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2001 Audi A6: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2001 Audi A6, most recently filed May 2011. Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 7campaigns 3 fuel system · 2 electrical · 1 tire Source: NHTSA Complaints 113filed Owner reports, 1997–2006 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 18mpg combined $3,628/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.8 L 6-cyl· 5-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2001 Audi A6. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V267000 Filed May 3, 2011

FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE

Fuel system, other · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported5,992 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V267000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 08V157000 Filed Apr 8, 2008

FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 68,240 MY 2001-2004 AUDI A6 QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 2.8L, OR 3.0L ENGINES AND MY 2001-2005 ALLROAD QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L OR 4.2L ENGINES. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
Consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported68,240 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 08V157000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 06V198000 Filed Jun 5, 2006

CROSSMEMBER COVER/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported70,512 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V198000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V133000 Filed Mar 18, 2004

VW/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
Consequence
A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported172,866 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V133000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V143000 Filed Apr 7, 2003

VW/AXLE LOAD

Tires
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE CALCULATED "VEHICLE NORMAL LOAD" EXCEEDS THE ALLOWABLE WEIGHT OF THE AXLE LOAD WITH TIRE DIMENSION 225/45R 17 91Y BY 19KG.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported1,360 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V143000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V202000 Filed Jun 18, 2001

VW/WINDSHIELD WIPER

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (ALLROAD). WHEN ACTIVATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER UNDER HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS SUCH AS FREEZING, SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN, ONE WIPER COULD BE DELAYED BEHIND THE OTHER WIPER.
Consequence
IF THAT HAPPENS, THE WIPER BLADES, BECAUSE THEY OVERLAP WIPING AREAS, COULD BECOME ENTANGLED WITH EACH OTHER AND CEASE FUNCTIONING. THIS COULD IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported2,837 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V202000
Listed for 2001 Audi A6. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V157000 Filed May 3, 2001

VW/FUEL SENDING UNITS

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Consequence
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
Repair progress not yet reported70,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V157000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which A6 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Audi A6All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (113)

113 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.

11involved a crash
7involved a fire
10injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Audi A6, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 113.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2001 compares with other A6 years

Best and worst A6 years →
20 130 217 148 113 88 66 35 91 67
1997199819992000200120022003200420052006
This year (2001)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 18 mpg combined

18
mpg combined
16
city
23
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,550
CO₂ tailpipe
494 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$3,628per year
$302per month
833gallons a year

Miles ÷ 18 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2001 Audi A6 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18$4,550494
2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18$4,550494
2.7 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$4,550494
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18$4,550494
4.2 L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18$4,550494
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18$4,550494

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2001 A6 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All A6 years

Where to next

Which A6 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2002 Audi A6 report88 complaints · 4 campaigns →2000 Audi A6 report148 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2001 Audi A6 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2001 Audi A6 have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 11V267000 (fuel system), 08V157000 (fuel system), 06V198000 (electrical), 04V133000 (electrical), 03V143000 (tire), 01V202000 (visibility), 01V157000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2001 Audi A6 problems?

Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (18), Air bags (15), Electrical system (14) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2001 Audi A6 get?

EPA rates the 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic version at 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2001 A6 compare with other years?

Among the 1997–2006 Audi A6 model years at least five years old, the 1997 drew the fewest complaints (20) and the 1999 the most (217). The 2001 drew 113. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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