100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

theoshadow18

Audi A6 MAF Issues Causing Stalls and Poor MPG

Poor fuel economy

|

Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

|

Check engine light on

|

Stalling while idling

Running a 2021 Audi A6 gasoline with 107985km. Been noticing worse fuel economy lately and the engine keeps stalling at idle. Check engine light is on and seeing smoke under heavy acceleration. My MAF sensor readings seem off and I suspect the mass air flow meter might be failing. Had a bad experience with my regular mechanic recently, so looking for advice from others who dealt with similar symptoms. Has anyone had this combo of issues and can recommend a reliable fix? What was your repair cost?

4 comment(s)


hannahmiller30

I had these exact symptoms on my 2018 Audi A5 last winter. The engine stalling and poor fuel economy were clear signs of MAF sensor failure. The smoke under acceleration happened because the faulty sensor was causing an incorrect air-fuel ratio. The repair involved: Full diagnostics to confirm MAF sensor failure, Cleaning the sensor housing and air intake, Replacing the MAF sensor unit, Recalibrating the engine management system It was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since a failing MAF sensor can damage other engine components if left unchecked. The repair took about 3 hours at the shop. The symptoms disappeared completely after replacement. Important to note that regular maintenance of the air filter helps prevent premature MAF sensor failure. After the fix, my fuel economy returned to normal and the engine ran smoothly again with no stalling or smoke issues. For your A6, I suggest getting it diagnosed soon. These symptoms typically worsen over time and could lead to more expensive repairs if ignored.

theoshadow18 (Author)

Hey, glad you fixed your MAF sensor issue. Reading your experience makes me more confident about getting mine fixed. The symptoms match exactly what I am seeing with my A6, the poor fuel economy and engine performance decline are really concerning. The air filter maintenance tip is particularly helpful since I honestly cant remember when I last changed mine. Would you mind sharing how much the full repair cost you? Also curious if youve had any related issues pop up since the fix? Trying to budget for this and want to make sure I address everything while its at the shop.

hannahmiller30

Just had my MAF sensor replaced last week and the repair went smoothly. Total cost came to 365 Euro including parts and labor. Since fixing the defective mass air flow meter, the engine runs perfectly, no more stalling or performance issues. The fuel economy has returned to normal levels and there are zero issues with the air-fuel ratio now. Making sure to keep up with air filter maintenance going forward to protect the new sensor. No related problems have emerged since the repair. The shop also did a complete inspection of the air intake system while they had it open, which gave extra peace of mind. The engine idle is stable and the acceleration is crisp again without any smoke. For your A6, definitely get that air filter changed when they do the MAF sensor. It will help prevent similar issues from recurring and protect your investment in the new parts. The repair cost is worth it considering how critical proper air flow measurement is for engine performance.

theoshadow18 (Author)

Had the repair done yesterday and I am really glad I did. Found a new shop through a and they were great, thorough inspection, clear communication about the issues, and no surprise costs. The diagnostic confirmed the MAF sensor failure. They also found my air filter was completely clogged, which likely contributed to the sensor failing. Total bill came to 410 Euro for everything: New MAF sensor, Air filter replacement, System recalibration, Full diagnostic check Already seeing major improvements, fuel economy is back to normal, no more stalling at idle, and the smoke issue is completely gone. Engine performance is noticeably better too. The check engine light cleared right after they finished the work. Thanks for the advice about preventive maintenance. Already scheduled regular air filter changes in my maintenance calendar to avoid future problems. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences, helped me avoid a potentially bigger repair bill down the road.

Let our mechanics help you!

Car Brands
carly-logo

© 2025 Carly Solutions GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved