The electronic steering system on my Audi A6 failed without warning, locking my steering wheel in place. A review of on line message boards for Audi owners indicates this is a systemic problem, and has, for some owners, actually locked their steering while driving. This did not happen to me, but prior to locking, my car instantly transitioned from steering with no issues to almost becoming undrivable before I could get to a repair shop.

- Niceville , FL, USA

Audi sent a notice in June 2021 regarding the issuance of a limited extended warranty coverage for Electromechanical Steering Unit for certain 2011-2016 model year A4, A4 Allroad, A5, S5, RS5, Q5, SQ5, A6, S6, A7, RS7, A8, and S8 vehicles. The letter stated that "Audi has determined that it is possible for the Electromechanical steering unit to malfunction in some vehicles, causing the electromechanical steering warning lamp in the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes resulting from this malfunction." The letter provided consumers with repairs under warranty, but was unclear about requiring the repairs to be completed at an Audi authorized facility. The letter implies that the issue is the illumination of the warning lamp on the instrument panel, but fails to warn consumers of the actual impact to the usability of the vehicle when the fault is triggered. I experienced first hand that the illumination of the light renders the car inoperable as the power steering mechanism no longer works and the vehicle is nearly impossible to steer and control. The warning also directs the driver to drive to the nearest Audi repair center, which is not feasible given the difficulties to steer. The nearest facility was also 15 miles away. After attempting to drive home, the instrument panel warned me to stop driving the car. In less than 1/2 mile the instruction on the panel went from drive to nearest facility to stop driving. The warning for this fault and subsequent loss of steering happens instantaneously. The driver is unable to do much, but to safely pull over into an area that the car can be towed from. Moreover, I repaired the vehicle at a local dealership and Audi refuses to reimburse me as their forms lead me to believe it would be. Audi should have issued a recall to correct a problem that they were aware poses a significant safety concern instead of extended warranty with stipulations carved out. Please help me make this right.

- Plantation, FL, USA

Received steering malfunction - do not drive warning on dash. Lost power steering on the car when I started the car. Was barely able to turn the steering wheel. Fortunately, I was in a parking lot. Had the vehicle towed to the Audi dealer. They told me this would be a $5100 repair. Basically replace the entire steering rack. The car only has 49K miles on it and is in excellent condition. At this time, Audi and dealer are only reducing the cost to $3000. I read in forums that this has happened to others while they were driving and were lucky enough to steer the car to the side of the road. It appears this has happened in the past on several Audi's. a very dangerous problem to have and not being dealt with appropriately.

- Lakeville, MN, USA

My 2014 A6 Audi resulted in a failure of the electric power steering assist system which cause loss of power steering. It took everything I had to steer it home. I was given a message not to drive and to contact the dealership.

- Poplar Grove, AR, USA

While driving my 2014 A6 Audi steering got alert on the electronic steering do not drive take to Audi dealership. I had no power steering and was extremely very difficult to steer to make it home.

- Poplar Grove, AR, USA

2014 Audi A6 steering control failed while in motion in a residential area. There was no power steering available to assist in parking the vehicle. The vehicle than informe the driver to stop driving and have the vehicle taken to the dealer. The vehicle was recently serviced in May. The vihicle is not driven hard and only had approximately 36,000 miles.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

Steering system failure after driving through a puddle. $4400 repair. Whole steering rack replacement. When steering fails it is harder to steer than a manual truck from the 60's. the vehicle was in motion on a highway but close to an exit. My wife was lucky to not have been hurt.

- Conifer, CO, USA

This has been the third time my Audi A6 3.0T has been to the dealer since purchasing it as a cpo vehicle for a steering wheel jerk and squeak problem at any speed. It wants to move the steering wheel (since it is electronic) slightly as well as squeak. I believe there has been a recall notice for this problem but my dealer has yet to rectify this problem and many many others have this same issue. A simple google search brings up tons of owners with this issue. Please help me to bring this to Audi and to resolution. I don't feel safe driving this car as it is currently.

- Chicago, IL, USA