Audi A6 C8 (2019–2025)
Generation-specific owner insights from 24+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2019–2025 A6?
231
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2025
32
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally view the C8 A6 as a comfortable, capable luxury sedan with strong acceleration and a high-quality interior.
16 problems reported (2 very frequent, 7 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentEA839 3.0T piston skirt failure causing piston slap and cylinder scoring
- Very frequentWater pump failure, often with coolant migration into vacuum system
- Recurrent48V belt starter generator (BSG) / alternator failure, recurring even after replacement
+ 13 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRocker arm issues on 3.0T engines
- RecurrentMMI software glitches, freezing screens, and file system corruption
- RecurrentWireless charging overheating phones and charging slowly
- RecurrentBackup camera / MMI recall requiring software update
- RecurrentTransmission mechatronic unit failure (2.0T models)
- RecurrentThrottle response described as lackluster from factory
- IsolatedPassenger door lock actuator issues
- IsolatedRattling dashboard
- IsolatedTrunk lid electrical problems, including opening while driving
- IsolatedABS module failure on diesel models
- IsolatedOil consumption (approximately 1 liter per 10,000 km on diesel)
- IsolatedCharger cap/lid breaking in cold weather
- IsolatedHigh-pitched noise from headlights
The version owners recommend
Owners consistently recommend avoiding the 2019 model year, calling it "the most unreliable year for the A6." The 2020 and later model years are viewed more favorably. For engines, the 2.0T four-cylinder is described as "reasonably trouble free" and "a safer bet" compared to the 3.0T V6. The 45 TDI diesel (in markets where available) received positive reports from owners regarding reliability, with one owner reporting 50,000 km trouble-free. No single trim or configuration emerges as a clear consensus "best" version.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 540i, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Audi S5.
Is a 2019–2025 A6 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owners generally view the C8 A6 as a comfortable, capable luxury sedan with strong acceleration and a high-quality interior. However, reliability concerns dominate discussions, particularly around the 3.0T V6 engine (EA839) with reported piston skirt, rocker arm, and water pump issues. The 2019 model year is singled out as the most problematic, with owners advising later model years or extended warranties. The 2.0T four-cylinder is described as the safer choice. Late-model (2025-2026) owners report significant software glitches and electrical issues, with some describing the cars as lemons, though a mid-year 2026 refresh reportedly resolved many problems.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shopping the A6 against the BMW 540i note the A6 feels more responsive on throttle and comes with full leather as standard, while the 540i charges extra for it. The A6 is also described as more niche and less common than the ubiquitous 540i. One owner compared their A6's maintenance costs unfavorably to an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which they found cheaper to maintain. Several owners cross-shopped the A6 against the Audi S5, with most preferring the S5 for performance and driving engagement, though noting the S5's lower ride height and stiffer suspension.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise choosing the 2.0T engine over the 3.0T V6 to avoid the piston skirt and rocker arm risks. For the 3.0T, an extended warranty is strongly recommended, especially for 2019 models where the factory piston skirt warranty extension is running out. The Premium Plus trim is recommended over the base Premium for its upgraded features. For diesel models, Quattro is preferred over front-wheel drive. Owners also recommend avoiding first-year production of any new design.
General recommendations
Owners recommend buying 2020 or later model years rather than 2019. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent European car specialist is strongly advised. For 3.0T models, verify whether the piston skirt extended warranty (8 years/80,000 miles) still applies and consider purchasing an extended warranty. Check service history thoroughly, particularly for the mild-hybrid system and water pump. Owners suggest budgeting roughly $5,000 for potential major repairs. Regular maintenance is emphasized as critical, with some recommending oil changes more frequently than the 10,000-mile interval.
Remarks
The 2019 model year is the first year of the C8 generation and is widely considered the least reliable. The EA839 engine is shared across multiple Audi and Porsche models, and owners note the failure rate is estimated below 5%, but the consequences are catastrophic when it occurs. Audi issued an extended warranty for piston skirt defects covering 8 years/80,000 miles. The 2026 model year (C9 platform) experienced significant software issues before a mid-year refresh, but this falls outside the C8 generation scope. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 2 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2024 | 3 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 45 | 12 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 58 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 114 | 7 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2025 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 25V899000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2021 · air bagscampaign 21V159000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
2021 · electrical systemcampaign 20V749000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge:fuel level float/sensor/sending unitcampaign 22V155000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · electrical systemcampaign 22V861000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
6 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.