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2000 Audi A6 problems

The most common problem on the 2000 Audi A6 is electrical system, typically around 77,000 miles. It has 3.6 times the complaints of a typical A6 model year.

Typical year3.6x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
148
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
99
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18mpg
Typical repair
$1,300

The worst 2000 Audi A6 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Audi A6

ABS 24Fuel leak 12Ball joint 11Fire or smoke 11Fuel smell 9Check engine light 6Tire blowout 6

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 31, 2020 · 106,857 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.

Recall number 20V056000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported June 5, 2006 · 70,512 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 06V198000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported March 18, 2004 · 172,866 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V133000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported May 3, 2001 · 70,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 the federal safety agency 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.

Recall number 01V157000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2000 Audi A6

Defect investigations

Driver's side dash fireOpened February 27, 2006, closed July 20, 2006

Volkswagen of america, inc. (voa) conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall number 04v133) to add a plastic cover to the top section of the knee bolster crossmember to prevent contact with the headlight switch wiring harness.the scope of the original recall covered model years 1998 through 2004 with vehicle production dates of august 1997 through december 2004.the office of defects investigation has received nine complaints alleging that after having the recall remedy performed, a fire started in the driver's side dashboard area.voa reports that if the plastic cover is not installed properly by the dealers, the headlight switch wiring harness could continue to contact the crossmember, resulting in a short and/or fire in the driver's side dashboard area.voa will conduct a new safety recall to add an additional (and larger) cover over both the knee bolster crossmember and the plastic cover assembly installed in the first recall.all of the federal safety agency complaints and all but 3 voa claims are for my 1998 through my 2000.voa reports that beginning in my 2001, audi extended the time for the deburring process of the crossmember.voa was not able to verify the cause of fire in the my 2001 and later vehicles due to either extensive fire damage or other reason.the rate of fire occurrence is significantly less for the my 2001 and later vehicles. The recall covers model years 1998 through 2000 with vehicle production dates of august 1997 through may 2000.voa will recall 66358 my 1998-2000 audi a6, a6 avant, s6, and s6 avant vehicles.odi is aware of a total of 59 warranty, field and consumer reports for these vehicles.the recall is identified by the federal safety agency number 06v‑198.

RQ06003

Drivers side dash fireOpened November 25, 2003, closed May 7, 2004

The subject vehicles are equipped with a knee bolster located under the dash, near the drivers knees.a wiring harness is also located in the dash, in that same area.audi's analysis of 39 vehicles indicated that the knee bolster was rubbing against that wiring harness.over time the harness sheathing wears away and the wires come into contact with the metal knee bolster, resulting in a fire. Audi will conduct a safety recall on an expanded scope of audi a6 vehicles, to add a plastic cap to the top of the knee bolster bracket, which will prevent abrasion to the wiring harness. Audi will recall 186,000 my 1998-2004 audi a6 vehicles.odi is aware of a total of 24 warranty, field and consumer reports for these vehicles.the recall is identified by the federal safety agency number 04v‑133.

EA03025

Drivers side dashboard fireOpened July 25, 2003, closed November 25, 2003

Of the 22 total complaints, 11 were received for the 1999 model year and 11 for the 2000 model year. Audi is conducting testing to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

PE03035

Brake and clutch pedal bracketOpened January 23, 2002, closed July 12, 2002

PE02008

Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Audi A6 99

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 99 bulletins for the 2000 Audi A6

2000 Audi A6 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.8L 6‑cylFWD162418
2.7L 6‑cyl4WD152218
2.8L 6‑cyl4WD15-162218
4.2L 8‑cyl4WD152218

What 2000 Audi A6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 21, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

Gas is pouring out from the top of the gas tank

Filed Jul 17, 2017 · Fuel system · 135,222 miles · CO

Each time I fill the gas tank there is a strong smell of leaking gas. Not clearly identified the source but feel this is a significant safety risk.

Filed Jun 15, 2016 · Electrical · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 audi a6. The contact noticed strong fumes entering the vents, which affected the contact's breathing. The contact was not able to use the heater or air conditioner. A week later, while driving, a fire erupted near the dashboard and smoke consumed the inside of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and a fire inspector extinguished the flames. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 06v198000 (electrical system), but the contact did not receive a notification. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was towed and parked. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 1, 2016 · Fuel system · 125,549 miles · AZ

The first time this car had any problems with anything leaking was a couple days ago when we woke up in middle of the night to house and garage smelling like gas. On driver's side rear by passenger door there was a small leak looked like oil but smelled of gas and underneath car you can see wear a small crack is at in fuel system. I see many recalls for same thing for different years and complaints filed for this same problem and year. No recall notices was ever received by myself or previous two owners who was friends or it would have been fixed. I am upset because now it won't be fixed under recall because it's been so long however there was no close date on reports it shows several thousand cars never got the repair and was not notified. This is a huge safety issue that not only can start car on fire but house on fire if parked in garage. Now I am suppose to pay for the cost on something that was not put together correctly and is a safety hazzard because I was not warned about it by mail or when car was serviced and never had trouble till now and there are tons of customers you are not helping with same problem year make and model of car. If this results in death than it will become a more serious problem on your hand for not fixing a recall that has been known to be problems on several years of audi's and not all audi owners was reach or repairs done and now when we are finding out we are being turned away. If this was not something hazardous or life threatening that's one thing but something so dangerous that can take a life you should make sure every recall that is safety related and hazardous fix regardless of when notice if found. I am expecting the recalls for all fuel related problems on all audi be fixed when customers call to inquire and not be turned away after we are sent to dealer to have it looked at.

Filed Oct 12, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · AL

First the car ran hot no temp have came on had to replace motor .....the cooling fan broke made of plastic and cut my serpentine belt into ......then the car flooded and ruined the comfort control module had to replace this now the front axel is broke and the boots fell apart and the ball joints are no good......

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Fuel system · 141,590 miles · OH

Hello! Today I was at the sams club gas station to fill up my vehicle, 2000 audi a6 with the 4.2 engine. When I finished, I went over to the driver side, where ive seen a huge amount of gas on the ground. The fuel was leaking really bad from my car. The sam's club even called the fired department and the police there too. It leaked out a lot couple gallons from my vehicle. Thanks god the gas station had a small incline so I could notice it right before I would drive away. Just thinking that I would drive away and something serious would happen it scares me. As I understand a lot of audis are recalled because of this issue. Mine is not under the recall. What can I do to get mine under the recall too? Please help me. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Fuel system · 135,400 miles · MI

After filling gas tank, gas began leaking as a steady stream from left front side of gas tank, near the rear driver's wheel well. Owner contacted audi dealership and audi of america. Owner paid for dealer inspection to diagnose leaking gas issue. Dealer stated the tank was leaking and needed to be replaced. Audi of america contacted owner on 3/20/2014 and stated the service manager of audi of ann arbor, mi had decided they would not cover the repair due to vehicle "mileage and age." audi of america stated since vehicle was outside of recall range (2001-2005 my), they would not assist with repairs. Independent owner research shows multiple leaking gas tank issues (broken rollover valve nipple) with this vehicle, and matching part numbers between 2001-2005 my gas tanks and 2000 my gas tank.

Filed Aug 20, 2013 · Fuel system · 78,025 miles · PA

First incident march 2006 leaky gas tank had to be replaced, cost to us $2,249.27, audi denied responsibility. Requested audi to report this issue to authorities. Second incident, 7/30/13 (mileage 163,016): very strong gasoline odor. The mechanic removed rear seat and found fuel staining all around the sending unit. Fuel tank must again be replaced. This will be our third tank counting the original one installed at the factory. In 2008 audi issued safety recall circular code: 2ol8/jy revised in january 2009. My first fuel tank failure occurred 2 years before the recall. The audi recall covers model years 2001 through 2005. My car is 2000 with the same defect as in later models. 2000 model should have been included in the recall. I find it incredible that audi did not know that the identical safety defect was in the 2000 model. The 2006 fuel tank and parts were purchased new from audi and should be the newer design fuel tank (if there had been any redesign by then). Also, as a 2006 fuel tank, repairs should be covered by the 2008 recall. Audi does not appear to have publicly recognized its design failure, and was not explicit about the problem details and the fix for the fuel tank safety problem until the 2008 recall. Using a copy of the 2008 recall notice I telephoned customer relations at audi of america in rochester hills, mi (1‑800‑253‑2834). Audi assigned me a case no. #130535300, and told me to take the car to an audi dealer. Since the car was unsafe to drive it was towed to a dealer on 8/9/13. I have spent $871.25 at my mechanic's to identify the defect and to tow the car to audi. On 8/19/13 the audi dealer called to state that audi was not responsible for the repair and replacement of the fuel tank. I am the original owner with same address and car registration, yet never received a recall notice. We have been driving a molotov cocktail.

Filed Mar 18, 2013 · Fuel system · 169,000 miles · OH

Last month I filled up my tank & after doing so had a very strong smell of gas in the cabin. I took it to an independent mechanic & he told me that I have a broken rollover valve. To replace the tank costs $2500. This is potentially a very serious issue given leaking gas! After research I found there is a recall to reinforce the valve with epoxy. Unfortunately the recall is for 2001-2004 models & mine is a 2000. The issue on my 2000 is the exact same tank/valve. I next contacted audi customer service to get a case # hoping they'd take responsibility. They created the case but told me until the issue is verified by an audi dealer they can't do anything. Doing so would come with no guarantees. I called the dealer & they said the cost of a diagnostic is $109. So I took it to the dealer for a diagnostic to validate the independent mechanic?s analysis. The dealership called today & confirmed the issue from the independent. Cost to patch is $452+tax (rather than completely replace the tank for $2500). This is the same resolution as the recall which is to epoxy the valve. They told me to expect a call from aoa as they just got off the phone with them & aoa would not be paying for the fix (which again is identical to the recall resolution). Aoa called & said the main reason for not paying was that the car has 169k miles & a secondary reason that I had stopped taking it to the audi dealership. Why should mileage matter on a known safety issue? If my car was a 2001 with 300k miles would they not have sent the recall notice? Regardless of mileage this is a known design fault that audi has acknowledged. My 2000 has the exact same issue to a t that they are addressing with the 2001-2004 models. I believe that since audi has acknowledged this, that it is a major safety issue & it?s exactly the same issue with the 2001-2004 models that they should pay for the repair.

Filed Feb 28, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 164,760 miles · UT

When moving the steering column up or down smoke comes out of the steering column and get a burning smell on the passenger side.

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Questions about the 2000 Audi A6

Is the 2000 Audi A6 reliable?

Owners have filed 148 complaints about the 2000 Audi A6, 3.6 times a typical A6 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Audi A6?

Electrical system, with 36 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is brakes (29).

How many recalls does the 2000 Audi A6 have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Audi A6 get?

Official estimates for the 2000 Audi A6 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.

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