There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2019 Audi A6in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
My 2019 Audi A6 sedan displays warnings for the Start/Stop system malfunction indicated in Audi's document: "Emissions Service Action Code: 27BQ" [XXX] I'm still waiting to hear if this has been elevated to Recall status. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident Summary for NHTSA Complaint Component Involved: Electrical System: Alternator / Charging System Vehicle State: In motion (City street/Highway) Speed at Failure: Approximately [Insert Speed] MPH Narrative Description: The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total engine stall in live traffic. This failure occurred without sufficient warning to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of collision. This is a recurring safety defect: Repeat Failure: This is the second time this specific VIN has suffered a mid-traffic alternator failure. An Audi-certified replacement was installed by an authorized dealer (Audi Arlington) in 2022 following an identical incident. That replacement part has now failed. Failure of "Service Action" (27BQ): Despite an active Service Action for this component, the vehicle was not repaired during multiple prior service visits at authorized dealerships. The manufacturer failed to proactively address the defect, leading to this second roadside emergency. Cascading Electrical Instability: This VIN has a documented history of systemic electrical and safety system failures, including a gasket failure that compromised safety electronics and a total fuel system replacement due to sensor failure. The manufacturer (Audi) has classified this sudden loss of power in traffic as "non-critical," despite the clear risk of high-speed collision and physical injury. I am requesting a formal investigation into the recurring failure of the 27BQ component and the adequacy of the manufacturer's current service remedy.
Audi is aware of the starter-alternator issue which is documented in Audi's Emissions Service Action Code: 27BQ dated 4/30/24. Audi didn't communicate this to the effective users until October 2024. I personally experienced the defect in my starter-alternator on 10/21/24 and proceeded to have my car repaired.
Electrical malfunction warning. Steering wheel got tight. Transmission failure warning. Then the the car began to stop. all types of various warnings were popping up on the heads up display. It is in the process of getting taken to the nearest dealer.
When backing up the car the cameras don't turn on and often times the collision sensors go off randomly. On the highway the emergency brakes go off randomly when a car passes by on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Warning light came on for electrical malfunction and many other malfunction lights car then shut down.
A yellow warning light went on stating"electrical system malfunction" start/stop is not working. Within 5 miles a red warning light went on that stated pull over when safe then within 100 yds multiple warnings went off and i lost power steering, power brakes etc. I was able to get stopped but the car would not start nor was I able to even put it in neutral to have it towed. I researched the issue and it seems to be a well known issue with the alternator. There has been several state lawsuits in regards to the issue. But no recalls or information sent to owners.
The car gave me a written error message on the dashboard that there was an electrical system malfunction. I thought to myself, "Gotta get that checked out. Let's see if it goes away." I drove a short distance home and parked. The next day I began to drive to work. I got the electrical system malfunction message again. I decided to pull into a parking lot and make an appointment to get it fixed by the dealer. Then, I began to drive back home (didn't want to risk driving to work). The car then gave me a new message that the electrical system was not working and to pull over safely. I drove for 30 or so more seconds as all the systems began to shut down. The car completely stopped within a minute or 2 of the error message, stranding me in the middle of the road. It was impossible to shift it into neutral to safely move it. If I had been driving on the highway, it would have been REALLY bad! There was almost no time to get the car to a safe spot and no chance to put it into neutral to move it. The car has since been diagnosed with a faulty generator that needs to be replaced.
Electrical fault dash warnings (steering, transmission, braking and many other things too numerous to mention came on while driving the car and it went into limp mode and forced the car to stop and would not restart. The car had to be towed to the dealership where they diagnosed the problem to be the "alternator" which is more accurately what is known as the "belt starter generator" BSG. The BSG runs the start stop feature of the car and charges the mild hybrid 48v battery system that runs many of the critical features of the vehicle. They do not have the part in stock and do not know how long it will take to get in. I understand that there is NOT an upgraded part available that will fix this issue, only the same part that they are continuing to put on all of the V6 engine models since 2019 to today. The A6,7 and A8 and Q5,7 and Q8 models in particular are being affected. This is an extremely dangerous problem that has not been remedied by Audi/VW to this point and the NHTSA should issue a recall.
First sign of the vehicle is shaking and making noise while driving over 65mph. A few days later, the tire pressure warning was on. The next day, electric system malfunction light was on, advising me to contact service center. At the same day, steering function light was on and it was stiff to drive the vehicle. A few miles down the road, engine shuts off, and was unable to restart.
The Alternator had failed along with the battery and shut off the car, rendering it useless on the road. The vehicle is still under the New Car Warranty. It was a hazard as it could not be put into neutral and was stuck in park. The dealer had confirmed it was a manufacturer-wide problem with waits of up to 3-6 months for the part. The tow truck had difficulty towing it up as the car was not able to roll. Before the car shut off immediately it had given the warning "Electrical System: Malfunction! Please Contact Service, as well as Auto Start Stop System: Malfunction!".
Car shut down while driving due to the electrical system malfunction; had to get the car towed; ended up being a known issue by Audi with no recall related to the alternator; replaced with new alternator
Red start/stop malfunction light, then Electical System yellow light malfunction, then Red light Electical System safely stop vehicle all with 2-3 min while driving in normal city conditions
Received a message for "Electrical System Failure" and drove ok at first but began receiving failure messages for various systems including but not limited to Start/Stop system, transmission, power steering, and crash avoidance systems. Soon after the entertainment and comfort system screens went blank followed by the dash screen and the car eventually just turned off as I was trying to find a safe place to pull over. Safety was put a risk as I was stranded on a busy road with no shoulder and because the battery was impacted my hazard lights only lasted a short time which left me and my vehicle exposed on the side of the road. The car was towed to the dealer (Audi of Albany) who inspected determined the failure was related to a faulty ignition generator. The car is currently at Audi of Albany and will be for at least 2 weeks so I am assuming it would be available for inspection. Many different warning lights appeared in the short time leading to total shutdown of the car. I recall a start/stop failure message, batter charge low, transmission failure light, power steering failure warning, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision avoidance among others. As stated above all screens in the car eventually turned off and the car fully failed on a main road and required a tow to the dealer.
Car started by saying auto start /stop function malfunction, than Electrical Malfunction. after reading an Audi forum on Audi World there is thousand of customers complaining of the same issue. apparently its a known issue with their 48v mild hybrid system and their alternator. multiple dealerships blaming a faulty alternator. this issue has left people stranded and myself the vehicle A/C system stopped working and now parked at home until I can take to dealership. this issue is not a small one or impacting a small amount of consumers and more investigating should be done by your agency to be a Recall on this. Thx
1 / 2 · Purchased 2019 Audi A6 Prestige sedan in August 19, 2023 Issue #1: Transmission Issue · Day after purchase, transmission error appeared on dashboard during highway driving · Car acted up a little, so quickly got off highway and drove home. Emotionally scared · Called tow company to haul to dealership the next day · In the shop for few days and didn’t have a replacement vehicle. · Also got some message about air bags · I have email communication about these issues with Audi Issue #2: Three safety recalls and periodic electrical warnings between 2019-2022 including... · Inaccurate fuel level indicator o 6-7 months between recall notice and fix o Consistently thinking about range #3: Issue Alternator · 6/22: Warning message appeared on dashboard indicating battery issue, take for service · Friday, 6/23: Took to an widely recognized car shop (specializing in imported vehicles) close by to check it. Mechanic summarized that the alternator voltage output is low. Battery test good. · Recommendation was to replace alternator. Car shop couldn’t get replacement due to supply backlog. o 1:00 PM: On the drive back on highway, frequent warning messages appeared on dash and the car suddenly started accelerated/decelerating. Immediately pulled onto the breakdown lane. o 2:30 PM: After 1.5 hours, Tow truck came to pickup vehicle and take it home o 2:30 – 4: Struggled to get car started to pull off trailer. Completely drained battery packs and kept reengaging the parking brake to prevent the car going in neutral (even manually). It took oil and shaking the car to slide it back onto the driveway. o Scheduled service appointment for Tuesday 6/27 · Saturday, 6/24: Called tow company to haul vehicle to the dealership. Estimated time for tow truck haul, roundtrip to dealership was 2.5 hours of morning. I had complained audi and they have informed me that they cannot do anything or reimburse for expenses. I have spent over $700 and put my life at risk.
Was driving and car gave me an Electrical System Malfunction, shortly after all lights (abs, esc, power steering, brakes) came on and vehicle died right after. I was traveling at 25-30mph and was unable to control my vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to a shop because it would not start after. After some research, it seems to be a problem with the 48V mild Hybrid system. Thousands of known cases this should be a recall! Extremely unsafe.
While driving the vehicle states that there was an electrical fault and to contact a service center. This was associated with a loss of drive power that made handling more difficult. A dealer advised me this morning that this is a common issue.
Message for "electrical system malfunction", then "start stop system malfunction", then "electrical system malfunction stop vehicle safely". Car was immobilized. Was driving on highway.
ALTERNATOR FAILIURE (48V)
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026