Check a VIN

2002 Audi A6 electrical problems

15 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,000.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
17%
typical mileage
63,000
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Ignition
    6
  • Wiring: front underhood
    1
  • Starter assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Audi A6 electrical problems in other years

1994200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Audi A6 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 5

Related recalls

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

What 2002 Audi A6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2020 · Electrical · 150,499 miles · IA

The headlights are shorting out and cracking and bare wires touching

Filed Mar 6, 2018 · Electrical · WA · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2002 audi a6. While driving approximately 55 MPH, there was an odor of smoke. The contact observed smoke coming through the vents on the front driver's side. In addition, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. There were no injuries sustained. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing facility. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Oct 10, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 70,290 miles · NJ

The audi was stopped at a stop light when the RPM meter started to drop revs suddenly. Once the car was in motion the engine felt rough. The car was driven 3 miles with no further incidence and was parked for the night. The next day when the car was started in the morning the check engine light came on and the engine started to get very sluggish and shuddering. The car was immediately stopped and the diagnostic codes were pulled. The codes showed multiple cylinder misfires with specific misfires in cylinder 2 and three. The car was towed to an audi dealer where this was confirmed. The dealership mentioned that there was a voluntary recall for exactly this issue. This is a safety issue.

Filed Jul 10, 2012 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 90,000 miles · CA · fire

After parking the car it caught on fire from the dashboard the firemen came and extinguished the fire and said it was from the electrical fire from the dashboard.

Filed Oct 19, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · PA

My check engine light is marking misfire but I have gotten a complete tune-up, changed all 6 coils on the engine changed all the spark plugs, I've done everything possible and changed everything I can that has to do with the engine all brand new and nothing has worked and its still saying misfire...I've googled this problem for audi's and there were so many people complaining about the same thing... Also, I am having a problem with the electrical system as well one day my windows work the next it doesn't sometimes my lights will work and sometimes it doesn't, sometimes my radio will work some times it doesn't, the information on my dash sometimes doesn't light up and I can't see anything at night time, I have constantly been to the mechanics trying to figure out what's going on but we can't find the problem, I've spent so much money on this car trying to fix the problems but its really making it hard for me to keep spending money on my car and not being able to figure out what's wrong with it. This is very dangerous because if I'm driving at night time and my lights end up not working I can cause a very big accident I am very very concerned about these defects, my safety and others safety and would really appreciate if you can please investigate this problem because its happened to so many people. I also think something is wrong with the fuel system I'll put $60 in gas and two days later it'll almost mark empty I really don't understand how that is possible but if there's an answer I would really want to know. Thank you so much and I really appreciate your time.

Filed Mar 15, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 62,000 miles · NJ

Driving from nj to upstate ny for ski trip to hunter mountain. Heavy rain during drive up on friday evening, rain all day saturday. Got in the car to go skiing on sunday morning and noticed several inches of water in rear passenger footwell. I was able to bale out some of the water but interior carpeting was soaked. While going to hunter, water was sloshing between passenger footwell and rear. After dropping off the skiers I decided to head home on the ny state thruway. After approx 50 miles - digital dash display disappeared, car started to jerk around and buck. Speed was dropped down to 20 MPH, I was able to make it to a rest stop. Anyway - remainder of ski party picked me up and I had the car towed back to nj - $700. Mechanic states that tcu unit was under water. Rain water apparently came in through the pollen filter housing and flooded the car. Total damage to the car $2300. There are a number of complaints throughout the internet and various forums detailing this exact problem. I believe this is a design flaw and audi should be held responsible for this problem. I'd like to get reimbursed for my cost. Individuals with this problem should contact audi customer service at 800‑822‑2834.

Filed Mar 4, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 63,000 miles · IL

2002 audi a6 with a belt failure. Consumer states that he did research about this failure and found out other people have had the problem too. He stated that when the water pump and thermostat was replaced or fixed the timing belt was not. *kb the consumer stated his engine overheated and smoke began to emit from the engine. The consumer was informed the water pump to the coolant wasn't functioning properly. Prior to the incident, the check engine light illuminated, faulty coils were replaced and the vehicle had a leaking coolant bottle.

Filed Sep 14, 2006 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · MA

Dt*: the contact stated recall notice #04v133000 was received for a 2000 audi a6 pertaining to electrical system. The contact also owns a 2002 audi a6 which a recall notice was not received for. When the contact researched the recall on the federal safety agency website, a letter in the document search from volkswagen to the federal safety agency identified that the VIN for the 2002 audi a6 model was included in the recall. When the contact alerted the manufacturer with the VIN, they indicated there was no information regarding the recall or vehicle in question.

Filed Oct 20, 2005 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · CA

1. Car seized after going through car wash; prior to that, car had experienced odd electrical issues, such as the radio turning itself on and off and the alarm going off for no apparent reason. Car is still under both the audi of america warranty and maintenance programs. 2. Engine seized. 3. The repairs require at least a new engine at the cost of at least $13,000.00. Here is my analysis of why I think audi is trying to prevent this design defect from reaching state and federal regulators. In short, I believe that audi is purposefully denying warranty claims to prevent a recall and also to prevent a written record of this defect in the case of class action or personal injury law suit. Specifically, I believe audi of america's legal department has made a very calculated decision: since the damage involves water, most comprehensive insurance policies will cover the damage (in fact, my insurance carrier agreed to cover the claim, although they said they would seek subjugation from audi). For those customers who push hard, audi will cover the repairs out of warranty so that audi will not have to report this defect to state and federal regulators and risk a recall and/or provide evidence in a class action or personal injury law suit. In fact, it wasn't until I explained my suspicions (some of which the service manager at the dealership had confirmed) to an audi of america supervisor that I was able to make any headway beyond, I'm sorry, this is not covered by warranty once I set forth the facts and my analysis of the situation, he changed his manner and explanation immediately. He explained that audi management and legal were well aware of the problem. That audi had made a determination not to cover repairs caused by the clogged drain holes under warranty but that the dealer could request a special out of warranty service and audi of america would reimburse the dealer at 100% of its cost.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Electrical · 11,234 miles · OH

2002 audi a6 breakdown. Nar 06/26/2003 *mr the consumers vehicle broke down and had to be towed to the nearest dealership upon arrival all of the ignition coils had to be replaced. However, the audi dealership did not make the customer aware of the ignition coils being inoperative until the incident had occurred. The consumer was very dissatisfied that audi did not make customers aware of the vehicle defect. The consumer would like further investigations on any updated defects to date. *cb

Questions about the 2002 Audi A6 electrical

Does the 2002 Audi A6 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the electrical of the 2002 Audi A6, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Audi A6 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2002 Audi A6 electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 06V198000, 04V133000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2002 Audi A6 problems

Engine 20Fuel system 15Brakes 11Transmission 10Acceleration 7Airbags 7Body 4Visibility 4Seat belts 3Lights 2Suspension 2Tires 2Driver assistance 1Steering 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2002 Audi A6?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history