Recall 20V153 affects 5,471 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles for a starter-generator short-circuit fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 5,471 2019-2020 A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines because moisture entering the starter generator can cause an electrical short circuit. The short circuit increases the risk of a fire, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2019-2020 Audi A6 with mild-hybrid technology and the 2.0TFSI engine uses a belt starter generator as part of the electrical system. It helps restart the engine and supports the mild-hybrid system through a belt drive, so the car depends on it staying dry and electrically insulated.
Inside that starter generator is an inverter, which manages electrical power for the unit. Audi's supplier coated the inverter with plastic moulding, but that coating can crack. Once it cracks, moisture can enter the inverter. Moisture inside the electrical part can cause electrolysis, then an electrical short circuit. Parts produced after February 14, 2020 have improved sealing against moisture ingress.
There is no warning sign before failure. A short circuit can happen without a dashboard message or drivability symptom first.
Who's affected?
Covers the A6 across the 2019 and 2020 model years, with the starter assembly listed under the electrical system.
| 2020 Audi A6 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5,471 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and follow dealer instructions about safe use before your appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Audi A6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free starter-generator replacement that fixes the moisture-related short-circuit risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V153 and Audi recall 27H2 when you call.
- Ask Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298 if you need help finding a dealer or have questions before the appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the starter generator on the affected A6. The repair addresses moisture intrusion that can short the starter generator on vehicles with mild-hybrid technology and the 2.0TFSI engine. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V153. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior paid repairs are not handled through a separate recall reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 15, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 15, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 22, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V153?
Recall 20V153 covers 5,471 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture can enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit, increasing fire risk. Audi dealers will replace the starter generator for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Audi A6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific A6 is included in recall 20V153. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the starter-generator replacement. Reference recall number 20V153 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V153, Audi dealers replace the affected starter generator free of charge, including covered parts and labor.
Is my Audi A6 safe to drive before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is fire from a starter generator short circuit, so check your VIN and schedule the free starter-generator replacement if your vehicle is included.
When did Audi begin recall 20V153 repairs?
Audi began the recall by May 22, 2020. If your 2019-2020 Audi A6 is included and still has an open recall, a franchised Audi dealer can complete the starter-generator replacement at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V153000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V153 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V153000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →