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2021 Audi A6 allroad

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 A6 allroad.

Transmission Automatic (AM-S7)

The 2021 Audi A6 allroad is equipped with an Automatic (AM-S7) transmission and an EPA-rated 20/26/22 mpg, utilizing 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity engine oil. Within the 2020-2026 model history, this year represents the peak for owner complaints at 24, with the electrical system identified as the top complaint area. This volume of complaints, coupled with 12 recalls, positions the 2021 model as the least reliable entry in the sequence compared to the 2025 model, which recorded only one complaint.

Model year202520242023202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy20/26/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage. battery, OE oil filter 06M115441G. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage.OEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire size245/45R20/XL 103HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06M115441G alt 06M198405F
Engine air filter4K0133844D
Spark plug06M905606F
Battery000915089BC
Front wiper blades4K1998002D
Thermostat06M121688 alt 06M121678H
Cabin air filter4M0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length194.9 in
Overall width74.8 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase115.4 in
Curb weight4495 lb
Track (front / rear)65 / 63.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined20 / 26 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume101 cu ft
Cargo volume30 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.0 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use new seal: 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantAudi Coolant G13-TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity10.5 qt
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity8.0 qt

Engine torques

Cylinder Head InstructionsOnly use new bolts.
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse new seal: 22.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-6-2-5

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant CapacityPR Code TV8

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum87.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.45 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: NS, Rear: Use new bolts: 26.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.4
Minimum Pad Thickness0.079" in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1LC; Rear: 1KD

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Completely install all bolts by hand. Step 222 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 22.011 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire Repair Kit Sealant (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Body Water Drains (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 40,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 60,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 model year represents a pronounced peak in complaints and recalls within this generation, with 24 complaints and 12 recalls—tripling the complaint count from 2020 (8) and matching the highest recall figure in the dataset. The dominant complaint category is the Electrical System (9 instances), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance (3), while notably there were zero crash-related and zero fire-related complaints filed that year. This spike aligns with the highest TSB volume (1,311), suggesting the model year experienced significant teething issues that generated substantial service attention. The subsequent years (2024–2026) show a dramatic decline in complaints (0–2) and recalls (1), indicating the platform issues were largely addressed in later production. Given this pattern, the 2021 model year appears to be the most problematic in the generation's early lifecycle, so buyers should factor in the elevated likelihood of electrical system-related repairs compared to later model years when considering this vehicle.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1311
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
24
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’20’21’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 24 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System9
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Structure2
Unknown Or Other1
Engine & Engine Cooling1
Engine1
Power Train1
Power Train,Electrical System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V606000Seat Belts:Rear/Other:RetractorReported 05/08/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback… Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact…

22V034000TiresReported 26/01/2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8… Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1311 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_2079747_22026-06-30StructureThis bulletin provides information regarding various complaints about front or rear door…
TSB_2076404_82026-06-29Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides a deployment overview for customer service packages MLB and MQB…
TSB_2074640_32026-06-26EngineThis bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000…
TSB_2074729_32026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2059335_72026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A6 allroad. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group R batteryVehicles taking 8.0 qtEngine oil filter 06M115441GEngine air filter 4K0133844DSpark plug 06M905606FBattery 000915089BC

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 A6 allroad take?

8.0 qt of Audi 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 A6 allroad have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A6 allroad get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg.