact owns a 2019 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera and blind spot monitoring system intermittently failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer reprogrammed the computer and the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Sewickley Audi (526 Ohio River Blvd Suite A, Sewickley, PA 15143) where the trunk cable and an unknown module were replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Today, car showed electrical problem then leading to steering problem, transmission problem, all sensors shutting off, all thro flashing one by one alarms and messages on dash and then coming to a complete halt. It would not allow me to come out and locked me in. I could see that the locks were kicking in so took a micro second…
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Today, car showed electrical problem then leading to steering problem, transmission problem, all sensors shutting off, all thro flashing one by one alarms and messages on dash and then coming to a complete halt. It would not allow me to come out and locked me in. I could see that the locks were kicking in so took a micro second gap between unlock and auto lock to get out of the car forcefully. I have had situations when in traffic light, the car wouldn’t move back from neutral to drive unless I tried couple of times, but this was horrible incident. Now taking it to service to see what they are going to say, not always super helpful.
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A6. The contact received a notification from Carfax that informed him that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet …
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The contact owns a 2019 Audi A6. The contact received a notification from Carfax that informed him that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I received a yellow alert that the auto start/stop was malfunctioning. I continued to drive 8 miles until another message was displayed on the instrument panel that stated: "electrical system malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "electrical system malfunction" with a red battery icon appeared. I …
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I received a yellow alert that the auto start/stop was malfunctioning. I continued to drive 8 miles until another message was displayed on the instrument panel that stated: "electrical system malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "electrical system malfunction" with a red battery icon appeared. I then had numerous failure warnings on other car systems such as driver assistance sensors and steering; the display screens started to flash on and off. I slowly guided the car to a complete stop and called Audi Roadside Assistance for towing to my local Audi dealer.
While driving on highway, had complete electrical system failure. Received red message that said “electrical system malfunction”. Car went totally black and completely shut down within 2 minutes. I had to navigate 3 lanes to pull over with completely black cockpit after car shut down. Audi service says it’s the “starter generato…
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While driving on highway, had complete electrical system failure. Received red message that said “electrical system malfunction”. Car went totally black and completely shut down within 2 minutes. I had to navigate 3 lanes to pull over with completely black cockpit after car shut down. Audi service says it’s the “starter generator”. Service said there is a chance of fire with moisture ingress in the starter generator. Apparently it’s a known issue with over 60 units on back order from their supplier Continental (no promise date available). Concerned this is a serious safety issue and will cause somebody to have a crash due to car shutting down and potential for electrical fire.
I was driving on highway. There was a message "Electric system malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds late the same message " electic system malfunction" with a red battery icon then the vehicle completely stoped on the highway .
I was slowing down to stop at a traffic light when a message was displayed on the instrument panel that says "Electrical System Malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "Electrical System Malfunction" with a red battery icon. Then the vehicle came to a complete stop and was inoperable. There was almo…
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I was slowing down to stop at a traffic light when a message was displayed on the instrument panel that says "Electrical System Malfunction" with a yellow battery icon. A few seconds later the same "Electrical System Malfunction" with a red battery icon. Then the vehicle came to a complete stop and was inoperable. There was almo smoke coming from the hood near the positive battery terminal. The smoke had an electrical smell to it. I had no opportunity to pull over and was stuck in the middle of a very busy road right at the stop line of the traffic light. My family and I had to exit the vehicle with traffic on both sides of us and get to the side of the road safely. There was no prior indication that there was a problem, this happened all within about 5-10 seconds and I had no time to try and pull over to safety. I have found other complaints about this vehicle that are similar (see under the reliability section on Consumer Reports). The dealer identified the issue as an "internal failure" of the generator and 48v battery system, but had no explanation as to why it happened nor can they guarantee it will not happen again.
Official recalls
726V125000 · Lane Departure:software
Mar 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.
25V900000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
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.
23V601000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
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.
22V861000 · Electrical System
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.
22V155000 · Electrical System:instrument Panel:fuel Gauge:fuel Level Float/sensor/sending Unit
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.
21V159000 · Air Bags
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.
20V153000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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