Recalls: Audi C5 A6
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi C5 A6
Audi C5 A6 with AGA and ACK engines: throttle valve could jam
In August 1998, a recall was issued for Audi C5 A6 vehicles fitted with AGA and ACK engines. In these vehicles, engine misfiring may result in damage to the air grid in the air mass meter which could cause the grid to detach and jam the throttle valve (PRA 1998/3629).
1998 model year Audi C5 A6: possible steering failure
In September 1999, a recall was issued for 1998 model year Audi C5 A6 vehicles due to potentially incomplete protective rubber seals that form part of the steering track rod. As a result, water and debris may enter the track rod and cause premature wear and possible steering failure (PRA 1999/4064).
1997-99 Audi C5 A6: moisture ingress for front suspension
In June 2004, a recall was issued for Audi C5 A6 vehicles manufactured prior to 31 December 1999. For these vehicles, damage may occur in the sealing rubber boots on the front suspension track control link ball joints; if left unchecked, this could lead to ingress of moisture (PRA 2004/7040).
Audi C5 A6: driver’s airbag may not deploy
In February 2004, a recall was issued for Audi C5 A6 vehicles fitted with three-spoke steering wheels. In the event of an accident with a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags, the driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended (PRA 2004/6793).
1998-00 model year Audi C5 A6: Takata airbag and vehicle buyback
In December 2019, recall campaign 69AE was issued for 1998-00 model year Audi C5 A6 vehicles. These recalled vehicles had Takata airbags and, over time, moisture could enter the airbag inflators and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurred, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and project metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The airbag could also under-inflate and not protect the driver as intended. As part of this recall, Audi Australia would offer to purchase the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (i.e. as determined by a third party valuer appointed by Audi). Due to the age of the vehicles, replacement airbag inflators were not available. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18002.
1999-01 Audi C5 A6 with three-spoke steering wheel: Takata airbag recall
In November 2021, recall campaign 69CJ was issued for 1999-01 Audi C5 A6 vehicles. The propellant in the gas generator of the Takata NADI 5-AT airbag that was fitted to certain vehicles with three-spoke steering wheels may degrade over time. As a result, the driver’s airbag may deploy with reduced force and this could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-004987.
Problems and faults: Audi C5 A6
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Audi C5 A6 2.7T V6: torque converter oil seal failure
InOctober 2005, Audi issued a technical service bulletin 32 05-02 for Audi C5 A6 vehicles with 2.7T V6 engines. In these vehicles,
- The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated; and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 17125 (‘torque converter clutch circuit performance or stuck off’) is stored in the transmission fault memory.
According to the service bulletin, this condition could be caused by failure of the torque converter’s internal oil seal. To fix, the torque converter had to be replaced. Please note that vehicles with VINs after 4B_4N024000 were fitted with an improved torque converter.
Audi C5 A6 Multitronic: emergency running mode and DTCs
In May 2007, Audi issued technical service bulletin 2012154/8 for 2002-04 Audi C5 A6 vehicles with 01J continuously variable transmissions (CVTs, Audi’s ‘Multitronic’). In these vehicles,
- The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate;
- The vehicle may enter emergency running mode with gear indicator illumination inverted; and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes 17090-P0706 (transmission range sensor circuit range/performance) or 18201-P1793 (output speed sensor 2 circuit no signal) may be issued.
If either of the above Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) were logged, the Transmission Control Module was to be replaced.
2001-02 Audi C5 A6: moisture may enter brake servo
In 2010, Audi UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Audi A6 vehicles that were manufactured from 1 March 2001 to 30 April 2002. For affected Audi A6 vehicles, moisture could enter the brake servo (NCA/2010/006).
Problems and faults: Audi C5 A6
- A rough or low idle may be due to a dirty throttle body bore or throttle control module.
- The sun visor mounting screw could chafe against a wire and blow the fuse controlling the power windows, dome light, alarm system and front seats.
- The power adjustable driver’s seat may stop working because the electronic module loses its memory.
- The windscreen may develop a leak near the top edge.
- The heated steering wheel may not heat up or stay warm.
- For Audi C5 A6 quattro models, the fuel gauge may stick on full or empty if any one of the three sending units malfunctioned.
- For early Audi C5 A6 vehicles, the cruise control may not hold the set speed due to a failure of the vacuum servo.
