2018 Audi A6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Audi A6 ranks 18th out of 21 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 15 and a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 fire report for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 A6 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 22 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Audi A6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (64%)
- Fuel System4 (36%)
- Other2 (18%)
- Airbags1 (9%)
- Electrical System1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brief hesitation or failure to accelerate when pulling out of a turn, sometimes recurring several times over a year.
- Some describe stalling for a few seconds at slow speed or from a stop, as if the engine is not getting fuel, with the issue persisting after dealer visits.
- One owner reported a water pump failure with a low coolant warning light before the failure was diagnosed.
- A parked vehicle reportedly caught fire near the gas tank after sitting for hours, prompting a fire department response.
- One owner reported an EPC and engine warning light illuminating and being told a recall applied, but the dealer denied warranty coverage.
- An airbag recall repair reportedly could not be completed because replacement parts were unavailable.
2018 Audi A6 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
2018 Audi A6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi A6 reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the A6, 2018 ranks 18th worst, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other years. It carries a Best verdict with a complaint index of 15 and 11 total complaints logged with NHTSA.
- What problems does the 2018 Audi A6 have?
- NHTSA complaints for this year concentrate on the engine (7 complaints, 64% share) and fuel system (4 complaints, 36% share), including reports of hesitation, stalling, and a water pump failure. One complaint also involved a fire near the fuel tank.
- Does the 2018 Audi A6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 A6: one for leaking fuel rails (campaign 19V035000) and one for airbag seat frame wear (campaign 18V370000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Audi A6 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 are rated Avoid for the A6, with 2019 having the highest complaint index at 100. The 2018 model year is rated Best by comparison.
- How many miles do 2018 Audi A6 problems show up at?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 11,800 miles, and for fuel system complaints it is 9,900 miles, according to NHTSA data.