Audi A6: What Years To Avoid & Which To Buy? (2024 Guide)

If you’re a car enthusiast, hunting for the perfect vehicle can feel like you’re a kid in a candy store.

And when looking at Audi, they certainly have an exciting proposition with the A6.

Famous for smooth handling, interior comforts, and cutting-edge technology, it’s no wonder why so many people love it – but which years should you avoid if you’re concerned about reliability?

In this article, we will take an up-close look at the Audi A6’s reliability over the years!

Overview: Audi A6 Years To Avoid Or To Buy

In a hurry?

Here is an overview of the Audi A6 years you should try to avoid, as well as the most reliable Audi A6 years:

Based on data from J.D. Power and CarComplaints, you should avoid Audi A6 models from the years 2014, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Furthermore, here are the best Audi A6 years:

The Audi A6 can be a reliable model based on unbiased opinions and complaints of owners. The most reliable Audi A6 years include 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2018.

For more information about the Audi A6’s reliability based on its model year, take a look at our infographic below:

What Audi A6 years should you avoid?

It’s great to know which Audi A6s are most reliable.

However, knowing the years with common pitfalls and potential problems is also important.

The truth is that some years are better than others, so let’s look at what model years you should avoid when shopping for an A6!

2022 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: 63 (source)
• Number of complaints: 0 (source)

While there are no complaints for the 2022 Audi A6 yet on CarComplaints, J.D. Power gave it the lowest reliability score of all Audi A6 model years.

It’s clear that thousands of verified car owners experienced defects or design flaws with it.

Of course, the 2022 Audi A6 is still a relatively new model, so we recommend avoiding it until it becomes clearer how reliable it actually is.

Up till now, it doesn’t look too good!

2014 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: 82 (source)
• Number of complaints: 10 (source)

The 2014 Audi A6 marks the end of the pre-facelift C7 generation, sold between 2011 and 2014.

Although J.D. Power gives it a great reliability score, CarComplaints received quite a lot of complaints for it.

The problems here are evenly spread across a couple of categories:

• Brake problems. Some owners experience squealing brakes.
• Engine problems. The check engine light seems to turn on quite frequently.
• Steering problems. Two owners reported their 2014 Audi A6 steered unevenly.
• Transmission problems. One owner reported a jumping transmission.

2019 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: N/A
• Number of complaints: 6 (source)

The 2019 Audi A6 marks one of the first A6s of the C8 generation.

With lots of newly-released technologies, including (mild) hybrid systems, it’s a year that’s better to avoid when looking for an Audi A6.

Although J.D. Power doesn’t give it a reliability score, the reliability is definitely in a downtrend when looking at the years 2018 to 2021.

CarComplaints received six complaints for the 2019 Audi A6.

Electrical problems were the most frequent, including failing alternators, software issues, or even the entire electrical system shutting down.

It’s pretty serious stuff.

There have also been problems with the car’s oil sensor, which would indicate that there was too much oil in the engine.

Which Audi A6 years are the most reliable?

You’re not alone if you’re looking for the most reliable Audi A6.

Everyone wants a car that won’t lead to high repair costs.

But which Audi A6 is the most reliable? Here are our top three!

Tip: You can also learn more about the reliability of Audis in general in our article here!

2010 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: 89 (source)
• Number of complaints: 2 (source)

According to J.D. Power, the most reliable Audi A6 is from the model year 2010.

The 2010 Audi A6 is from the C6 facelift generation, built between 2008 and 2010.

With the C6 facelift, Audi gave the A6 a more modern look. For instance, the A6 got daytime running LEDs and intakes below the headlamps, inspired by the RS5.

The engines got upgraded with new technologies, including cylinder-direct Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI). There was even a new engine, the supercharged 3.0-liter V6.

The statement that this is the most reliable Audi A6 makes sense from the timeline too.

The Audi A6 C6 came out in 2004, so Audi has had six years to fix all reliability complaints for the 2010 Audi A6.

CarComplaints only shows two complaints for the 2010 Audi A6.

One is an electrical problem concerning an actuator failure on the driver door, while the other is a ticking timing chain tensioner.

Overall, the 2010 Audi A6 definitely seems to be one of the most reliable Audi A6s!

2007 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: 88 (source)
• Number of complaints: 1 (source)

The 2007 Audi A6 is another highly reliable vehicle.

Like the 2010 Audi A6, the 2007 Audi A6 belongs to the C6 generation, but it’s the last year of the pre-facelift variant.

With a J.D. Power reliability score of 88 and just one complaint on CarComplaints about an ignition switch failure, it seems just as reliable as the 2010 Audi A6!

2017 Audi A6

• J.D. Power reliability score: 85 (source)
• Number of complaints: 0 (source)

If you’re looking for a newer Audi A6 that’s still highly dependable, the 2017 Audi A6 could be a great choice.

The 2017 Audi A6 is from the C7 generation and was built between 2011 and 2018. And to be more precise, it’s a C7 facelift, which was produced between 2015 and 2018.

The C7 facelift gave the Audi A6 several upgrades, including a new version of the MMI infotainment system, matrix LED headlights, and all engines meeting the Euro 6 emission standard.

With a reliability score of 85 and zero complaints, we see a similar pattern here to the previous two Audi A6s.

The most reliable version of a car model is a year that’s near the end of its generation because the manufacturer has had the time to fix all the minor reliability issues that are common when releasing a new model!

Tip: You can learn more about how the reliability of the Audi A6 compares to other Audi models here!

Which Audi A6 engine is the best?

Choosing the right engine is essential, as it can impact reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.

However, with the Audi A6’s abundance of engine options, it can be difficult to choose which one will best suit your needs.

So, whether you like diesel or petrol engines, here are some great options!

Disclaimer: With the Audi A6 being in production for over 25 years, multiple engines can be called the ‘best,’ depending on your needs and preferences.

Best Audi A6 petrol engine

Here are some of the best engines if you’re looking for a petrol-engined A6!

• Best Engine Overall: 2.0 TFSI

The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine in the Audi A6 45 TFSI is one of the best petrol engines for the Audi A6. Its excellent fuel economy and punchy 265 horsepower make it a fantastic daily driver!

• Best Engine For Reliability: 2.0 TFSI

According to Audi A6 owners, the 2.0 TFSI engine is generally the most reliable engine for the A6.

• Best Engine For Fuel Efficiency: 1.8 TFSI

The 1.8 TFSI is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol engines for the Audi A6. The C7 Audi A6 1.8 TFSI uses this engine and achieved a claimed combined fuel economy of 5.7 L/100 Km / 50 MPG UK / 41 MPG US!

• Best Engine For Performance: 4.0 V8

The best Audi A6 engine for performance is the 4.0 V8. You can find it in the C7 and C8 generations of the Audi RS6, and its latest version delivers an incredible 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque!

Tip: Using premium gas is highly recommended for the Audi A6, especially in RS models.

Best Audi A6 diesel engine

Do you love the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel engine? If so, here are some great engine Audi A6 engine options for you:

• Best Engine Overall: 2.0 TDI

The 2.0 TDI is one of the best Audi A6 diesel engines. It provides a fantastic balance for daily use, being just powerful enough for day-to-day traffic, fuel-efficient, and quiet!

• Best Engine For Reliability: 1.9 TDI

Many agree that the 1.9 TDI is the most reliable Audi A6 diesel engine, or for that matter, any Audi in general. You can find it in Audi A6s produced between 1997 and 2004.

• Best Engine For Fuel Efficiency: 2.0 TDI

The 2.0 TDI is one of the best overall engines for the A6, but it’s also the most fuel-efficient diesel engine. The C8 Audi A6 35 TDI produced from 2019 onwards uses the 2.0 TDI to achieve a claimed combined fuel economy of 4.1 L/100 Km / 69 MPG UK / 57 MPG US!

• Best Engine For Performance: 3.0 V6

The most potent Audi A6 diesel engine is the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the C8 Audi S6. It delivers 349 horsepower and a staggering 700 Nm of torque!

Is the Audi A6 good for long trips?

The Audi A6 is generally considered a comfortable and capable vehicle for long trips.

It offers a smooth and quiet ride, ample legroom and headroom for passengers, and a variety of convenient features, especially if you have a high Audi trim level.

Examples include heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and the advanced MMI infotainment system.

Most engines pack plenty of punch without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency, which is perfect for driving on the highway.

With this combination of features, there’s no doubt that the Audi A6 is an ideal vehicle for traveling long distances!

Final verdict

If you are in the market for an Audi A6, we hope this article has helped you understand which models (or engines) to look at or avoid.

The A6 is a great choice for luxury car shoppers, but as with any vehicle purchase, it is important to do your research before making a decision.

Are you the proud owner of an Audi A6? If so, you may be interested in how it looks with black, 19-, 20-, or 21-inch rims.

Let us know your thoughts on it in the comments below!