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 smell problems
35 of the 1,664 owner complaints about the Audi A6 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 80,500
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel leak 15Check engine light 4Fire or smoke 3Misfire 1Loss of power 1Hesitation 1Fuel pump 1Fuel gauge 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel odor became stronger while driving 65 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled into a parking lot and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that the fuel odor was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light illuminated. The mechanic determined that the check engine warning light had illuminated due to low pressure on the fuel rail, and the contact was informed that the supercharger needed to be removed for a more thorough inspection of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V019000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
I have recently purchased my 2014 Audi A6 in Honolulu at JN Autogroup. After just a couple days of driving the vehicle I have noticed that the car started to smell like gas in and out of the vehicle. The smell is very potent and very sensible throughout every second of driving and I am reporting this because this could be very hazardous and I may not know if it could catch on fire with the amount of fumes that is lingering around. To the point where as I am driving it is making me dizzy. I have researched about issues for these cars with the same year, make and model and I have read that there was a recall on the fuel line leak but i don’t know why my car wasn’t included in this recall base of the data I have pulled up on the Audi recall center. I’m not sure if it has been recalled but the problem for sure wasn’t solved with my vehicle. On the other hand, I have also noticed that the reverse camera on this vehicle goes for a split second on the dash whenever in reverse then suddenly blacks out the entire screen. I am thinking that the wiring or some kind of harness that operates the reverse camera is not done properly by the factory that causes malfunctions within the system. In conclusion, these are two of the reasons why I am completing this incident report because I feel that these are two hazardous features that is important for not just myself but the community and people that surrounds me whenever I am on the road behind the wheel. It is important for this to be resolved because the company of this vehicle advertises all these features and sells this product but there is an issue with the product and I want it to be looked upon and not swept under the rug because I am not only speaking for myself but for the many thousands and thousands of these car owners that is on the road today who are having the same issue as I do. I’d appreciate your service if this can be fixed, thank you!
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel line connector. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and quoted a price for the fuel line replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The gas tank or components of the tank are leaking gas when more than a small amount of gas is put into the tank. Gas leaks all over the ground from the tank and the cabin fills with gas fumes. My 18 son has been driving this car and I will not allow him or anyone else to drive the car now. After reading online that many people have this same problem, I am shocked that this is not a recall when it could be potentially life threatening and that audi wants to charge 3k to lower the tank and repair.
I was driving my vehicle & noticed a fuel smell. When I got to my destination shortly down the road (~1 mile) I inspected my engine for the source of the smell & found fuel leaking down the front of my engine from under the supercharger. After disassembling the top of the engine I found the injector supports to be the old recalled parts (verified with engraved part numbers). I then called the audi dealer that supposedly performed the recall and explained the situation. They were very dismissive & advised me to bring the vehicle in. After a few days (4-7) they advised me they would be having a representative from audi come look at it. I attempted to contact audi multiple times for a loaner vehicle with no response. After multiple days of reaching out, I showed up to the dealer & was given a loaner vehicle due to the kindness of another advisor. The recall: 24ap fuel injection system leak. In the audi notification to the federal safety agency they specifically call out the injector support being revised under "description of remedy" stating " implementation of reinforced fuel rail retaining bracket" & received an updated part number which changed from 06d133036h to 06d133036k. I am worried more people could have this potentially fatal issue due to the lack of craftsmanship shown at that dealer. The issue could be swiftly covered up if the customer does not have the mechanical inclination to verify correct work is being performed on their vehicle.
In the summer months, my 2014 audi a6 develops fuel-like fumes filling the cabin and trunk. The fumes become more intense/pronounced when I accelerate from a stop or when moving through traffic. Several times in 2019, my audi hesitated then stopped twice in traffic. Once on a city road and the other time on the left lane of a highway. Audi service diagnosed a gas pump issue. However, a replacement gas pump did not fully prevent gas fumes from developing in the car. I believe this is related to the federal safety agency campaign id 17v781000/volkswagen 20ar. But, I've been told otherwise from the dealership and your site.
Strong gasoline odor inside the car while being driven and while parked inside my garage resulting from fuel pump leak. Odor is worse when fuel tank is full.
I have a fuel leakage on the lower right side of my vehicle and as soon as I park the vehicle I can feel the fuel smell all around my vehicle. I have given my vehicle to authorized audi dealer (bell audi,edison) and they never said anything about the recall going on audi vehicles
Upon starting my vehicle I noticed extended cranking. Upon driving the vehicle I noticed a fuel odor, initially I thought it was the older vehicle driving in front of me. After driving approximately 4 miles I realized it was my vehicle. I then drove my vehicle back to my house, and had it towed to audi of albany due to recalls that were open. Upon inspection they performed recalls, but informed me the recall for the engine fuel rails was performed june 2015. They then told me they needed to charge labor to inspect the issue, to which point I told them I am an ase master mechanic, and I will figure the issue out myself. I then had the vehicle towed to my garage, where I took it apart following the recall provided on your website. Upon inspection I verified that the injector supports (p/n 06d133036k) listed in the recall (code 24ap) were never replaced. The injector supports I removed from my vehicle are (p/n 06d133036h). Audi has had my vehicle now from 21nov2018 until the present. They will not verify that those parts were supposed to be replaced during the recall, and also if any other parts were never replaced. They have contacted me and told me my fuel injector failed causing the fuel leak, and everything will be covered. I believe my injector failed (if that is the truth) due to the non replaced injector supports. The incorrect geometry over time would cause stress on the injector, and for it to crack. I also question if any seals were truthfully replaced, or if the recall was done at all. I also fear that this issue may have occurred to others who had the recall performed there (langan audi), and are not mechanically inclined enough to disassemble there engine and fuel systems. This problem could have caused a fiery death for me and my family in the car if I wasn't inclined enough to realize the problem is my car and not others around me.
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 smell
Which Audi A6 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (9 complaints), 2012 (5 complaints) and 1998 (4 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Audi A6?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history