2018 Audi A6 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 22 A6 years we score.

Owner complaints: 15; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 8.5; 16,429 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.33×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 4; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 A6 2019 A6 →

Should You Buy the 2018 Audi A6?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2018 Audi A6 is 85 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 22 A6 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (4 of 15 complaints). Owners also complain about dashboard warning lights and the steering. 4 of the 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 80.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 85
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Cooling system: a leak4 complaints
Several warning lights at once2 complaints
Steering failure2 complaints

How the 2018 A6 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.28×	−5
Everyday problems	0.44×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.27×	−3
Recalls	0.56×	−4
Score		85

What Owners Report

We read all 15 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A6, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 15.

Cooling system: a leak
4 complaints (27%)
A leak and a failure.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (13%)
Warning lights.
Steering failure
2 complaints (13%)
A failure and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (13%)
Warning lights.

Reported Once (10)

Show the 10 problems reported once

12V battery: the car not starting
Brakes: excessive brake dust
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel system: a fire
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Stall (cause not stated)
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2018 Audi A6 Compares With Other Years

The other A6 years of the 7th generation (C7), 2012 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	63	2.8×	59.0	7	Alternator or charging failure
2018 This year	Excellent	85	0.33×	8.5	2	Cooling system: a leak
2017	Excellent	80	0.54×	13.0	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2016	Good	74	0.83×	20.6	4	Cooling system: a leak
2015	Good	78	0.48×	13.9	5	Cooling system: a leak
2014	Good	71	0.78×	23.0	6	Turbocharger failure
2013	Caution	68	1.3×	40.4	8	Turbocharger: stalling
2012	Good	70	0.88×	28.4	8	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	78	0.52×	15.2	3	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart

See every A6 year

2018 Audi A6 Recalls

Two recalls cover the 2018 Audi A6. The most recent was issued in January 2019: “Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2018 Audi A6 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2018 Audi A6, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-05
Rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
The problem:
The rear oxygen sensor on the 4.0 TFSI engine can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed rear oxygen sensor, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2016 to 2018 S6, S7, RS7, A8 and S8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2018 A6 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S6 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 A6, from its two recalls, two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000
Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA 18V370000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Cooling system
Dashboard warning lights
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A6 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.