Audi A6 problems
The Audi A6 is an executive car made by the German company Audi since 1994. Now in its fifth generation, the successor to the Audi 100 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is available in saloon and estate configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. Audi's internal numbering treats the A6 as a continuation of the Audi 100 lineage, with the initial A6 designated as a member of the C4-series, followed by the C5, C6, C7, and the C8. The related Audi A7 is essentially a Sportback (liftback) version of the C7-series and C8-series A6 but is marketed under its own separate identity and model designation.
All generations of the A6 have offered either front-wheel-drive or Torsen-based four-wheel-drive, marketed by Audi as their quattro system. The A6 has also been used as the basis for the company's Allroad models since 1999.
Both petrol and diesel versions of the A6 are offered. The wide range of engines available have power outputs ranging from 150 to 333 PS (110 to 245 kW). These are inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines and more powerful 3-litre units in a V6 configuration with a mechanical compressor.
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Audi A6 model years
Common Audi A6 problems
The Audi A6, a luxury executive car, has been known for its electrical issues, particularly in the engine and non-engine electrical systems, as well as the sat-nav/infotainment system.
The Audi A6 has also experienced issues with the infotainment system, with problems such as the system freezing or shutting down unexpectedly.
In addition to electrical issues, the Audi A6 has also faced problems with the brake system, such as premature wear of brake pads and issues with the electronic parking brake.
The Audi A6's earlier generations, such as the C4 and C5, have also experienced common problems. The C4 generation, produced between 1994 and 1997, had issues with power steering leaks, automatic transmission failure, electrical problems, radiator leaks, and fuel pump failures.
Regular and scheduled maintenance is essential for maintaining the performance and luxury of the Audi A6, as it can help prevent many common issues or catch them early enough to avoid more significant damage.
Is the Audi A6 a reliable car?
In the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, this generation of A6 didn't feature, but the latest 2018-onwards version did. Unfortunately, it came last in the executive car category with an overall score of just 76.3%.
What are the main problems with Audi A6?
This model had extensive engine issues that plagued investors. It also had transmission issues, a double-whammy when dealing with vehicles. Other common faults in the Audi A6 models included interior accessory troubles, more engine problems, and electrical issues.
Is the Audi A6 expensive to maintain?
Audis are expensive cars to maintain. According to RepairPal, the average annual Audi repair cost is $987. This is much higher than the average across all brands, which is $652.
What is a good year for the Audi A6?
Buy: 2009 Audi A6
As per the NHTSA, the 2009 Audi A6 received only 21 complaints and four recalls. Most of the complaints were about the Takata recalls, so it's not a huge deal as long as the airbags are replaced. For older Audi A6 models, 2009 is the most reliable Audi A6 year.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi A6 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi A6 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Audi A6 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi A6 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi A6 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi A6 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi A6 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi A6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by A6 model years
A total of 57 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by A6 model years
There were a total of 68 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by A6 model years
There were a total of 60 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by A6 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1473 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi A6 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi A6 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: WAUL2AF27KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Audi is aware of the starter-alternator issue which is documented in Audi's Emissions Service Action Code: 27BQ dated 4/30/24. Audi didn't communicate this to the effective users until October 2024. I personally experienced the defect in my starter-alternator on 10/21/24 and proceeded to have my car repaired.
Audi A6 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: WAUFFAFC1FN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving on neighborhood roads at approximately 25 MPH, the coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact proceeded to park on the side of the road and walk to her residence to pick up coolant to refill the coolant tank. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-17
- VIN: WAUM2AF22KN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The car was purchased in 2019, brand new from Audi dealership. Last service showed a serious issue: REPLACE WATER PUMP VACUUM LINES WITH SOLENOIDS AND VACUUM RESERVOIR. Dealership claims out of warranty and wants to charge $5000. VW settled class action lawsuit with consumers due to faulty water pump, and there is a Technical service bulletin dated 11/21/2023 that states the water pump leaks coolant and needs to be repaired. Consumer should have been made aware that vehicle was at risk of faulty water pump that could have been replaced at time of bulletin issue because it would have been under the 4 year mark.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- VIN: WAUL2AF26KN
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Rearview camera (or various combinations of between 1 and 4 of the surround view cameras -- no rhyme or reason to which camera(s) fail in a given incident) frequently fails and displays a black screen instead of rearward facing view. This happens roughly one of every ten times I start my car, and is resolved only after I turn my car off, lock it, and leave it alone for several minutes. This has been the case since the car was new to me (I am the second owner of the vehicle, having purchased it 8 months and 10k miles after the original owner). This severely compromises rearward visibility and is in direct violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Without the mandated backup camera, I am unable to see immediately behind my vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision with a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an animal/other object. The problem has been reproduced by two separate Audi dealers (Audi Marin and Audi Palo Alto), but they have been unable to resolve the issue upon repeated inspection of my vehicle. There are no warning lamps or errors prior to the failure. The only indication of failure is when I shift into reverse and see a black screen. This issue is consistent with other owners' experiences (see [XXX] ) who own vehicles on the same infotainment infrastructure (2019-2020 Audi A6/A7/A8/Q7/Q8). Similarly, it is consistent with the issue underpinning Compliance Recall 91DZ, affecting the same vehicles of the 2021 model year onward. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: WAUM2AF21KN
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Side marker light in headlight stopped working
Audi A6 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-25
- VIN: WAUG8AFC9HN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine mounts failed. They are fluid damped and the seals failed and leaked and now the motor is sitting loose in a metal on metal condition with the mounts collapsed. Additionally the manifold and timing chain cover leaks. Additionally the water pump failed. This is all on a car with <75k miles. Problems have been noted by mechanics including Audi dealership. No warning lamps except during pump failure causing engine to over heat
Audi A6 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-23
- VIN: WAUL2AF25MN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the electrical system malfunction message became more severe and turned from yellow to red. While driving, the vehicle progressively shut down ABS, lane departure, and other systems and gave a transmission warning message. Eventually, the car lost power and I was left stranded at the side of the road.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-09
- VIN: WAUM2AF22KN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: After heavy down pour, the car was driven while the streets were still very wet. The car was driven through a 2 - 3 inch puddle of water that lasted less than 1 second, which caused a splash to the passenger side of the car, (the middle of the street did not have an accumulation of water) and within 30 secs caused the power steering warning light came on. This was not a flooded street, just the normal accumulation of water on the side of a residential curbed street. The steering immediately started to stiffen up and required increased effort to turn the steering wheel. The first warning lamp was yellow and stated that continued driving was still allowed, but after about 3 min the lamp turned red, and the message indicated "Steering malfunction, Do not drive vehicle". This occurred on a street where the speed limit was 30 mph, so safety at that time was not a big issue, but if this had happened on street where increased speed and more turning was required, safety could be a big issue if this happened suddenly. I was able to get the car to a nearby shop within 5 min, and the next day moved the car to the Audi West Houston. Audi has identified the power steering rack as faulty is in the process of replacing the electric power steering rack assembly. This car is a 2019 AUDI A6 with only 41k miles.
Audi A6 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
- VIN: WAUCFAFC1GN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. During the failure, the message Electric Power Control "EPC" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electric wiring harness located in the engine compartment had failed due to moisture intrusion and the harness along with an internal computer needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Audi A6 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-16
- VIN: WAUFFAFC7GN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.
Audi A6 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-28
- VIN: WAUHGAFC9GN
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I am the original owner of my vehicle and have had my vehicle maintenance done at Niello Audi in Sacramento, CA. In May 2023, the forward facing camera on my 2016 Audi A6 stopped working. The dashboard error message was "ACC and Audi braking guard Unavailable". As a result, the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and cruise control stopped working. In June of 2023 I took the vehicle in to the above named dealer and they indicated that the front facing camera would need to be replaced but they could not do so because the part in on back order. The part number is 4H0907217FX. Ever since June 2023, the dealer has indicated that the part is still on back order and unavailable. Today March 28, 2024, I contacted AUDI USA and was informed that Audi stopped making that part and it is no longer available. I have been waiting almost a year for Audi to correct this to no avail. The part in question is tied to several safety systems (emergency braking, collision warnings, etc.) and I feel that my vehicle is unsafe to drive. Obviously, this concerning safety issue affects all Audi owners in the United States and I think Audi should immediately be required to fix this safety issue.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-09
- VIN: WAUL2AF24KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Electrical malfunction warning. Steering wheel got tight. Transmission failure warning. Then the the car began to stop. all types of various warnings were popping up on the heads up display. It is in the process of getting taken to the nearest dealer.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-22
- VIN: WAUM2AF20KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When backing up the car the cameras don't turn on and often times the collision sensors go off randomly. On the highway the emergency brakes go off randomly when a car passes by on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Audi A6 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-17
- VIN: WAUE8AF2XLN
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Audi issued a recall for our vehicle’s fuel level sender which reports the amount of fuel in the tank to our fuel gauge display in late 2022 or early 2023. The reason for the recall stems from a safety issue in which the car incorrectly can display that there is more fuel in the tank than what is actually there. Our local dealership’s service center, Princeton Audi initially completed this recall repair in Late February or Early March of 2023 while the car had roughly 25-26,000 miles on it. Less than a fews days later, the recall repair failed and our car shutdown on us leaving my wife stranded while I was having surgery unable to help her. I escalated and reported this issue to Audi of America immediately to create awareness as this was dangerous. The Princeton Audi Service Center attempted to repair the recall a second time and assured us the repair was successful. The same issue has unfortunately resurfaced less than a year later, in February of 2024 while the vehicle has only 33,398 miles on it. After a third attempt to repair this recall, the Princeton Audi Service advisor confirmed the fuel level sensor was again faulty. Regretfully we are still seeing inaccurate reporting of the fuel levels in our car creating a perpetually dangerous situation for myself, my family, and others on the road. Our car can shutdown on a major highway if it runs out of gas because the fuel gauge display keeps showing we might have half a tank or more due to the inaccurate reporting from the fuel level sender. After contacting Audi of America again about this failed recall, they seem to be dodging responsibility for the failed remedy and providing no recourse to ensure the safety of myself, my family, or those we out at risk if we keep driving this vehicle. The Princeton Audi Service center keeps stating they have made the repair, but the recall remedy keeps failing for us. Please help us as they refuse to replace the vehicle or buy it back after the failed recall.
Audi A6 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-13
- VIN: WAUM2AF25KN
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car flashed several warning signs, electrical system malfunction, steering malfunction, lane assist malfunction, and finally powertrain system malfunction where car was barely driveable at very slow speed, died and I luckily was able to pull over and coast into a parking spot.
Latest 5 recalls Audi A6
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 129 recalls for different components of the Audi A6.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi A6 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-25
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
- Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
- Model: Audi A6 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-25
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
- Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
- Model: Audi A6 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-25
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
- Consequence: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
- Model: Audi A6 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-21
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
- Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
- Model: Audi A6 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-21
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
- Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Latest negative Audi A6 car reviews
Latest positive Audi A6 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1998
This car drives like a dream. However, with only 60,000 miles on it, I have had to replace the water pump, valve gaskets, and the rear differential gasket. Unfortunately, I am averaging almost $400 a month in maintenance and repairs. I am really going to miss the comfort, luxury, and handling of this car when I trade it in on a more reliable and less expensive car to own.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I have only had this car for a month but I am still in love with it. The interior cabin is loaded and rides extremely smooth. Although the initial acceleration is a little sputtery, I believe it is due to the emission auto off feature that comes standard. The MMI system is easy and simple to use, and I love the heads up display options and how easily you can change them.
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Vehicle year: 2015
As a second-hand vehicle, it has proven to be quite dynamic. Although there have been some repair issues, additional warranties have enabled the manufacturer to resolve them, making ownership extremely satisfying.
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Vehicle year: 2010
Congratulations on your first Audi! It sounds like you made a great choice. The handling is impressive, even in snowy conditions, which must make you feel safe and secure. It's great to hear that you're enjoying the acceleration and sound system, and the LED lights are a standout feature. The MMI and Bluetooth are also fantastic additions. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2007
What a fantastic car! It handles like a dream and has exceptional grip on the road. The design, both inside and out, is truly stunning and sets it apart from its competitors. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and the ride is smooth. I've driven 16,000 miles in less than a year and it has been incredibly reliable, only needing regular maintenance. The AWD is also fantastic, handling beautifully in the snow without slipping or sliding. Audi has really outdone themselves with this one!
Are you having problems with your Audi A6?
Amos Senger 2024-11-27
Vehicle year: 2017
The highway can be quite noisy and the ride can be harsh.
Morgan Pagac 2024-11-26
Vehicle year: 2021
My 2020 A6 V6 with 600 miles occasionally makes a loud clunking noise when coming to a stop. Despite what the dealer says about it being normal, I believe that this should not be happening on a car of this caliber. It is a distracting issue that needs to be addressed.
Maximus Yundt 2024-11-22
Vehicle year: 2014
I recently switched from MBenz and had a great experience with this car. However, just after the warranty expired at 57k miles, the MMI stopped working and the repair cost was $3500. I was disappointed as I expected a top-of-the-line Audi worth $62k to be fully functional until at least 58k miles. This experience has made me lose confidence in Audi and I am considering other brands for my next car.
Dominic Walter 2024-11-21
Vehicle year: 2006
The car has unfortunately experienced several issues, including problems with the sunroof and suspension, as well as a transmission failure. Despite the dealer's suggestion to purchase a different model, I remain committed to my CVT. While there are still some lingering noises and rattles, I am confident that these issues can be resolved. Thank you for considering Audi as a potential option.
Colton Conn 2024-11-21
Vehicle year: 2019
I purchased this car used with 28k miles. Unfortunately, after 7 months, the alternator failed and caused all systems to shut down, leaving me stranded with little warning. It turns out that this is a major known issue. Then, at 11 months into my ownership, I heard a ticking noise that got louder. I brought the car in and at 39k miles, the engine failed and needed replacement. Overall, I found this car to be unreliable and decided to get rid of it. Now, I am using our second car, a Toyota, which has 187k miles and has never failed me! I made sure to properly service the Audi, so it's disappointing that it didn't work out.