Audi A6 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi A6 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 6 (114 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2023 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2015 at 1 (from 22 complaints). The Audi A6 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Audi A6, 42 of 114 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2018
2023
2015
2025–26
Audi A6 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Audi A6. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 23.5 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 25.3 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 25.3 |
| 2023 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 1 | Electrical system | 25 |
| 2022 → | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | 24.3 |
| 2021 → | 2 | 17 | 11 | Electrical system | 24 |
| 2020 → | 3 | 25 | 9 | Electrical system | 24.3 |
| 2019 → Most | 6 | 114 | 7 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2018 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 2 | Air bags | 25.7 |
| 2017 → | 2 | 20 | 3 | Air bags | 25.7 |
| 2016 → | 5 | 51 | 3 | Engine | 26.8 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 1 | 22 | 4 | Engine and engine cooling | 25.3 |
| 2014 → | 4 | 41 | 4 | Steering | 25.3 |
| 2013 → | 2 | 52 | 6 | Air bags | 24.3 |
| 2012 → | 3 | 59 | 8 | Air bags | 25 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon (Avant / allroad)
- Oil
- 5W-40, 5W-30, 0W-40 or 0W-30 (2.0L Turbo SEO03 listing) · 4.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R18, 255/40R19, 255/35R20
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-229 covers certain 2012-2015 A6 vehicles (with A4, A5, and Q5 also listed) equipped with 2.0L Turbo FSI engines: an electric coolant pump may block or short-circuit and increase fire risk; dealers replace the pumps. Related recall 17V-002 updates software to deactivate pump power if the pump becomes blocked. Recall 19V-035 covers certain 2016-2018 A6 vehicles (with Q7, A7, and A8 also in the campaign) where left and right fuel rails may leak fuel, increasing fire risk; dealers replace both fuel rails.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon (Avant / allroad)
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0/3.0 TFSI US listings) · 5.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R19, 255/40R20, 255/35R21
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-153 covers certain 2019-2020 A6 vehicles with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0 TFSI engines: moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit, increasing fire risk; dealers replace the starter generator. Recall 22V-155 covers certain 2019-2022 A6 Sedan vehicles (with A6 allroad, S6, A7, S7, and RS models also listed) where the fuel level sender may stick, so the gauge and range display may be inaccurate; dealers replace the fuel level sender. Recall 22V-368 covers certain 2022 A6 Sedan vehicles (with A4 and Q5) for an engine-control-unit semiconductor that may short and stall the engine; dealers replace the ECU.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A6 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2023 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2015 at 1 (from 22 complaints).
Which Audi A6 year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 6 (114 complaints). On the 2019 Audi A6, 42 of 114 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Audi A6 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi A6 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Audi A6 years are too early to compare?
The Audi A6 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does an Audi A6 take?
C7 (2012-2018) 2.0T listings commonly allow 5W-40/5W-30/0W-40/0W-30 (~4.9 qt). C8 US 2.0/3.0 TFSI often lists 0W-20 (~5.9 qt).
Does recall 18V-229 cover the Audi A6?
It covers certain 2012-2015 A6 vehicles with 2.0L Turbo FSI engines (with A4/A5/Q5 also listed): an electric coolant pump may short and increase fire risk; dealers replace the pump.
What generation is a 2020 Audi A6?
C8 generation (2019 onward in the US). 2012-2018 are C7.