2018 A6
7th generation (C7)
Excellent
Most reported problems
- Cooling system: a leak27%
- Several warning lights at once13%
- Steering failure13%
- Warning lights (cause not stated)13%
- Per 10k cars
- 8.5
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
Audi A6 Reliability Rankings: Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
According to our reliability score system, the best Audi A6 years to buy are the 2010, 2017 and 2018. The 2018 scores highest, at 85 out of 100.
No A6 year rates Avoid, but the 2019, 2020 and 2021 need a careful look. Owners of the 2019 to 2021 most often report the alternator or charging system.
No A6 from 2019 on rates Good or better yet. The 2019 to 2021 are the weak spots. The 2022 to 2024 have too little data to score. The 2025 and 2026 are too new for a final score.
On a tighter budget, an older A6 from before 2019 can be a smart buy. The 2001, 2004 to 2012 and 2014 to 2018 rate Good or Excellent. Skip or check closely the 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2013.
72
Good
Model score, all years
27
Model years tracked
1,365
Owner complaints
48
Recalls, all years
Avoid0 years
No A6 year is rated Avoid.
Not rated yet: 2025, 2026, too new for a final score. Not enough data to score: 2022, 2023, 2024.
Excellent 80+Good 70–79Caution 60–69Avoid under 60 Provisional, with 80% range 70 = average for a car of the same age
Best Years to Buy an Audi A6
Three A6 years rate Excellent, scoring 80 or higher. The 2018 leads with 85.
85
2010 A6
6th generation (C6)
Excellent
Most reported problems
- Cooling system: a leak11%
- Seat belts: not closing or latching11%
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart11%
- Per 10k cars
- 11.6
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 3
2017 A6
7th generation (C7)
Excellent
Most reported problems
- Steering: loss of steering control20%
- Engine mounts: a leak12%
- Turbo oil screen: clogged12%
- Turbocharger failure12%
- Cooling system: overheating8%
- Per 10k cars
- 13.0
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 4
Also rated Good: 2001, 2004–2009, 2011–2012, 2014–2016.
Audi A6 Years to Avoid
No A6 year rates Avoid. These four rate Caution, the lowest scores of all A6 years.
2013 A6
7th generation (C7)
Caution
Most reported problems
- Turbocharger: stalling33%
- Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working13%
- Cooling system: overheating7%
- Turbo oil strainer failure7%
- Steering: locking up7%
- Fuel system: a leak6%
- Per 10k cars
- 40.4
- Complaints
- 94
- Recalls
- 8
Audi extended the warranty on some 2013 A6s for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems.
Full 2013 report →
2019 A6
8th generation (C8)
Caution
Most reported problems
- Alternator or charging failure39%
- Wiring, fuses or body control module failure21%
- Start-stop system: warning lights11%
- Steering: loss of steering control5%
- Engine: stalling4%
- Rearview camera: works on and off4%
- Per 10k cars
- 59.0
- Complaints
- 114
- Recalls
- 7
Audi extended the warranty on some 2019 A6s for problems with the drive axles and driver assistance systems.
Full 2019 report →2020 A6
8th generation (C8)
Caution
Most reported problems
- Alternator or charging failure19%
- Wiring, fuses or body control module failure19%
- Control module (unspecified) failure17%
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in11%
- Emergency assist: the system acting on its own8%
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead6%
- Per 10k cars
- 53.6
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 9
Audi extended the warranty on some 2020 A6s for problems with the drive axles, emissions system and driver assistance systems.
Full 2020 report →2021 A6
8th generation (C8)
Caution
Most reported problems
- Alternator or charging failure20%
- Instrument cluster: works on and off13%
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead7%
- Control module (unspecified) failure7%
- Cooling system: a leak7%
- Door latches: not closing or latching7%
- Per 10k cars
- 28.3
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 13
Audi extended the warranty on some 2021 A6s for problems with the emissions system, engine, driver assistance systems and instrument display.
Full 2021 report →Also rated Caution or Avoid: 2000, 2002–2003.
The Newest A6 Years: 2025–2026
A final score needs 36 months of complaints. Until then we show what we know, and a provisional reading once there is enough data.
2025 A6
Too new4 complaints and 2 recalls so far.
Same generation as the 2021, which scored 64 (Caution).
What we know so far →
2026 A6
Too new8 complaints and 1 recall so far. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
What we know so far →Audi A6 Reliability by Year
All model years, newest first. Tap a year for its full report, with the problems owners report, recalls, Audi programs and crash ratings.
| Year | Generation | Rating | Score | Vs average | Complaints | Per 10k cars | Recalls | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9th generation(first year) | Too new | – | – | 8 | 14.5 | 1 | Report |
| 2025 | 8th generation (C8) | Not enough data | – | – | 4 | 5.6 | 2 | Report |
| 2024 | 8th generation (C8) | Not enough data | – | – | 5 | 5.6 | 1 | Report |
| 2023 | 8th generation (C8) | Not enough data | – | – | 3 | 3.6 | 1 | Report |
| 2022 | 8th generation (C8) | Not enough data | – | – | 9 | 15.9 | 6 | Report |
| 2021 | 8th generation (C8) | Caution | 64 | 1.6× | 30 | 28.3 | 13 | Report |
| 2020 | 8th generation (C8) | Caution | 64 | 2.7× | 36 | 53.6 | 9 | Report |
| 2019 | 8th generation (C8)(first year) | Caution | 63 | 2.8× | 114 | 59.0 | 7 | Report |
| 2018 | 7th generation (C7) | Excellent | 85 | 0.33× | 15 | 8.5 | 2 | Report |
| 2017 | 7th generation (C7) | Excellent | 80 | 0.54× | 25 | 13.0 | 4 | Report |
| 2016 | 7th generation (C7) | Good | 74 | 0.83× | 70 | 20.6 | 4 | Report |
| 2015 | 7th generation (C7) | Good | 78 | 0.48× | 27 | 13.9 | 5 | Report |
| 2014 | 7th generation (C7) | Good | 71 | 0.78× | 61 | 23.0 | 6 | Report |
| 2013 | 7th generation (C7) | Caution | 68 | 1.3× | 94 | 40.4 | 8 | Report |
| 2012 | 7th generation (C7)(first year) | Good | 70 | 0.88× | 60 | 28.4 | 8 | Report |
| 2011 | 6th generation (C6) | Good | 78 | 0.52× | 21 | 15.2 | 3 | Report |
| 2010 | 6th generation (C6) | Excellent | 81 | 0.40× | 18 | 11.6 | 3 | Report |
| 2009 | 6th generation (C6) | Good | 79 | 0.45× | 21 | 11.7 | 4 | Report |
| 2008 | 6th generation (C6) | Good | 78 | 0.51× | 73 | 18.0 | 4 | Report |
| 2007 | 6th generation (C6) | Good | 74 | 0.72× | 54 | 22.3 | 4 | Report |
| 2006 | 6th generation (C6) | Good | 76 | 0.60× | 67 | 18.8 | 4 | Report |
| 2005 | 6th generation (C6)(first year) | Good | 72 | 0.84× | 91 | 28.1 | 3 | Report |
| 2004 | 5th generation (C5) | Good | 77 | 0.51× | 35 | 15.8 | 4 | Report |
| 2003 | 5th generation (C5) | Caution | 69 | 0.95× | 68 | 28.1 | 7 | Report |
| 2002 | 5th generation (C5) | Caution | 69 | 1.0× | 95 | 34.1 | 4 | Report |
| 2001 | 5th generation (C5) | Good | 71 | 0.77× | 113 | 26.8 | 7 | Report |
| 2000 | 5th generation (C5) | Caution | 67 | 1.2× | 148 | 55.5 | 4 | Report |
Vs average: how this year's complaint rate compares with the average car of the same age. 1× is average, 2× is twice as many. Per 10k cars: complaints so far for every 10,000 cars Audi made for the U.S. that model year. The complaint count also includes owners who wrote in only about a recall notice, with no problem to report. The score leaves those out. Generations follow Audi's own model history.
How We Score Each Model Year
1
Count What Owners Report
Every complaint filed with NHTSA for the model year, plus its recalls. Recall-notice filings with no fault are left out.
2
Adjust for How Many Were Made
A popular car gets more complaints just because there are more of them. We divide by the number Audi made for that model year and compare with the average car of the same age.
3
Turn It Into a Score
70 is average. Twice the average rate of complaints costs 10 points, half the rate adds 10. Serious problems count more than everyday ones.
What to Do Next
Check a Model Year →Open the full report for one year: score, the problems owners report, recalls, coverage and crash ratings.Compare A6 Years →Put up to four model years side by side and see which one is more reliable.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs the automaker may still pay for after the factory warranty ends, with its own documents.Look Up a VIN →Confirm the exact model year, engine and trim of the car you are looking at.