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2017 Audi A6 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Audi A6 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 20owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
20 complaints, against an average of 31 for the other 13 Audi A6 model years.
Every Audi A6 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Audi A6?
The components named most often in the 20 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Audi A6 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 20 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 Audi A6 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Seat Belts: Pretensioner Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Is the 2017 Audi A6 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThe mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
Risk: The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small.
Fix: The oil strainer will be replaced with a revised version with a larger mesh size.
UK DVSAMoisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator
Risk: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe locking mechanism in the hinged towing bracket could be faulty
Risk: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
UK DVSAFuel may escape from one or both fuel rails
Risk: It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).
Fix: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat
Risk: Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
UK DVSAAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Risk: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe vehicles may be fitted with a towbar with a swivel mechanism that may have a defective locking pin.As a result, the pin could break while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue manufacturing defect in the instrument panel, the deployment of the airbag could be impeded.This could impair its protective potential and could lead to plastic parts become detached when the airbag is activated, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture can ingress into the belt starter generator, generating short-circuits.This can lead to local overheating of the component, increasing risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture can penetrate into the belt starter generator.This can result in a short circuit, leading to local overheating and increased risk of fire.Due to the permanent power supply of the starter generator, this can occur when the vehicle has already been parked for a while.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, fuel can leak onto the engine fuel rail.Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDifferences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or…Differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners not activating in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Audi A6 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Audi A6 owners report?
12 of the 20 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My power steering went out & then all of a suffen I was driving & my steering wheel would not move my wheels
Engine mounts failed. They are fluid damped and the seals failed and leaked and now the motor is sitting loose in a metal on metal condition with the mounts collapsed. Additionally the manifold and timing chain cover leaks. Additionally the water pump failed. This is all on a car with <75k miles. Problems have been noted by mechanics including Audi dealership. No warning lamps except during pump failure causing engine to over heat
There is an issue with the power steering control module that causes a lot of error codes to populate. Many of the codes are generic and hard to diagnose, even with Audi certified diagnostic equipment/tools. When this code initially presented, ~9 months ago, there was a red steering wheel light on the dash. I found a company that repairs these modules with these specific codes (I’d imagine good business since this is a common issue); while I got power steering to work, there are codes that still recommend full replacement of the power steering module (Audi certified diagnostic equipment). This…
Passengers side blind spot warning system is intermittent working. Vehicle fails to register tractor trailer and cars on a random basis. Dealer states no codes, however it won’t show codes or an issue if it isn’t aware there is a vehicle present. Offered video proof of sensor not working properly, dealer still refused to repair.
While driving my family on a major Interstate, a myriad of warning ️ lights appeared on my dash panel and my vehicle’s steering literally locked! I have had no previous warning lights or issues with this vehicle since it was purchased. This near fatal incident happened as a 18-wheeler was seeking to merge onto the Interstate and I couldn’t change lanes to allow the oncoming traffic to merge. This malfunction/failure caused me and my family to narrowly miss being fatally crushed by the merging 18-wheeler. After bringing the vehicle to a stop in a safe area off of the Interstate and locating the…
Had the car parked in the driveway for about a week and half. When turned it on for the first time after that period, noticed the airbag light in the odometer panel continue to be on. Checked for any airbag recalls but found none. Although no airbag recalls have been placed on this particular vehicle so far; I found an online source which states that vehicle of this year, make and model may be affected with airbag issues. Since this could be of a major safety concern, Please check and advise on how to go about this.
Car overheat. Engine light on. pulled over and then drove directly to local dealer 10min away who noted engine temp control actuator faulty- stuck. Needed to replace thermostat. Dealer noted problem was noted in earlier year Audi A6 models as well but thought 2017 year did not have similar. Could not leave/drive away from dealership since they noted too dangerous with faulty thermostat/coolant/heating etc. Hoping others are not experiencing similar danger/risks…
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A6. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a stop sign, after lifting her foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to slow the vehicle by depressing on the brake pedal. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and the mechanic was able to duplicate the failure while test driving the vehicle however, there was no error codes was found. The contact had experienced the failure on multiple occasions…
I was at a stop light and automatic engine shut-off turned the vehicle off. However, when the light turned green car would not start. I had to put it in park and then turn the vehicle on/off to restart the vehicle.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING, ABS, AND ETC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOWEVER WAS INOPERABLE. A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI OF RICHMOND LOCATED AT 15292 BROAD ST, HENRICO, VA 23233, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD BACKED UP INTO THE FIRE WALL AND DAMAGED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE DRAINAGE PANEL AND THE FIRE WALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER…
I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO RECALL REPORT 18V370, POSSIBLE FAILURE OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PODS SENSING SYSTEM. AUDI NOTIFIED ME OF THIS DEFECT IN JULY 2018 AND STILL HAS NOT PRODUCED A SOLUTION FOR THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY AS TO WHEN OR WHETHER THE PODS SENSING SYSTEM MIGHT FAIL (INCLUDING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE IMPACT), I CAN'T ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN THE AFFECTED SEAT. I BELIEVE AUDI IS BEING DELINQUENT IN ITS OBLIGATION TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE. MY DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SOLUTION UNTIL AT LEAST 2019. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSING CONSUMER HARM AND THAT THEY SHOULD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TRADE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AUDI FINANCIAL THAT THERE WAS A STOP SALE ON THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE…
2017 Audi A6: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Audi A6 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Audi A6; the most common categories were air bags (6, 30%), steering (5, 25%), engine (4, 20%). There are 3 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A6?
Across 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (30% of complaints), steering (25% of complaints), engine (20% of complaints), electrical system (10% of complaints), lane departure (10% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Audi A6; the most recent (campaign 19V035000, 2019-01-16) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 Audi A6 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 20 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi A6 (15%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "There is an issue with the power steering control module that causes a lot of error codes to populate. Many of the codes are generic and hard to diagnose, even with Audi certified diagnostic equipment/tools." (NHTSA complaint 11549295, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own A6
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.