2004 Audi A6: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Audi A6: 4 recalls, 35 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #04V133000 · 2004 · 172,866 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
Why it matters: A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on July 26, 2004. Owners should contact Audi at…
Electrical Vehicle recall #06V198000 · 2006 · 70,512 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected because the circuit in these vehicles contains a fuse, which precludes excessive current flow in the case of a short circuit. Audi s6 and s6 avant vehicles are all…
Why it matters: This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
The fix: Dealers will reroute the wiring harness by installing a jumper wiring harness. The recall began on December 16, 2006.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #08V157000 · 2008 · 68,240 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #11V267000 · 2011 · 5,992 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (5): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
- Wheels (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Seats (3): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3).
The 2004 Audi A6 has 35 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 33 A6 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 50). Complaints peaked in 2009 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (66 complaints, 7 recalls), 2005 (91 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Audi A6.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Audi A6 problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (5), tires (3), wheels (3).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi A6 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Audi A6 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.