Used Audi A6 2018-2025 reliability
Category: Luxury car
The Audi A6 is classy and smooth and makes an extremely impressive luxury car, but its reliability is poor.
What should I look for in a used Audi A6 saloon?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
This is a very large car so check the front and back for scuffs and dents, and the alloy wheels for any kerb damage. Check that all the electrical equipment works as it should, including sat-nav, seat motors and climate control.
Among owners, there were reports of problems with the car’s infotainment system, with phones not connecting and flickering screens. The latest software from Audi can cure some of these ills. Despite the old A6’s reputation for having a great interior, there were some issues with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims, so be sure to make sure the car feels tight as a drum on the move.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A6 saloon?
At the time of writing, the A6 has six recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Audi dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
There is a possibility that the glass bonding on the panoramic sunroof is not bonded correctly.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the affected glass section with new bonding.
Number of affected vehicles: 59
Date of recall: 17/12/2018
Reason for recall
The hinged towing bracket on the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
How the manufacturer will repair: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
Number of affected vehicles: 135
Date of recall: 03/06/2019
Reason for recall
It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
How the manufacturer will repair: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Number of affected vehicles: 34,982
Date of recall: 30/06/2020
Reason for recall
It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
How the manufacturer will repair: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Number of affected vehicles: 11,936
Date of recall: 02/10/2020
Reason for recall
In the event of an accident requiring the vehicle's front passenger airbag to be activated, the airbag might not inflate fully.
How the manufacturer will repair: The dash panel must be checked on the affected vehicles and repaired or replaced if required
Number of affected vehicles: 1298
Date of recall: 26/03/2021
Reason for recall
The fuel gauge may not show the drop in fuel level correctly during vehicle operation.
How the manufacturer will repair: The tank level sender must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Number of affected vehicles: 5487
Date of recall: 20/01/2023
Is a used Audi A6 saloon reliable?
This generation of A6 has a mixed reliability record, according to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey. It's previously finished near the bottom of the executive car class, but this year it finished in 14th place out of 23. That's better than the 2015-2024 Skoda Superb petrol and Volvo S90, but worse than the 2015-2024 Jaguar XF and 2016-2024 Mercedes E-Class.
As a brand, Audi finished in a disappointing 22nd place out of 30 manufacturers. That's not great, sitting above Jaguar and Land Rover, but below BMW, Tesla and Volvo.
Used Audi A6 the owners' view
According to owner responses in our latest reliability survey, the Audi A6 offers a mixed bag when it comes to long-term dependability. While many owners praise the car for being a robust long-distance cruiser, the car has seen a rise in reported issues, particularly regarding non-engine electrics and infotainment glitches, such as flickering screens and connectivity faults.
Mechanical concerns highlighted by readers include excessive oil consumption in both petrol and diesel models, alongside reports of premature water pump failures and oil leaks that can lead to expensive repair bills. Dealer service remains a polarising point; while some owners noted professional and efficient maintenance, others were frustrated by high labour costs and inconsistent communication regarding technical bulletins.
Overall, while the A6 feels well-built, its complex technology and potential for costly out-of-warranty fixes mean a full service history is essential.
