I own a 2016 Audi A6 3.0T. After filling the fuel tank completely, the vehicle only traveled approximately 190–200 miles before the fuel gauge indicated empty. This represents a sudden and significant loss of fuel range compared to normal operation. There are no warning lights, check engine lights, fuel smells, visible leaks, rough idle, or abnormal noises. The vehicle operates normally otherwise. The issue appears to involve excessive fuel consumption or incorrect fuel management without any driver warning. This condition poses a potential safety risk because the vehicle may unexpectedly run out of fuel while driving, which could result in loss of power in traffic or on highways, increasing the risk of an accident. The issue has been observed repeatedly after refueling. At the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent repair facility, but diagnostic evaluation is planned. Based on owner research and symptoms, the issue may be related to a fuel system, engine management, or emissions-related component malfunction that does not trigger a warning indicator. No prior warning messages or lamps were displayed before or during the occurrence.
Audi A6 fuel gauge problems
45 of the 1,664 owner complaints about the Audi A6 describe wrong fuel gauge reading, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 45
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical mileage
- 55,409
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 3Won't start 1Misfire 1Loss of power 1Hesitation 1Fuel smell 1Engine failure 1Check engine light 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P2067 1
What owners say
While driving at normal speed, the entire digital instrument panel suddenly went black and a red warning triangle appeared. I lost all gauges, including speedometer, fuel level, and warning indicators. This created a serious safety risk because I was in active traffic and had no way to know my speed or see alerts. My VIN shows an open recall for this exact defect (instrument cluster blackout), but the failure has already happened during normal driving. I consider the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired.
Audi issued a recall for our vehicle’s fuel level sender which reports the amount of fuel in the tank to our fuel gauge display in late 2022 or early 2023. The reason for the recall stems from a safety issue in which the car incorrectly can display that there is more fuel in the tank than what is actually there. Our local dealership’s service center, Princeton Audi initially completed this recall repair in Late February or Early March of 2023 while the car had roughly 25-26,000 miles on it. Less than a fews days later, the recall repair failed and our car shutdown on us leaving my wife stranded while I was having surgery unable to help her. I escalated and reported this issue to Audi of America immediately to create awareness as this was dangerous. The Princeton Audi Service Center attempted to repair the recall a second time and assured us the repair was successful. The same issue has unfortunately resurfaced less than a year later, in February of 2024 while the vehicle has only 33,398 miles on it. After a third attempt to repair this recall, the Princeton Audi Service advisor confirmed the fuel level sensor was again faulty. Regretfully we are still seeing inaccurate reporting of the fuel levels in our car creating a perpetually dangerous situation for myself, my family, and others on the road. Our car can shutdown on a major highway if it runs out of gas because the fuel gauge display keeps showing we might have half a tank or more due to the inaccurate reporting from the fuel level sender. After contacting Audi of America again about this failed recall, they seem to be dodging responsibility for the failed remedy and providing no recourse to ensure the safety of myself, my family, or those we out at risk if we keep driving this vehicle. The Princeton Audi Service center keeps stating they have made the repair, but the recall remedy keeps failing for us. Please help us as they refuse to replace the vehicle or buy it back after the failed recall.
P2067 engine check code which shows faulty fuel sensor. Audi has recalled other year Audi a6 sedan vehicles with the same issue and this seems to be a safety issue as it can show incorrect fuel gauge and in the event of car out of fuel, engine can stall and can cause accident.
1 / 2 · Purchased 2019 Audi A6 Prestige sedan in August 19, 2023 Issue #1: Transmission Issue · Day after purchase, transmission error appeared on dashboard during highway driving · Car acted up a little, so quickly got off highway and drove home. Emotionally scared · Called tow company to haul to dealership the next day · In the shop for few days and didn’t have a replacement vehicle. · Also got some message about air bags · I have email communication about these issues with Audi Issue #2: Three safety recalls and periodic electrical warnings between 2019-2022 including... · Inaccurate fuel level indicator o 6-7 months between recall notice and fix o Consistently thinking about range #3: Issue Alternator · 6/22: Warning message appeared on dashboard indicating battery issue, take for service · Friday, 6/23: Took to an widely recognized car shop (specializing in imported vehicles) close by to check it. Mechanic summarized that the alternator voltage output is low. Battery test good. · Recommendation was to replace alternator. Car shop couldn’t get replacement due to supply backlog. o 1:00 PM: On the drive back on highway, frequent warning messages appeared on dash and the car suddenly started accelerated/decelerating. Immediately pulled onto the breakdown lane. o 2:30 PM: After 1.5 hours, Tow truck came to pickup vehicle and take it home o 2:30 – 4: Struggled to get car started to pull off trailer. Completely drained battery packs and kept reengaging the parking brake to prevent the car going in neutral (even manually). It took oil and shaking the car to slide it back onto the driveway. o Scheduled service appointment for Tuesday 6/27 · Saturday, 6/24: Called tow company to haul vehicle to the dealership. Estimated time for tow truck haul, roundtrip to dealership was 2.5 hours of morning. I had complained audi and they have informed me that they cannot do anything or reimburse for expenses. I have spent over $700 and put my life at risk.
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A6. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V155000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was not working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,514. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2003 audi a6. Consumer writes in regards to fuel level sensor damaged due to recall repair *tgw the consumer stated he complied with the recall and took his vehicle to the audi dealer. The dealer filled the gas tank; in accord with the letter from audi. Unfortunately, as the consumer drove the 70 miles back home, the fuel level decreased to less that 1/4 and the warning light came on. Since then, the warning light comes on and goes off without regard to how much fuel is in the tank. The consumer also stated he smelled gasoline particularly in the morning time when he went to his garage. He stated he was not able to rely on the fuel gauge because it sometimes showed full when it was less than 1/4 of a tank. The consumer stated he has ran out of gas twice, on a country road in mid-winter. After making dozens of frustrating calls to audi, they finally arranged to have the problem looked at. The dealer stated they didn't have the part they needed to repair the defect and they would call when the part arrived. They estimated the repair at $483.64. The consumer stated he still has not heard from the dealer. The consumer stated he took his vehicle to the dealer with no fuel gauge problems and it was returned to him with problems.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 audi a6. The console has a center display that shows warning lights for gas, brakes, etc. The center display failed gradually approximately one year ago. The display has completely failed and when the vehicle is cold some of the lines in the display are visible. The dealer stated that the vehicle is no longer under warranty and they will not repair it. The current mileage was 76,000 and the failure mileage was 70,000. The consumer stated the gas gauge is not working and not moving when the vehicle is filled up with gas. Updated 11/07/07
Car engine had stopped in the middle of a busy highway. The fuel gauge showed that there was half a tank of gas left. In reality there was no fuel in the car. Car had to be towed at owners expense. Fuel sender unit had to be replaced at over $500. There was a recall for the same reason for the same problem for 2001 model, but not 2002 which has the same problem. Extreme danger to a safety of the driver. The car can run out of fuel with a fuel gauge showing that there is a half a tank of gas left.
Consumer received one of several recall notifications from the manufacturer, and took the vehicle to the dealer, who wanted for consumer to leave a credit card and then they will repair all defects, even those not related to the recall, and charge consumer additional expenses not in conjunction with the recall. *ak recall campaign the federal safety agency campaign id number : 01v157000 consequence: running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems. Vehicle ABS light was on.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Recall number 19V035000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑888‑237‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
Recall number 17V781000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
Recall number 16V646000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑822‑2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Recall number 15V019000 · Recall details
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
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
- Risk
- If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on september 28, 20007. Owners may contact vw at 1‑800‑222‑8987 or audi at 1‑800‑822‑2834. This recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please see 06v017).
Recall number 07V375000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
- Risk
- If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact vw at 1‑800‑222‑8987 or audi at 1‑800‑822‑2834.
Recall number 06V017000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- 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
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with quattro drive system which employs a fuel and fuel vapor leak detection system. If the vehicle is refueled shortly after the engine is started, and is kept running while being refueled, the fuel vapor recovery system could produce sufficient back pressure to cause fuel to be ejected after a complete fill-up when the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filler neck.
- Risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, fuel spray could result in fire or possible personal injury.
- Remedy
- Vw is providing a new page for the owner's manual and also requesting owners to make an appointment with their dealers to have a label containing important refueling instructions installed inside of the fuel filler door. Dealers will also remove the tire pressure label and replace it with a new label affixed to the fender well at the right rear door.
Recall number 99V058000 · Recall details
Questions about the Audi A6 fuel gauge
Which Audi A6 years have wrong fuel gauge reading problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (19 complaints), 1998 (12 complaints) and 2000 (3 complaints).
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