NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi A6 Allroad Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Eight recall campaigns are the primary safety consideration for the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad. The model achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, ranking it in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by largely excellent NHTSA crash-test results and the inclusion of fully standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad received a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad ranks 48 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad?
The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad's eight recall campaigns represent the most significant safety factor for this model year. These campaigns address a broad spectrum of critical systems: issues with backup camera sensing, instrument cluster electronics, brake fluid, general electrical architecture, and infotainment hardware. Several of these recalls extend to other Audi models, indicating potential platform-wide concerns. This aligns with the 13 owner complaints specifically citing electrical system problems, marking this area for particular attention. Overall, the 2021 A6 Allroad achieves a Safety Index of 87 out of 100. This is a one-point decrease from the 2020 model's 88, with the decline stemming from its defect record sub-score, which received 12 out of 20 points. Crash protection remains a strong point, earning 65 out of 70, supported by NHTSA's near-universal 5-star ratings and a 9 percent rollover risk. The vehicle's standard safety technology, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, secured a perfect 10 out of 10 in that category.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5 star scores for both side impact and rollover protection. The rollover risk is notably low at 9 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded. Frontal crash protection showed a slightly lower performance, earning 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15596
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad have any recalls?
Yes, eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented component areas include the backup camera sensing system, the instrument cluster and electrical system, hydraulic brake fluid, a broader electrical system issue, and the infotainment touchscreen. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data provided, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V201000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Reported 2025-03-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID23V601000
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.
Reported 2023-08-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22V861000
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Reported 2022-11-21
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT22V806000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Reported 2022-10-26
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
AIR BAGS21V159000
Risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Reported 2021-03-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad?
Owners have filed 24 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System, cited in 13 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance with 4 alleged reports, and Engine and Power Train each drawing 3 unverified allegations. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad?
With eight recall campaigns on record, the 2021 A6 Allroad demands thorough VIN research from any prospective buyer. Confirming which remedies have been completed at a dealership is the single most important safety step for this model year.
- The 2021 model year carries eight NHTSA recall campaigns, more than many competitors in this segment, with affected systems ranging from backup camera sensing and brake fluid to instrument cluster electronics and infotainment hardware.
- The Safety Index fell one point from 88 in 2020 to 87 in 2021, driven by a defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20, the lowest of the three scored categories and a direct reflection of the recall volume.
- NHTSA's frontal crash rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the only star score below the top mark; side and rollover protection each achieved a perfect 5 stars, and the 9 percent rollover risk with no dynamic tip is among the stronger figures in the class.
- Thirteen of the 24 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA allege electrical system problems, a pattern that aligns with two of the five named recall campaigns targeting electrical and instrument cluster components on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad places
The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi A6 Allroad safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi A6 Allroad. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A6 Allroad years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15596), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A6 Allroad 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 48 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.