Audi A6 Common Problems & Known Faults (UK)

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

• General · December 2014Warranty Direct's claims data placed the 2000-2005 Audi A6 Allroad as the third least dependable SUV in its records.
• General · December 2012A 2000-2007 A6 Allroad was rated the sixth most likely car to suffer expensive problems in a 2012 reliability index.

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

• Electrics · January 2020Mapping updates for the satnav in an A6 after three years must be performed by a franchised Audi dealer at a charge.
• Engine · July 2018A 2008 A6 2.0 TDI 140 Multitronic Auto suffered engine damage due to excessive oil from repeated DPF regeneration on short runs.
• Engine · February 2018A 2009 A6 with an EA888 2.0 TFSI engine experienced timing chain failure at 98,000 miles.
• Gearbox and clutch · July 2016A 2010 A6 3.0 TDI Quattro developed a severe drivetrain judder between 1,600 and 2,000rpm, possibly due to the Haldex centre differential.
• Electrics · May 2016A 2009 A6 2.0 TDI at 107,000 miles had electrical problems with the passenger door, refusing to open via remote or driver's switch.
• Electrics · November 2013A 2011 Audi Allroad suffered continuous bleeping from its rear parking sensors in damp conditions, which multiple dealers could not fix.
• Suspension and steering · August 2013Multi-variable air suspension rear dampers may leak after approximately six years, and replacements are very expensive.
• Brakes · December 2012A two-year-old A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Tiptronic Quattro repeatedly warped front brake discs, with juddering starting after about 3,000 miles.
• Suspension and steering · September 2012Rear dampers on 3.0 V6 TDI Quattro models appear to be failing, with Audi dealers quoting £750 per side for replacement.

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

• Gearbox and clutch · July 2019A 2015 2.0 litre A6 SE TDI Ultra experienced catastrophic manual gearbox failure at 80,000 miles, resulting in a £4,000 repair bill.
• Brakes · November 2018A 2014 A6 Allroad suffered from a persistent brake squeal since new, still present at 18,000 miles, likely due to metal particles in the pads.
• Brakes · October 2018A September 2016 Audi 3 litre A6 Avant required new front brake pads and discs at both 17,000 and 29,000 miles.
• Exhaust · November 2017A 24,000-mile 2014 A6 Allroad experienced complete emissions system failure while towing, requiring a €4650 repair for DPF, EGR, and Lambda sensor.
• Engine · March 2017A 2011 A5 2.0 TDI S line experienced a sudden jerk, loss of power, and flashing engine management light at 70mph.
• Electrics · August 2016Apple's latest iOS upgrade rendered iPhones incompatible with the Audi Music Interface system in A6 models up to 2015.
• Interior · April 2016The driver's seat of a 2015 A6 Avant developed a creaking noise, diagnosed as worn seat rail bearings and broken seat bases.
• Fuel system · December 2015The armoured rubber fuel pipe of a 40,000-mile 2012 A6 3.0 TDI split, spraying diesel throughout the engine compartment.
• Engine · October 2015A 2015 A6 Avant 3.0 TDI at 18,000 miles had an unexplained engine rattle; Audi initially suspected the timing chain but then could not identify the cause.
• Engine · October 2013A 2012 A6 2.0 TFSI at 15,600 miles consumed 1.75 litres of oil in 5,800 miles, which the dealer stated was within Audi's 'normal' limits.