2019 Audi A6 Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 22nd of 22 A6 years we score.

Owner complaints: 114; 4 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 59.0; 18,639 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.8×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 61; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2018 A6 2020 A6 →

Should You Buy the 2019 Audi A6?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2019 Audi A6 is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 2.8 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 22nd of the 22 A6 years we score.

The most reported problem is the alternator or charging system (45 of 114 complaints). Owners also complain about the wiring, fuses or body control module and the start-stop system. 61 of the 114 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 7 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the drive axles and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 64.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-02 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
2 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.8 times the problems of the average car its age
Alternator or charging failure45 complaints
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure24 complaints
Start-stop system: warning lights12 complaints

How the 2019 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	3.2×	−16
Everyday problems	1.9×	−6
Problems in the last two years	0.85×	−8
Recalls	1.3×	−7
Score		63

What Owners Report

We read all 114 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 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 114.

Alternator or charging failure
45 complaints (39%)
A failure. 40 of these 45 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
24 complaints (21%)
A failure and warning lights. 19 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Start-stop system: warning lights
12 complaints (11%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and stalling. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded.
Steering: loss of steering control
6 complaints (5%)
Loss of steering control, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Engine: stalling
5 complaints (4%)
Stalling. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Rearview camera: works on and off
5 complaints (4%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Cooling system failure
4 complaints (4%)
A failure and a leak.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
4 complaints (4%)
Not opening or unlocking, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Dual-clutch transmission failure
3 complaints (3%)
A failure, rolls backward at a stop in Drive and warning lights.
Forward collision warning: the system not working when needed
3 complaints (3%)
The system not working when needed and the system acting on its own.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Stall (cause not stated)
3 complaints (3%)
Stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Brakes: unusual noises
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and vibration or shudder.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking and problems that come and go.

Show 2 more problems

Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (2%)
Wrong readings.
Vacuum hose system: damage
2 complaints (2%)
Damage.

Reported Once (22)

Show the 22 problems reported once

12V battery failure
A/C: stopped working
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Airbag warning light
Several warning lights at once
Engine failure
Exterior lights: stopped working
Fuel system failure
Hybrid battery: smoke or a burning smell
Screen and audio: works on and off
Driver-assist camera and radar: fault code
Oil pressure: warning lights
Gasket (not specified) failure
Piston rings: early wear
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Power liftgate: lid closes on its own
Side blind zone alert: works on and off
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Vibration (cause not stated)
Wheels seized (cause not stated)

How the 2019 Audi A6 Compares With Other Years

The other A6 years of the 8th generation (C8), 2019 to 2025, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2026	Too new	–	–	14.5	1	Loss of power (cause not stated)
2025	Not scored	–	–	5.6	2	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2024	Not scored	–	–	5.6	1	–
2023	Not scored	–	–	3.6	1	–
2022	Not scored	–	–	15.9	6	Alternator or charging failure
2021	Caution	64	1.6×	28.3	13	Alternator or charging failure
2020	Caution	64	2.7×	53.6	9	Alternator or charging failure
2019 This year	Caution	63	2.8×	59.0	7	Alternator or charging failure
2018	Excellent	85	0.33×	8.5	2	Cooling system: a leak

See every A6 year

2019 Audi A6 Recalls

Seven recalls cover the 2019 Audi A6. The most recent was issued in March 2026: “Lane Departure Warning Deactivated.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Lane Departure Warning Deactivated
The driver may be unaware that the lane departure warning system is deactivated and rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 26V125000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 4, 2026. By the second quarter of 2026, 50% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 25V900000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V601000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 25, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V861000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 21, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Gauge May Display Inaccurate Fuel Reading
An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V155000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Incorrectly
An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V159000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 10, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 1 more recalls

Moisture May Enter Starter Generator
A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V153000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 19, 2020. By the first quarter of 2022, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2019 Audi A6 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2019 Audi A6, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the drive axles and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-02
CV joint failure
The problem:
A CV joint can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not say which joint or describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the CV joint and replaces it for free if it failed from a defect.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2018 Q5 and Q7, 2019 A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8 and e-tron, and 2020 A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q8. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
Coverage:
5 years or 60,000 miles from the 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 2019 A6 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door AWD and 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2019 A6, from its seven 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.

Lane Departure Warning Deactivated NHTSA 26V125000
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 25V900000
Incorrect Brake Fluid Cap NHTSA 23V601000
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power NHTSA 22V861000
Fuel Gauge May Display Inaccurate Fuel Reading NHTSA 22V155000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 recalls and which are still open.

Ask an Audi Dealer

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

AWA-23-02: CV joint failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Check the backup camera image when reversing.

Ask the Seller

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

Alternator or charging system
Wiring, fuses or body control module
Start-stop system
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.