Used Audi A6 2011-2018 reliability

Check the bodywork closely for scuffs picked up in car parks; the A6 is a long car and, despite having parking sensors front and rear, accidents do occur. Also check the alloy wheels for kerb damage.

Make sure that any A6 fitted with an automatic gearbox has had its fluid changed at regular intervals, otherwise, you could be looking at an expensive gearbox replacement in the future. Ideally, both the S Tronic and Multitronic (CVT) automatic gearboxes should have the oil changed at the recommended 38,000 mile limit.

Airbags and seatbelt tensioner: Faulty airbags and seatbelt tensioners might have been fitted to some examples built between 1 May 2016 and 30 October 2016, and may not work correctly in a collision. Speak to an Audi dealer for further information and to find out if your car is affected.

Auxiliary heater element: An auxiliary heater element used in the air conditioning system of A6s made between 8 July 2014 and 31 October 2014, could fail. Contact your local Audi dealer further information and to ascertain whether the recall to rectify this issue applies to your car.

Towing bracket: If your A6 is fitted with a hinged tow bar and was built between 2 December 2015 and 17 December 2018, the locking mechanism could be faulty. Book your car into an Audi dealer to have the tow bar inspected; a bracket may need to be replaced.

Panoramic glass sunroof: A small number of cars that were constructed between 16 July 2018 and 10 October 2018 and were fitted with a panoramic glass roof could have an issue with the bonding agent used to keep the glass panels in place. Find out from your local Audi dealer if your A6 is affected; it will need to have the panels stuck down again to solve the problem.

Fuel leak: There have been two recalls issued for the A6 that concern fuel leaks. The first is for cars made from 1 April 2011 to 30 April 2012, the second is for A6s made between 18 February 2014 and 2 September 2016. Find out from your local dealer if your car is affected.

Coolant pump: Particles in the engine coolant could end up blocking the pump and lead to it overheating. This applies to vehicles made between 1 May 2011 and 31 October 2016. Contact your Audi dealer because affected cars will need to have the coolant system checked, and any damaged parts replaced. A software update will also need to be performed.

Reduction in braking performance: On A6s made from 1 January 2012 to 27 August 2014, an issue with the diaphragm in the brake servo rupturing could result in a reduction in braking performance. Any Audi dealer will be able to let you know if your example is affected and will rectify the fault for you.

In a previous What Car? Reliability Survey, the A6 came last in the luxury car category, but it was absent in the most recent one. Audi as a brand finished in 22nd place out of 31 manufacturers – a rather disappointing result.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.