Audi

A6 (C7)

2012-2018 · Midsize Sedan ยท 5 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.5)
339 NHTSA Complaints
13 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
6 Crash Reports
Includes data from: A6S6
View all 4 generations of the Audi A6 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Audi A6 Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.5)
17 complaints 2.8 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
4
safety systems
3
electrical
3
fuel system
3
other
2

Known Issues

Steering Issues (4 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (3 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

3.0T

3.0L 6-cyl / 333 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.2)
15 complaints 5.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
7
steering
3
safety systems
3
electrical
2
brakes
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
Steering Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (3 complaints)

4.0-V8-Gas

4.0L 8-cyl / 420 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.9)
28 complaints 9.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Audi

3.0L 6-cyl / 310 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.9)
151 complaints 20.2 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
60
safety systems
31
fuel system
24
electrical
23
steering
20

Known Issues

Engine Issues (60 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (31 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (24 complaints)

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 211 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.2)
117 complaints 15.3 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
46
safety systems
29
fuel system
19
electrical
17
other
15

Known Issues

Engine Issues (46 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (29 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (19 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2025)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

4.0T

4.0L 8-cyl / 450 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.5)
6 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
steering
2
electrical
1
other
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Steering Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Audi A6 regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (138 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (67 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (45 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Electrical System Issues (44 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (30 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (13)

22V178000Mar 22, 2022serious
Engine & Cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

19V035000Jan 15, 2019serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

18V229000Nov 3, 2018serious
Engine & Cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

18V862000May 11, 2018serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.

18V370000Apr 5, 2018serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

17V781000Jun 11, 2017serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.

17V002000Feb 28, 2017serious
Engine & Cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

16V955000Dec 28, 2016serious
Seat Belts

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.

16V646000Jul 8, 2016serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.

15V019000Jan 19, 2015serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.

15V823000Aug 11, 2015serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.

13V450000Sep 22, 2013serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.

11V580000Jun 11, 2011serious
Air Bags

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2012 AUDI A6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 8, 2011, THROUGH MAY 26, 2011. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE STITCHING PROCESS OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE SEAM OF THE AIR BAG MAY NOT BE STITCHED PROPERLY.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2018 Audi A6 problems?

The 2012-2018 Audi A6 has accumulated 339 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Safety Systems, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Audi A6 engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2018 Audi A6 was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2018 Audi A6 a good used car?

The 2012-2018 Audi A6 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 339 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2018 Audi A6 have?

The 2012-2018 Audi A6 has 339 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2018 Audi A6?

There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2018 Audi A6 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Audi A6?

Before buying a used Audi A6, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Safety Systems, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the A6?

The 2018 Audi A6 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 339 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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