- ABS Module has intermittent failures, available for inspection - Anti-lock brakes will not work - Yes, the problem reoccurs and the module loses power and then errors out - Others - VCDS - ABS lights come on and BRAKE light stays illuminated
The worst 2004 Audi A6 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system9
- Brakes4
- Engine4
- Airbags3
- Driver assistance3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system9
- Brakes4
- Engine4
- Airbags3
- Driver assistance3
- Electrical3
- Seats3
- Tires3
- Wheels3
- Acceleration2
- Lights2
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 11V267000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 08V157000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- 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 system
- 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
See all 4 recalls for the 2004 Audi A6
Defect investigations
Fuel tank leak
Volkswagen (vw) is recalling certain vw passat 4motion and audi a6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the federal safety agency recall number for the vw vehicles is 08v‑156 (vw also is correcting defects related to heat shield and fuel line hazards for these vehicles and for 1999-2000 passats in this recall action.)the federal safety agency recall number for the audi vehicles is 08v‑157.since 2006, odi has received 17 complaints of fuel leaking from the subject vehicles' fuel tanks.the 400 complaints shown above may include duplicate reports to odi and the manufacturer. While the consequence (fuel leaks from the top of the tank) is similar for both the passat and audi subject vehicles, differences in design and construction require a different remedy for each vehicle.on the passats, the ventilation line could have been installed improperly with tension and with an incorrectly positioned cable tie.the tension could cause cracked or broken nipples on the fuel tank rollover valve.on the audi vehicles, a material change (effective june 2, 2001) with different aging characteristics used for the rollover valve and the use of an inflexible aluminum ventilation line could cause cracking of the nipple on the rollover valve.vw is recalling all vehicles subject to these defects.it will inspect passats to ensure that the vent line is tension free and correct the installation if tension is found.if a crack or fuel leak is found, vw will replace the fuel tank.audi will repair all subject vehicles by reinforcing the fuel tank rollover valve with an epoxy adhesive.this investigation is closed.
PE08008
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Audi A6 151
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- This bulletin contains instructions for determining if bushings need to be replaced.
- This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4...
- New document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder
- Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.
- This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries...
- 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
2004 Audi A6 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 |
| 4.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 22 | 18 |
What 2004 Audi A6 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Re: safety recall 20l8/jy; 08v157000: fuel tank rollover valve modification; VIN: (xx); 2004 audi a6 3.0l quattro at5 attached docs: 1. 20l8/jy recall notice. 2. 7.14.2008 & 11.18.18 audi n. Scottsdale, az dealer invoices 3. Audi a6 gas tank diagram. Audi corp email response: "at this time we have identified that the 20l8 repair was specific to the driver's side of the vehicle. The dealership is indicating this current recommended repair is specific to the passenger side of the vehicle." "since we are showing the 20l8 completed in july of 2008 and the original 20l8 repair is specific to driver's side rollover nipple valves, according to the dealership this current repair is unrelated to the recall." "currently per the federal safety agency website, the 20l8 is not showing as an open recall, so I would be unable to speak to how they would react to information regarding a closed recall." 'we have no evidence supporting an incorrect repair being performed in july of 2008, so at this time we would be unable to provide assistance towards this repair." current emissions check engine light (nov 18, 2018) is diagnosed by the audi dealer as a gas tank leak. Also, there is a strong odor coming from gas tank. Dealer quoted to replace the entire tank (see attached #2). There are several rollover valves on each side of the gas tank on the top side (see attached #3 gas tank diagram). Recall (see attached #1) does not address "drivers side or passenger side" of gas tank. Dealer claimed that back in 2008 that they did not even lower the gas tank for the repair. In summary: my vehicle currently has a gas tank leak on top of the gas tank coming from the one or more rollover valve nipples on top of the gas tank. The safety recall addresses repairing and reinforcing these leaking rollover valve nipples so a repair request should be covered by the recall. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Aftermarket radio: pioneer electronics avh-4100 nex backup camera fails and distracts driver significantly. I have attached a scan of the complaint to pioneer electronics. The radio likely has software defect that causes very distracting failures when operating the back-up camera. Pioneer advertises that this backup camera works as advertised - it is actually now a distraction and hazard. As well, operating google "android auto" causes more significant driving distractions when using the backup camera function of the avh-4100. Complaints to pioneer electronics have been fruitless. They seem to be arrogant and claim: "all of our products are thoroughly tested." I would like pioneer electronics to fix the software issue and create a new release that allows the backup camera to work without a distraction and safty-hazard.
When engine is cold, usually below 0 degrees fuel sprays from injectors. This could ignite on exhaust manifolds causing car fire.
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 audi a6. While driving at 20 MPH, smoke appeared from the engine compartment and the vehicle caught fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 06v198000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
With the elec stability control being intermittent this is being caused by the ABS module going bad/intermittent the brake pedal pressure changes. I have experienced this with my 2002 ram 1500 (4x4) as well. This could be a problem in all cars and trucks. The cost the fix for an audi is around $2500.00 and my ram was $1300.00.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 audi a6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, a strong odor of gasoline emitted inside and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the check engine light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank collapse and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,569.
The first throttle valve malfunction happened on july 2013. Cost to repair 1557.95 part cost 878.00 mileage 66784 the second malfunction happened on oct. 14, 2014 to repair 1200.00 part cost 913.00, mileage 69202 what happens here is the engine shuts down. There could have been e major accident if she was rear ended. I called audi to tell them the part was defective, but they would not listen. That is why I think there should be a recall, to send them a message.
Significant gas leak caused by broken gas "in tank sending units" housing and seal. Gas will leak and fill the inside of the car with fums as well as under the car. Replacement required buying a revised design sending units that include all three sending units. The price is high ~$500 and the consequences very dangerous. My car is: 2004 audi a6 [xxx] 2004 a6q 2.7t information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi a6. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, that there was a failure in the electric harness under the passenger seat. The contact stated that he noticed a burning odor and then the power failed to move the seat. Upon further review, the contact discovered that the carpet under the seat was singed and had melted some plastic under the seat. The vehicle was taken to the contact's personal mechanic where he was informed that the vehicle posed a safety hazard and should not be driven. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v133000 (electrical system) and contacted the dealer and the manufacturer to inquire of the recall campaign. The dealer and the manufacturer both advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 94,648 updated 6/1/12 *cn the cause of the fire was the shorting of the seat harness wiring under the passenger carpeting from movement and there was a bend/ kink in the harness when assembled and there was sub damage to adjacent wire harness. Updated 06/22/12
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Questions about the 2004 Audi A6
Is the 2004 Audi A6 reliable?
Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 2004 Audi A6, close to a typical A6 model year.
What is the 2004 Audi A6 year score?
The 2004 Audi A6 scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi A6: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Audi A6?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 9 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 2004 Audi A6 have?
4 recalls, covering fuel system, other, fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi A6 get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Audi A6 range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.
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