Audi

A6 (C8)

2019-2025 · Midsize Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
206 NHTSA Complaints
14 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
Includes data from: A6A6 (WITH REAR SEAT SABS)A6 ALLROADA6 SEDANRS 6 AVANTS6S6 E-TRONS6 SEDAN
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
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (8.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

45 TFSI (2.0T)

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 248 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
34 complaints 11.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
17
safety systems
8
body
4
fuel system
3
brakes
3

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (17 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (8 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)

55 TFSI (3.0T)

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 335 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.6)
134 complaints 44.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
107
engine
25
safety systems
22
transmission
16
steering
13

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (107 complaints)
Engine Issues (25 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (22 complaints)

Same engine used in

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Audi A6 regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (128 complaints)
electrical moderate
Safety Systems Issues (30 complaints)
safety_systems cosmetic
Engine Issues (26 complaints)
engine serious
Transmission Issues (17 complaints)
transmission cosmetic
Steering Issues (13 complaints)
steering cosmetic

Recalls (14)

26V125000Apr 2, 2026serious
Lane Departure

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8, Audi A7, and Audi A6 vehicles previously repaired under recall number 25V900. Due to a software error, the lane departure warning system may be deactivated.

25V201000Mar 30, 2025serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

25V900000Dec 18, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

23V601000Aug 24, 2023serious
Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.

22V034000Jan 25, 2022serious
Tires

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

22V861000Nov 20, 2022serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.

22V155000Mar 13, 2022serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.

22V742000May 9, 2022serious
Back Over Prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V295000Apr 25, 2021serious
Suspension

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

21V159000Oct 2, 2021serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.

21V606000May 7, 2021serious
Seat Belts

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

20V153000Mar 18, 2020serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.

20V274000May 12, 2020serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi A6, A6 Allroad and A7 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam.

20V749000Feb 11, 2020serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2025 Audi A6 problems?

The 2019-2025 Audi A6 has accumulated 206 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Audi A6 engine is most reliable?

The 2019-2025 Audi A6 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2019-2025 Audi A6 a good used car?

The 2019-2025 Audi A6 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 206 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 2019-2025 Audi A6 have?

The 2019-2025 Audi A6 has 206 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 2019-2025 Audi A6?

There are 14 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 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 Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine, 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 2025 Audi A6 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (8.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 206 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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