This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Audi A6 steering problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Audi A6 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 12.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information when the warning message "Steering lock for active steering failed" appears.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Multiple owners describe a catastrophic electrical system failure in 2019 A6 models, particularly tied to the 48-volt starter/alternator architecture. The sequence is consistent: a yellow electrical malfunction warning escalates to cascading red warnings for steering, brakes, and transmission within seconds to minutes. Owners lose power steering and engine power simultaneously, leaving them unable to steer or control the car at highway speeds. Several were able to coast to safety only by luck—if the failure had occurred in heavy traffic or at night, they say the results could have been fatal.
A separate but equally concerning issue involves water exposure. Two owners drove through modest puddles (2-3 inches on a residential street, another in a puddle) and experienced immediate steering lockup with a "do not drive" warning. The power steering rack has been identified as faulty in at least one case.
A third failure pattern emerges in cold weather: one owner's battery light came on after the car sat idle for a week at 35°F. Driving to the dealership, the entire electrical system went dark on the highway. Owners note this cold-weather electrical issue has been reported for 2+ years across A6 and other models.
Critically, Audi dealerships confirm the 48-volt defect is widespread in 2019-2021 models, but parts are backordered for months and Audi USA has reportedly told customers parts are not currently available to fix the problem.
Failure modes owners describe
48V Electrical System Cascade Failure
Complete electrical system shutdown affecting steering, brakes, transmission, ABS, lights, and all safety systems. Owners report this occurs during normal driving after an initial electrical malfunction warning. The issue appears related to the 48-volt starter/alternator system in 2019-2021 Audi architectures. Parts are reportedly backordered for months. Multiple owners experienced total vehicle immobilization on highways at speed, creating life-threatening situations.
When: During highway driving at speed; one instance after car sat for a week in cold weather (35°F); one instance after approximately 10 minutes of highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Yellow electrical system malfunction warning; Rapid cascading warnings for steering, brakes, transmission, ABS; All electrical systems shutting down sequentially; Heavy steering feel, underperforming brakes before shutdown; Complete loss of power steering and engine power; Dashboard/instrument cluster going dark; Vehicle immobilization with no steering or transmission control
Codes mentioned: Electrical system malfunction, Steering malfunction, Transmission malfunction, Drive system malfunction, Traction control malfunction, Rear spoiler malfunction, Parking brake malfunction, Automatic start/stop system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers identified issue as 48-volt starter/alternator defect. Parts are backordered for months. One owner at 50,700 miles under extended manufacturer warranty; vehicle awaiting repair. Another owner reports Audi USA has no parts available to fix the issue and dealership unable to complete repair. One vehicle has been at dealership for 1.5 weeks without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi dealerships confirm this is a known issue with 2019-2021 48-volt architectures. Audi USA contacted; reports parts unavailable.
Water-Induced Power Steering Failure
Power steering malfunction triggered by water splash or water exposure, causing steering to stiffen progressively. One owner drove through a 2-3 inch puddle on residential street (not a flood); another locked up steering after driving through a puddle. Yellow warning light initially, then red 'Steering malfunction, Do not drive vehicle' message. Electric power steering rack identified as faulty in at least one case requiring full assembly replacement.
When: Immediately after water exposure (within 30 seconds to a few minutes); one case at 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light (yellow, then red); Steering wheel stiffening, requiring increased effort; Steering lockup; 'Steering malfunction, Do not drive vehicle' message; Inability to turn steering wheel
Codes mentioned: Power steering malfunction, Steering malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Electric power steering rack assembly replacement performed by Audi West Houston in one case. Owner reported normal residential street driving with minimal water exposure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited, but Audi has identified faulty power steering rack and performed replacement under warranty.
Cold Weather Electrical System Battery Malfunction
Yellow battery indicator light illuminated during cold weather (35°F) after vehicle sat idle for a week. Owner drove toward dealership for diagnosis; on HOV lane at highway speed, all electrical power lost completely. Vehicle became immobile with no dashboard function. Owner reports this has been occurring on Audi A6 and other models for 2+ years.
When: After 1 week of garage storage in 35°F weather; failure occurred after 25-minute drive to dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Yellow battery indicator light; Red warning lights flashing 'pull over'; Complete electrical blackout; Engine shutdown; All systems dead
Codes mentioned: Battery system malfunction, Electrical system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; still unresolved after 1.5 weeks in shop.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While out of town the car gave an electrical system fault with a yellow warning saying find a dealr soon. Then shortly after the warning went red and while driving all systems in the car started to shut down. Steering, transmission, throttle, dash, everything went crazy. Need to to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get off main road where there was no shoulder to pull onto a side road, very scary…
Had steering trouble with your 2019 Audi A6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2019 Audi A6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Audi/A6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.