2019 Audi A6: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · VA

The factory-installed mechanical water pump module suffered a severe internal seal and housing failure. This allowed pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the engine's vacuum control system and vacuum lines, damaging crucial emissions and vacuum tubing. This defect poses a severe safety risk as coolant entering the vacuum grid can cause sudden loss of engine power, erratic braking assist, and localized engine overheating while operating the vehicle at highway speeds.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and continuation of same electrical failures despite six additional repairs Multiple failures of all electrical components on highway road and side roads

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Electrical · VA

Incident Summary for the federal safety agency Complaint Component Involved: Electrical System: Alternator / Charging System Vehicle State: In motion (City street/Highway) Speed at Failure: Approximately [Insert Speed] MPH Narrative Description: The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total engine stall in live traffic. This failure occurred without sufficient warning to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of collision. This is a recurring safety defect: Repeat Failure: This is the second time this specific VIN has suffered a mid-traffic alternator failure. An Audi-certified replacement was installed by an authorized dealer (Audi Arlington) in 2022 following an identical incident. That replacement part has now failed. Failure of "Service Action" (27BQ): Despite an active Service Action for this component, the vehicle was not repaired during multiple prior service visits at authorized dealerships. The manufacturer failed to proactively address the defect, leading to this second roadside emergency. Cascading Electrical Instability: This VIN has a documented history of systemic electrical and safety system failures, including a gasket failure that compromised safety electronics and a total fuel system replacement due to sensor failure. The manufacturer (Audi) has classified this sudden loss of power in traffic as "non-critical," despite the clear risk of high-speed collision and physical injury. I am requesting a formal investigation into the recurring failure of the 27BQ component and the adequacy of the manufacturer's current service remedy.

Filed Dec 26, 2023 · Electrical · WA

A yellow warning light went on stating"electrical system malfunction" start/stop is not working. Within 5 miles a red warning light went on that stated pull over when safe then within 100 yds multiple warnings went off and i lost power steering, power brakes etc. I was able to get stopped but the car would not start nor was I able to even put it in neutral to have it towed. I researched the issue and it seems to be a well known issue with the alternator. There has been several state lawsuits in regards to the issue. But no recalls or information sent to owners.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Electrical · NY

I suffered a complete failure of the vehicle's electrical system. First, I received a warning that the electrical system malfunctioned. This warning went away after two power cycles. Two days later the warning came back and a warning that the battery level was low. I was driving the vehicle approximately 1 mile on the highway when the warning became progressively dire. First the Adaptive cruise control systems became failing one by one, adaptive lane keep, lane departure etc. Then I got yellow warnings about failures in the transmission and the engine. Finally those errors became dire that I must stop the vehicle. I next lost all electrical screens within 2-3 minutes of the cascading dire warnings just as I was pulling off the highway onto side streets. Within 30 seconds I lost power steering and most braking force. I was able to pull over into a bus stop, but with difficulty. I lost all hazard lights, all vehicle lights. I lost the ability to unlock the doors temporarily but this recovered. I could not turn the car back on, I could just hear the started struggling to turn over. None of the screens in the vehicle worked. No lights or horn worked. Thankfully this happened in the late afternoon while the sun was still out. The extreme danger posed by not having emergency lights, power steering and minimal braking capability made this an extremely scary situation. I was advised by Audi Queens that this was confirmed alternator/generator failure.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Electrical · CA

It appears that the 48v hybrid alternator failed. The vehicle completely shut down/lost all power while driving 50 mph on busy road. Almost rear ended while trying to coast to a stop. Low battery light came on the day before. The day it failed I was driving it to the dealership.

Filed Dec 7, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving on an interstate highway, an electrical fault warning appeared. 5 minutes later, a series of warnings appeared pertaining to a whole host of Audi systems, and I suddenly lost power to the car. I coasted off the highway to the shoulder, where the car died. I was told by the dealership that the issue is a generator, and that it's a common issue affecting A6s. It was truly disconcerting to lose power, without much warning, when driving.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WI

The electrical system failed while driving at highway speeds on the interstate. Car lost power, all safety systems shutdown and I had to navigate the car while coasting off the road. Car would no longer start and left me stranded on the side of the interstate for 2hrs. I have since learned from the audi service department that the 48V generator had failed and caused this situation.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

I was driving on the interstate when the vehicle gave a warning saying "electrical system malfunction, contact dealership". I went to the dealership as I was within a couple of miles and they said it could be many things and they would need to evaluate it the following week. I left with the car and attempted to drive it back the following week on the scheduled appointment. The vehicle did not make it back to the dealership. While driving on the interstate back to the dealership, a message saying, "Electrical system failure, safely exit roadway" came on. I was able to exit off the interstate immediately into a parking lot. While I was trying to exit, multiple warning lights came on saying the crash sensors were inoperable, transmission was inoperable, camera system was inoperable, and the car started shaking as if the engine was loose under the hood and it shut off and would not restart. This took less than about 90 seconds as I was at an exit and already in the right lane on the interstate. Audi Care came and towed the vehicle and the dealer says the alternator has gone bad and it is on backorder. This is exceptionally dangerous because if I were not at an exit and in heavy traffic, this could have happened while I was in the middle of the interstate and the vehicle lost all power. I've since read Audi forum and found this exact scenario has happened to many drivers who were not as lucky to be near an exit or under warranty. Audi should recall the vehicle because it puts the driver in a very dangerous situation. I was stuck in an empty parking lot for several hours waiting for a tow but I consider myself lucky after reading the experience of other drivers. My car has been in the shop for three weeks now and I'm not sure when they will have it fixed. My warranty expires in the next few months so I may end up having to pay for repairs later because my warranty expired while the car sits at the dealer and I won't be able to test if it has been resolved.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Engine · 770 miles · KS

This issue happens when the car is stopped and the auto stop/start feature has stopped the engine. Most commonly at a stop light at a major city intersection, where the lights are longer. When the system attempts to restart the engine, it rough idles and then the drive system shuts down the engine, causing you too lose all power. This leaves you stranded, and risks causing someone to rear-end your vehicle if the light changes. Putting the car in park, turning off the ignition, and then turning the ignition back on resumes engine function. This has happened multiple times. So far the service center has been unable to identify the root cause.