While driving slowly through a shopping mall parking lot with my wife and [XXX] son onboard, the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned. The central locking system cycled repeatedly, and a warning briefly appeared mentioning a steering/light malfunction. Immediately afterward, the emergency release cables for all four doors deployed externally as if the car had been in a crash, even though no collision occurred. At the Audi dealership (Audi Sugar Land, TX), technicians confirmed by diagnostic scan that: The ABS control module stored a fault for “invalid data.” That invalid data was relayed to the airbag module, which falsely triggered a “crash response active” condition. All four door modules stored crash response faults and deployed the emergency release cables. The issue was confirmed, faults were cleared, but no parts were replaced. This false crash response put my family at risk because it activated emergency safety mechanisms without cause. My concern is that if invalid data can trigger a false crash event, it could also trigger other systems, such as airbags, leading to potential injury. The incident occurred with approximately 1,100 miles on the vehicle, one week after purchase, and immediately following the first 100% charge. The dealer documented the event and consulted Audi Technical Assistance, who authorized release of the vehicle after clearing the codes. This is a serious safety defect because critical systems activated without a real crash, creating unnecessary risk for occupants. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A6 abs comes on
99 of the 1,663 owner complaints about the Audi A6 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 99
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 85,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 4Ball joint 4Water leak 3Brake failure 3Won't start 2Loss of power 2Lane assist 2Jerking 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P1423 1P1411 1
What owners say
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding persistent mechanical failures and safety concerns with my 2014 Audi A6, VIN: [XXX] , which have resulted in significant repair expenses, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards. Despite having the front brakes and sensors replaced in the previous year, I recently experienced brake warning lights and related malfunctions. According to the most recent service report from Audi Bethesda (Repair Order [XXX], dated May 9, 2025), it was discovered that the incorrect brake pad sensor had previously been installed and that connectors were not properly secured. Additionally, the repair team found further issues with the ABS sensor and rear brake pad sensors—indicating an ongoing pattern of misdiagnosis and improper installation by authorized service providers. More concerning is the failure of the vehicle’s fuel system, including the fuel pump and filter, which were replaced at considerable expense. According to the repair documentation, there were still unresolved low fuel pressure faults present even after parts replacement. The technicians cited potential metal contamination in the fuel meter valve (N290), which could require full fuel system replacement—an unacceptable situation for a vehicle that has already undergone such costly repairs. After further internal investigation by Mitch Carr’s Auto Service several other concerns were brought to my attention. 1)Battery left to die 2)Fuel filter replaced 3)Glow Plug Replaced 4)Injector Seal Replaced 5)Re-Gen DPF procedure to clear faults 6) Rubber Stem on Tire Replaced INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the electrical system malfunction message became more severe and turned from yellow to red. While driving, the vehicle progressively shut down ABS, lane departure, and other systems and gave a transmission warning message. Eventually, the car lost power and I was left stranded at the side of the road.
- 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
There is an issue with the power steering control module that causes a lot of error codes to populate. Many of the codes are generic and hard to diagnose, even with Audi certified diagnostic equipment/tools. When this code initially presented, ~9 months ago, there was a red steering wheel light on the dash. I found a company that repairs these modules with these specific codes (I’d imagine good business since this is a common issue); while I got power steering to work, there are codes that still recommend full replacement of the power steering module (Audi certified diagnostic equipment). This error in the module causes complete loss of power steering, with serious risk to safety of all passengers and other drivers, on and off the road. Because this module may communicate with other modules and systems, it may render other codes and faults with the abs and start/stop systems for example. I’ve taken this issue to an Audi dealer and they say I have to pay out of pocket for a whole replacement of the module and rack&pinion. I understand how to maintain a vehicle but this is a known issue for many other models/trims and years. I’ve read some reports that Audi had de-escalated this issue in other models (2012-2016) to avoid a larger number of vehicles being affected. While my vehicle is 2017, it’s out of the “covered recall” but I’m experiencing similar issues to the very same issue. PS. My car has been sitting for 9 months due to this issue.
Was driving and car gave me an Electrical System Malfunction, shortly after all lights (abs, esc, power steering, brakes) came on and vehicle died right after. I was traveling at 25-30mph and was unable to control my vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to a shop because it would not start after. After some research, it seems to be a problem with the 48V mild Hybrid system. Thousands of known cases this should be a recall! Extremely unsafe.
Massive safety liability here. My 2019 Audi A6 was on the highway traveling at 75mph on 4/25/2023 at noon when with no prior warning, all of the electrical systems started failing rapidly. In the course of 90 seconds, there was an electrical malfunction warning, quickly followed by malfunction warnings for steering, brakes, and cascading shutdowns of all systems like the transmission, ABS, Collision Warning, Lane Departure, lights, hazard warning lights, instrument screens/clusters, HVAC, windows- literally everything. A complete failure of every component and safety system while driving highspeed is extremely dangerous. Had this happened at night, I would have been bricked in the middle of the road without headlights, hazard lights, airbags, etc. The car had to be towed away to the dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer is aware of this issue and called it a 48 volt starter/ alternator issue which is apparently systemic/ widespread with 2019-21 Audi 48 volt architectures; parts are generally backordered for months. Please take note: There is an extremely high risk that someone will be killed and seriously injured as a result of this defect. The vehicle is awaiting inspection and repair at an Audi dealership. It is under extended manufacturers warranty at 50,700 miles. No other diagnostics/ inspections/ or reports have taken place yet.
Receiving multiple electrical warnings including low battery charge, vehicle starting system, parking brake malfunction, stabilization control (ESC/ABS), parking aid malfunction, and all-wheel drive malfunction. Issue appears to be due to a common failing 48v battery alternator.
I had a failure with the vehicle electrical system malfunction. I had multiple warnings from ABS, Power steering, Adaptive cruise control. I was on the highway doing about 70 when this happened. After about 5 mins of driving, everything powered down in the vehicle. From the dashboard to the center instrument panel. Then after that, the car cut off. Lucky I was in the right lane to pull over to the shoulder. Car never started back up. Nervous about what the dealership is going to tell me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 audi a6. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering, ABS, and etc warning lights illuminated. The instrument panel however was inoperable. A message indicating that the vehicle was unsafe to drive was displayed. The vehicle was towed to audi of richmond located at 15292 broad st, henrico, va 23233, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that water had backed up into the fire wall and damaged the computer system. The failure was due to the proximity to the drainage panel and the fire wall. The contact was informed that the computer image processing module and camera module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V601000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
- Risk
- This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Recall number 99V131001 · Recall details
Questions about the Audi A6 abs
Why does the abs come on in the Audi A6?
Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, ball joint or control arm failure and water leaks into the cabin, and the codes they mention most are P1423 and P1411.
Which Audi A6 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (27 complaints), 2000 (24 complaints) and 1998 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Audi A6?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 29 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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