Audi A6: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Audi A6 years to approach with the most caution are 2019. The strongest years in our data are 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Audi A6 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 6 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 6 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 6 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 6 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 6 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 4 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 4 Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).; Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.; 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 4 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 4 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 4 Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.; Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).; Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions. Full report ↗
2019 Avoid 3 Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.; Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.; Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart. Full report ↗

Audi A6 problems by year

2024 Audi A6 Recommended

The 2024 A6 carries a clean early complaint record and a polished, tech-rich cabin with standard quattro, but premium-fuel needs and steep out-of-warranty Audi repair costs keep it a considered luxury buy.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2023 Audi A6 Recommended

A 2023 A6 has very few reported issues and the refined C8 driving experience; running costs (premium fuel, ~$900/yr repairs, costly German parts) are the main caution.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2022 Audi A6 Recommended

By 2022 the C8 A6 had shed most of its early electrical bugs; a comfortable, well-built used pick if you budget for premium fuel and pricey luxury upkeep.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2021 Audi A6 Caution

The 2021 A6 is much improved over the troubled 2019, with only scattered electrical complaints, but the C8 generation's high ownership costs and software quirks warrant caution.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2020 Audi A6 Caution

A 2020 A6 still carries some of the C8 launch's electrical and start/stop gremlins, though far fewer than 2019; verify the alternator/charging system and that software updates are done.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2019 Audi A6 Avoid

The 2019 A6 launched the C8 generation with widespread electrical faults, alternator/generator failures that can cut power steering and braking, plus door-lock malfunctions, making it the year to avoid.

  • Electrical-system failures: alternator/generator faults can trigger electrical-malfunction warnings and, in some cases, a sudden loss of power steering and braking while driving; central-locking/door-lock malfunctions also reported.
  • Coolant/water-pump leaks and reports of EA839 3.0T cylinder-wall and piston-skirt scoring on the turbocharged V6.
  • Automatic start/stop and infotainment software glitches: start/stop system fails to restart (emissions service action 27BQ) and the MMI touchscreen can freeze or restart.

2018 Audi A6 Recommended

The 2018 A6 is the most sorted C7, with a very low complaint count; mind the usual Audi coolant and steering wear and high repair costs, but a strong used choice.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2017 Audi A6 Recommended

A 2017 A6 (late C7 facelift) has a clean reliability record and refined road manners; budget for premium fuel and German service, but among the better years to buy.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2016 Audi A6 Caution

The 2016 A6 saw repeated water-pump/coolant failures plus 3.0T turbo and fuel-rail recalls; serviceable but maintenance-heavy, so inspect the cooling system and recall completion.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2015 Audi A6 Caution

A 2015 A6 (C7 facelift) is generally solid but shares the generation's coolant-system and oil-consumption tendencies; verify a careful maintenance history.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2014 Audi A6 Caution

The 2014 A6 carries the C7's electromechanical steering-rack failures and coolant/thermostat issues; a known problem year that needs careful inspection.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2013 Audi A6 Caution

The 2013 A6 had a thermostat/coolant overheating recall, steering-rack failures and oil-burning complaints, a weaker C7 year to approach cautiously.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2012 Audi A6 Caution

The 2012 A6 launched the C7 with early coolant, steering and timing-chain-tensioner concerns; refined to drive but verify those were addressed.

  • Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
  • Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and intake-valve carbon buildup, plus 3.0T supercharged V6 turbo/fuel-rail recalls and timing-chain-tensioner wear on early TFSI engines.

2011 Audi A6 Caution

The 2011 A6 closes the C6 generation; complaints are low but aging electronics, Multitronic CVT risk on front-drive models and the Takata airbag recall make it a cautious buy.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2010 Audi A6 Caution

A 2010 A6 (C6 facelift) is among the steadier years of its generation, though Takata airbags, electrical no-start risk and pricey upkeep remain concerns.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2009 Audi A6 Caution

The 2009 A6 facelift drives well and is relatively dependable for the C6, but watch the electronic steering-lock no-start failure and the Takata recall.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2008 Audi A6 Caution

A 2008 A6 carries heavy Takata airbag-recall complaints and the C6's electrical no-start weak points; sound if well maintained with recalls completed.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2007 Audi A6 Caution

The 2007 A6 is one of the more dependable C6 years but is still subject to Takata airbags, oil consumption and aging-electronics costs.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2006 Audi A6 Caution

The 2006 A6 shows frequent electrical no-start (steering-lock) failures and Takata airbag complaints; an inspection-heavy older luxury buy.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

2005 Audi A6 Caution

The 2005 A6 launched the C6 with the most complaints of its generation, electrical no-start, steering and Takata airbag issues, so approach with caution and a thorough inspection.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affecting driver and passenger airbags, the single most frequent complaint across these years.
  • Electronic steering-lock / no-start failure: the car fails to start, does not recognize the key, and the steering wheel and gear selector lock up (electronic steering-column-lock module).
  • Electrical gremlins: MMI/infotainment faults, parasitic battery drain and intermittent no-crank conditions.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Audi models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.