2018 Audi A6: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Audi A6 ranged from $49,700 to $61,400 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (4)
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/audi-a6-buying-guide
- cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/audi/a6
- cartriple.comhttps://cartriple.com/audi-a6-reliability-and-years-to-avoid/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/audi/a6
Known issues
-
Electromechanical steering-rack failure: a "steering: do not drive" warning, steering lock-up or wander, requiring steering-rack replacement (subject to recall).
commonly reported · 20 NHTSA complaints · steering
-
Coolant-system failures: premature water-pump and thermostat failure causing overheating (a thermostat recall affected 2.0T cars); owners report repeated water-pump replacement.
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
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.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Brake-rotor warping causing steering-wheel and pedal pulsation/vibration at highway speeds, sometimes with premature rotor wear.
occasional · 5 NHTSA complaints · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=a6&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=a6&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=A6%20SED…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Elegant, solidly built interior with an intuitive knob-based MMI and a quiet, refined highway ride.
- Strong, efficient 2.0T and muscular 3.0T supercharged V6 paired with sure-footed quattro grip.
- The 2017-2018 facelift cars are the most sorted and reliable of the generation.
Cons
- Expensive German parts and labor out of warranty, and premium fuel is required.
- Coolant-system (water pump/thermostat) and electromechanical steering-rack failures are common and costly to fix.
- 2.0T TFSI oil consumption and carbon buildup demand diligent, on-schedule maintenance.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $49,700 | $64,100 | — | — |
| Sport | $51,200 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium Plus | $51,900 | $67,500 | — | — |
| Prestige | $61,400 | $71,400 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-audi-a6-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/audi-a6-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($49,700). Higher trims started higher (up to $61,400), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/audi-a6/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $900–950/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,600–2,700/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/audi/a6
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/audi-a6-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Audi A6 have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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; Brake-rotor warping causing steering-wheel and pedal pulsation/vibration at highway speeds, sometimes with premature rotor wear. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Audi A6 reliable?
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.
How much did the 2018 Audi A6 cost new?
Between $49,700 and $61,400 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Audi A6 expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $900–950/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.