2021 Audi A6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Allroad 4dr Wagon
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 261–335 hp
- Transmission
- 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 194.5–194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,266–4,495 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Audi A6 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,266 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 5% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 A6 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 A6 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 A6 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 74.4 in | 57.5 in | 115 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,266 lb | 55/45 |
| Allroad 4dr Wagon | 194.9 in | 74.8 in | 57.9 in | 115.4 in | 65 / 63.4 in | 4,495 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 quattro Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 341 |
| A6 quattro Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 364 |
| A6 Allroad Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,750 | 398 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi A6 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 8.9% |

Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi A6 (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (12)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 31, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V201000 · 44,387 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Aug 25, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V601000 · 7,499 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System · Nov 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V861000 · 50,883 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit · Oct 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V806000 · 6,076 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge › Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit · Mar 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V155000 · 47,238 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Risk
- Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Risk
- A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Air Bags · Mar 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V159000 · 3,421 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Dec 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V749000 · 166 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
- Risk
- A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Not every 2021 Audi A6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Audi A6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi A6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A6 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 A6 | 24 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 4 |
| 2020 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 34 |
| 2019 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 114 |
| 2018 A6 | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 11 |
| 2017 A6 | 28 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2016 A6 | 30 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
| 2015 A6 | 29 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 22 |
| 2014 A6 | 29 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →