NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi A6 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi A6 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi A6 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band. While federal crash-test results indicate largely excellent protection, the vehicle's defect record is notably impacted by 11 recall campaigns. Purchasers of this model must verify that all applicable recall actions have been addressed, as this is a well-protected vehicle with a meaningful recall history.
The 2021 Audi A6 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to 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 ranks 62 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 | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi A6?
The 2021 Audi A6 marks a one-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 83 to 84 out of 100 and holding firmly in the Strong band. That modest gain reflects a crash-protection subscore of 65 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard. The drag on the composite score is the defect record subscore of 9 out of 20, a direct consequence of 11 recall campaigns tied to this model year. Those campaigns span consequential safety systems including back-over prevention cameras, instrument cluster electronics, hydraulic brake fluid integrity, and a separate electrical system fault. The breadth of those campaigns, spanning multiple model years of Volkswagen Group products, suggests systemic platform-level concerns rather than isolated assembly issues. The crash-test picture is strong: a 5-star overall rating with a 5-star side score and a 5-star rollover rating anchoring the results, though the 4-star frontal score is the one number that prevents a clean sweep. For a used-market vehicle now five years old, the combination of strong passive protection and above-average active-safety equipment is notable, but the recall volume demands attention before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi A6 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi A6 achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its evaluations. Both side-impact and rollover protection were rated at a perfect 5 stars, with a low 9 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip recorded. The sole exception to an otherwise perfect star rating was in frontal protection, which received 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15921
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented issues include a back-over prevention camera sensing system, instrument cluster and panel electrical faults, hydraulic brake fluid concerns, a broader electrical system defect, and a backup-camera display function failure. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the provided data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT22V155000
Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Reported 2022-03-14
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
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20V749000
Risk: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Reported 2020-12-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi A6?
Fifteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 A6, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged. The top component cited in these unverified allegations is the Electrical System at 9 reports, followed by Engine, Power Train, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Unknown Or Other categories, each with 2 reports.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi A6?
Prior to purchasing a used 2021 Audi A6, prospective owners should confirm the status of its 11 recall campaigns using the VIN lookup tool on the NHTSA website. An unresolved recall transfers with vehicle ownership, making remedy verification a critical step in the buying process.
- The 2021 A6 Safety Index of 84 out of 100 improved by one point over the 2020 model year, driven by strong crash-protection and perfect avoidance-tech subscores, with the defect record subscore of 9 out of 20 being the primary limiting factor.
- Eleven recall campaigns affect this specific model year, with documented concerns covering back-over prevention camera systems, instrument cluster electronics, hydraulic brake fluid, and a separate electrical system fault across multiple Audi platform-mates.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned 4 out of 5 stars for the 2021 A6, the only rating in the NCAP suite that fell below perfect, while side and rollover protection each achieved the maximum 5 stars with a 9 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip.
- Fifteen unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA cite the Electrical System as the most frequently alleged problem area, with 9 of the 15 reports pointing to that component, a pattern consistent with the electrical-related recall campaigns active on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi A6 places
The 2021 Audi A6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi A6 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi A6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi A6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi A6 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi A6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi A6. 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 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 15921), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A6 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 62 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.