Audi A6 2012-2018 (2012–2018)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2012–2018 A6?
247
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2012–2018
30
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2012-2018 A6 are generally positive, praising the 3.0T supercharged engine as one of Audi's most reliable and the ZF 8-speed transmission as stout and well-programmed.
12 problems reported · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Motorized MMI screen failure
Recurrent: The screen mechanism can break, and the screen may not retract or extend properly.
- Water pump leaks
Very frequent: A common failure on the 3.0T, often addressed as preventive maintenance.
- PCV valve failure
Recurrent: Known to fail on the 3.0T, especially on earlier CGXB engines.
+ 9 more issuesShow fewer
- Motor mount failure
Recurrent: Engine mounts can leak and fail, causing vibration at idle.
- Control arm/suspension wear
Recurrent: Control arms and suspension components are common wear items at higher mileage.
- No Bluetooth music streaming (pre-2014)
Recurrent: A notable annoyance; requires adapters or aftermarket solutions like Tune2Air.
- AdBlue system failures (2.0 TDI)
Recurrent: Sensors, tank, and pump are a single unit; failure can be very expensive and parts may have long wait times.
- DPF and EGR clogging (2.0 TDI)
Recurrent: Common on Euro5 and later diesels, especially with short trips.
- Air suspension leaks (Allroad)
Recurrent: Rear struts can leak at the top seal around 200,000-220,000 km; compressor may fail if driven with a leaking strut.
- Timing chain tensioners (3.0T)
Isolated: Mentioned as a maintenance item, but not a widespread failure.
- Intake manifold failure
Isolated: Mentioned as a potential issue on high-mileage 3.0T engines.
- Secondary air injection failure
Isolated: Mentioned as a possible issue.
The version owners recommend
The 3.0T supercharged engine (available throughout the generation) is widely considered the best and most reliable powertrain for this generation. Within the 3.0T, the CTUA engine variant is recommended over the earlier CGXB, as the CTUA has revised materials and fewer oil-burning and PCV system issues. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is strongly preferred over the 7-speed.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Acura TL, Infiniti G37/G35, Hyundai Genesis Sedan, Honda Accord V6 and Toyota Camry V6.
Is a 2012–2018 A6 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2012-2018 A6 are generally positive, praising the 3.0T supercharged engine as one of Audi's most reliable and the ZF 8-speed transmission as stout and well-programmed. The car is described as comfortable, solid, and a great value for its depreciation. However, owners consistently warn that high-mileage examples (over 100k-140k miles) require a thorough pre-purchase inspection with a VAG-compatible scan tool, as generic OBD2 scanners miss stored codes. The 2.0T engine is viewed less favorably, with mentions of oil burning issues, and the 2.0 TDI is considered reliable but underpowered for the car's weight, with expensive AdBlue system concerns. The motorized MMI screen is a known annoyance, and Bluetooth music streaming is absent until 2014.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shopping Japanese sedans note that the Audi A6 offers a more refined interior, better driving precision, and a more effortless feel from the supercharged V6, but they acknowledge that Japanese competitors will cost less to own and maintain over the long term. The A6 is seen as a more premium and engaging choice, but not as a budget-friendly high-mileage option.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2012-2018 A6 with the 3.0T engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission. For the 3.0T, the CTUA engine (found in later model years) is preferred. The 2.0T is not recommended due to oil burning issues, and the 2.0 TDI is only recommended if the buyer is prepared for potential AdBlue system failures. The Prestige trim is noted as desirable for its technology and sound system.
General recommendations
This generation is best suited for buyers who can afford proper maintenance and repairs, especially on high-mileage examples. Owners strongly advise getting a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from an independent Audi specialist and using a VCDS or OBDeleven scan tool to check for hidden codes, as a generic OBD2 scanner will not catch all errors. A seller who refuses a scan or PPI is a major red flag. For high-mileage cars (over 100k miles), budget for common repairs such as water pump, PCV valve, motor mounts, and control arms. Preventive maintenance, including frequent oil changes (every 5,000-6,000 miles) and transmission fluid changes every 50,000-100,000 miles, is key to longevity. The 2012 model year is the first of the C7 generation and may have some early-production quirks, but is still considered solid if well-maintained.
Remarks
Owners emphasize that the 3.0T supercharged engine is a "known quantity" and that preventive maintenance is the key to high mileage (many report 200,000+ miles with proper care). The 2012-2018 generation is considered more reliable than the subsequent C8 generation, which has reported rocker arm and piston skirt issues. A VCDS or OBDeleven scan is considered essential before purchase, as it can reveal stored codes, timing chain stretch, and DSG/clutch health that a generic scanner cannot. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 20 | 3 | air bags |
| 2016 | 51 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 22 | 4 | engine |
| 2014 | 41 | 4 | steering |
| 2013 | 52 | 6 | air bags |
| 2012 | 59 | 8 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
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.
2018 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V370000
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.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
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.
2017 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V370000
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.
2017 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V955000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
2016 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
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.
2016 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V862000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
2016 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V370000
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.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V862000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
2015 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V370000
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.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
5 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.