Used Audi A6 Avant 2018-present reliability
Category: Estate car
The Audi A6 Avant is comfortable, quiet and capacious, and a good used buy. Reliability is an issue, though.
What should I look for in a used Audi A6 estate?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
This is a very large car so check the front and back for scuffs and dents, and the alloy wheels for any kerb damage. Check that all the electrical equipment works as it should, including sat-navs, seat motors and climate control. Check the electric rear tailgate too.
Problems with the car’s infotainment system were a cause for concern, with phones not connecting and flickering screens being the main complaints. The latest software from Audi can cure some of these ills. Despite the old A6’s reputation for having a great interior, there were some issues with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A6 estate?
Faulty crash sensors
A small number of cars made between 1 July and 15 September 2020 were fitted with faulty crash sensors for the front side airbags. Check with an Audi dealer to find out if your car is affected by this because the sensors will need to be replaced if it is.
Moisture in the mild-hybrid system
An issue with moisture getting into the mild-hybrid system has been found with cars manufactured between 10 August 2018 and 11 March 2020. Find out if your A6 is affected by this because repairs will need to be carried out at an Audi to prevent future issues.
Panoramic sunroof glass
There's a possibility that the glass fitted to the panoramic sunroof of some cars built between 16 July and 10 October 2018 could become unstuck from the frame. Check with an Audi dealer whether or not your A6 is affected by this, because the glass will need to removed and stuck back into place if it is.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Audi dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Audi A6 estate reliable?
We don't consider the Audi A6 Avant to be a reliable car. Featured in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey in saloon form, the model finished last out of 24 cars in the executive car class. Its reliability score of 76.3% is very poor and places it below every other rival featured – the 2017-2023 BMW 5 Series and 2016-2024 Mercedes E-Class, to name but two.
The A6 was blighted by a range of electrical issues: 44% of cars we were told about had a fault, two-thirds concerning engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/infotainment. Although 83% could still be driven, 46% took more than a week to put right. However, 97% were repaired for free, and none cost more than £200.
As a car brand, Audi ranked 26th out of 32 manufacturers – above Alfa Romeo and Jaguar but below rival brands BMW and Mercedes.
Used Audi A6 Avant: owners' reliability data
As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said Audi A6 petrol and diesel models exhibit mixed reliability and dealer service experiences. Numerous owners have reported issues with electronic systems, particularly concerning faulty sensors and warning lights. These faults often necessitate multiple visits to the dealership, with some readers highlighting the high cost and time-consuming nature of repairs.
Engine reliability has also been a concern, with several mentions of issues related to the fuel system and turbochargers. While some readers found their local Audi dealerships to be responsive and helpful in addressing these problems, others faced inconsistent service quality, with reports of long waiting times and insufficient communication.
