2005 Audi A6 problems

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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.

2005 Audi A6

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Common 2005 Audi A6 problems

Common problems reported by owners of the Audi A6 2005 include:

  1. Water Pump Failure: Owners have reported instances of water pump failures in the Audi A6 2005, which can lead to engine overheating. This issue can result in significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  2. Turbocharger Failure: Some owners have experienced turbocharger failures in the Audi A6 2005, leading to a notable loss of engine power and performance. Turbocharger issues can impact the overall driving experience and may require costly repairs.
  3. Electrical Glitches: Various electrical glitches have been reported by owners, including problems with sensors and issues with the infotainment system. Electrical issues can be complex to diagnose and repair, affecting the functionality and comfort features of the vehicle.
  4. Engine Misfires: Engine misfires have been occasionally reported, often attributed to ignition coil or spark plug failures. Misfires can lead to rough running, decreased performance, and potential damage to the catalytic converter, impacting both performance and emissions.
  5. Oil Seepage: Reports of oil seepage from the rear differential have been noted. If not addressed promptly, this issue can lead to differential damage or failure, affecting the drivability and reliability of the Audi A6 2005.

These common problems with the Audi A6 2005 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle. Owners should be vigilant in addressing these specific concerns to maintain the optimal functioning of their Audi A6 2005.

2005 Audi A6 engine

What is the most common problem with Audi A6?

The Audi A6 saloon has been blighted by a range of electrical issues: 44% had a fault, two-thirds concerning engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/ infotainment. Although 83% could still be driven, 46% took more than a week to put right.

How long do Audi A6 engines last?

200,000 miles

Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.

Is an A6 a good used car?

With plenty of onboard gadgetry, a range of efficient, whisper-quiet engines to choose from and trademark Audi styling, it's no wonder the A6 has become a highly desirable used car.

Why does my Audi A6 use so much oil?

Inside the engine of an Audi, there are small valves that help it work properly. These valves have seals that keep everything tight and in place. But if one of those seals gets damaged or worn out, it can cause the engine to use up more oil than it should. And that's not good for the car or its owner!

What is the most common problem with Audi A6?

The Audi A6 saloon has been blighted by a range of electrical issues: 44% had a fault, two-thirds concerning engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/ infotainment. Although 83% could still be driven, 46% took more than a week to put right.

Is the Audi A6 a reliable car?

The Audi A6 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $913 which means it has poor ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the A6.

How long do Audi A6 engines last?

200,000 miles

Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.

What engine is in Audi A6 2005?

The Audi A6 2005-2009 has 1 Diesel Engine and 3 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 2967 cc while the Petrol engine is 2773 cc and 3123 cc and 2995 cc . It is available with Automatic transmission.

2005 Audi A6 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Audi A6.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2005 Audi A6 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2005 Audi A6.

2018-06-22
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
2017-01-11
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
2016-05-31
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The interim owner letters were sent to owners in July 2016, and will be sent a second letter once parts are available. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.

Negative 2005 Audi A6 car reviews

  1. Adolph Romaguera 2025-01-04

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2005 Audi A6 Quattro. Unfortunately, I've had some issues with it, including a rear-end differential and a 2,000 dollar steering module that was needed just to start the car, even though there were no mechanical problems. If you're considering purchasing a used Audi A6, I would suggest taking some time to think it over and do some research to ensure it's the right fit for you.

  2. Jean Johnson 2024-07-03

    I bought the 2005 A6 on 11/22/04 and unfortunately, it has been the worst car purchase I've ever made. Since then, I've had a total of 5 separate issues, including problems with the seats, loud engine noise, the car needing to warm up when first starting, and both front seats shaking and rattling. While everyone at the dealership is professional, I have noticed a level of defensiveness that exists. Their first reaction is that there is nothing wrong with the car, it's the driver. I've had 7 cars in the last 10 years and I've never experienced this many issues. The customer advocates in Mich have been unresponsive and not helpful, which has been frustrating. I wrote to the VP on 1/3 but unfortunately, I have not received a response yet.

Positive 2005 Audi A6 car reviews

  1. Ansel Dooley 2025-01-06

    This is a fantastic car! I was searching for the perfect All Wheel Drive vehicle and after testing out some AWD competitors, I was about to give up. But then I found this beauty and immediately took it for a test drive. Even though I had never driven an Audi before, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the A6 took off. And when I pressed down on the gas pedal, it launched like a rocket! I felt so secure while taking tight turns due to the stiffness of the body and the steering response was spot on. As a die-hard Subaru owner for over 20 years, it was tough to give in to German engineering, but needless to say, I am completely sold on this car!

  2. Matt Kuhn 2024-11-24

    Audi made massive improvements when they redid the A6 last year. I leased an A6 in '99, but found it underpowered and should have been a 3.0 instead of a 2.4. As a result, I switched to a Mercedes E320 4-matic and thought I would never drive another Audi again. However, the E350 that replaced the E320 was just awful. So, I decided to try the redesigned A6 and fell in love all over again. My 2005 Audi A6 3.0 has all the power it needs and is beautifully designed both inside and outside. But most importantly, it handles with the precision and nimbleness I expect from a Quattro, especially in the rain.

  3. Jovani Raynor 2024-10-29

    I've noticed that you've considered an Audi in the past, but I wanted to let you know that the 335 hp V8 in this car is truly impressive. It's both civil and quick, with great responsiveness. Additionally, the premium sound system is fantastic.

  4. Rodolfo Tillman 2024-10-28

    I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle with 22,000 miles, equipped with navigation, premium, convenience packages, and parktronic, among other features, for $30.2. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed driving it. Although I previously owned a 2002 330i that I adored, I needed a car with more space and all-wheel drive. While this car is certainly different, with less emphasis on sport and more on luxury, it still provides a smooth ride, feels solid, and boasts an attractive design. Although I was slightly disappointed to discover some creaks and rattles, I was spoiled by my 330i, which remained drum-tight even after 56,000 miles.

  5. Clark Mayert 2024-09-09

    What a wonderful car to look at and drive! It has lots of nice touches and a beautiful interior. It cruises really nicely on the road -- just be careful and watch your speed.

Leave your review of 2005 Audi A6

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2005 Audi A6 problems:

What are common problems on an 2005 Audi A6 with 150,000 miles ...
What are common problems on an 2005 Audi A6 with 150,000 miles ...
https://www.quora.com/What-are-common-problems-on-an-2005-Audi-A6-with-150-000-miles

Dec 17, 2015 ... The problem is more AGE than mileage. As they start to pass 7 years old, electrical/computer gremlins become more common, and those are hard to ...

2005 Audi A6 Quattro Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
2005 Audi A6 Quattro Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2005-audi-a6-quattro/problems

Problem with your 2005 Audi A6 Quattro? Our list of 11 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2005 Audi A6 Quattro.

What do you think of the 2005-2008 Audi A6 as a used car? - Quora
What do you think of the 2005-2008 Audi A6 as a used car? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/What-do-you-think-of-the-2005-2008-Audi-A6-as-a-used-car

May 15, 2014 ... A6s of that vintage have average reliability. High mileage examples are almost certain to have potentially expensive issues. I would suggest the ...

2005 audi a6 3.2 quattro reliability???? - AudiForums.com
2005 audi a6 3.2 quattro reliability???? - AudiForums.com
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi-a6-9/2005-audi-a6-3-2-quattro-reliability-149813/

Apr 30, 2010 ... Based on this, the car is unreliable in any sense of the word, illustrating not only poor engineering but poor execution by the manufacturer. It ...

Inside the Audi A6: A Comprehensive Overview of Common ...
Inside the Audi A6: A Comprehensive Overview of Common ...
https://thompsonsimportspecialties.com/inside-the-audi-a6-a-comprehensive-overview-of-common-problems-across-generations/

Inside the Audi A6: A Comprehensive Overview of Common Problems Across Generations · Water Pump Failure: Water pump failures were sometimes reported, leading to ...

Other years of Audi A6

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A6 2006
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