Model year guide

1999 Audi A6

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Audi A6 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

1999 Audi A6 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Audi A6 at a glance

Safety recalls9
Owner complaints231
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$850

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1999 Audi A6 recalls 9

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V056000 · 31/01/2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the …

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #06V198000 · 05/06/2006

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…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #01V157000 · 03/05/2001

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.

Fix: 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 …

Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting NHTSA Campaign #99V248000 · 13/09/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #04V133000 · 18/03/2004

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.

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 1-8…

Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting NHTSA Campaign #00V414000 · 06/12/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #99V131001 · 21/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #04V495000 · 12/10/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L, V6 5-VALVE ENGINES, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WHILE DRIVING DURING EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES THE THROTTLE MAY FREEZE IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO ICE ACCUMULATING IN THE THROTTLE BODY.

Fix: AUDI WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT THROTTLE BODY KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED IN THE COLD-WEATHER STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA,…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap NHTSA Campaign #99V058000 · 22/03/1999

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 N…

Fix: 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 LA…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1999 Audi A6 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1999 Audi A6 MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1999 Audi A6 worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$850
High
$1,200

From 7 comparable 1999 Audi A6 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Audi A6 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1999 Audi A6 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.8 quattro · 2.8 Avant quattro
Engines
2.8L 6-cyl 200 hp

1999 Audi A6 vehicles on record

Other Audi A6 model years

1999 Audi A6 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Audi A6 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 1999 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Audi A6?

Based on 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, vehicle speed control, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Audi A6 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 Audi A6 at about 19 mpg combined (16 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1999 Audi A6 worth?

Comparable 1999 Audi A6 listings run roughly $500–$1,200, typically around $850 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.