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Audi A6 hybrid models: starter generator fire risk

NHTSA campaign 20V153000 · Reported Mar 19, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V153000
Reported to NHTSA	Mar 19, 2020
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Electrical System:starter Assembly
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2019–2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0 TFSI engines may allow moisture to get into the starter generator. If moisture gets inside, it can cause an electrical short circuit in that component.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a Volkswagen or Audi dealer, or call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
3. The starter generator replacement is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V153000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2019 Audi A6
2020 Audi A6

Who to contact

Audi — official Audi recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-253-2834

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Audi Electrical System Recalls Include Battery Fires and Power Loss · all 16 Audi recalls in this area

Other Audi A6 recalls

Mar 4, 2026Audi A6, A7, Q8 Lane Departure Warning May Deactivatemedium
Dec 19, 2025Audi rearview camera may fail to show imagemedium
Mar 31, 2025Audi Models: Instrument Panel Display May Failmedium
Aug 25, 2023Audi A6, A7, S7 Wrong Brake Fluid Cap Riskhigh
Nov 21, 2022Audi Liquid Spill Can Cut Engine Powerhigh
Oct 5, 2022Audi backup camera screen may go blank in reversemedium

All 16 A6 recalls

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.
Safety risk: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge. The recall began by May 22, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 27H2.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.