Audi A6 C8 (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2019–today A6?
239
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2026
32
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners praise the C8 A6 for its sharp exterior design, especially the Avant wagon, and its luxurious, tech-forward interior.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentFake exhaust outlets
Description: Owners strongly dislike the fake chrome exhaust tips, calling it a “hack job” and a “horrible styling trend.”.
- Very frequentHatch water retention
Description: Water pours out from the top edge of the hatch when opened after rain or a car wash. Some dealers attribute it to a failed spoiler seal (not covered by warranty), while others claim it is normal by design.
- RecurrentDual touchscreen controls
Description: Owners dislike the lack of physical buttons for HVAC, volume, and tuning, citing fingerprints and distraction.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedABS module failure
- IsolatedInterior rattles
Description: One owner described the car as “riddled with rattles.”.
- IsolatedHeavy steering after alignment
Description: One owner reported heavier steering after a wheel alignment, with resistance when turning slightly, possibly due to incorrect alignment specs.
- IsolatedControl arm bearing wear
Description: One owner reported needing new control arm elastomeric bearings at 50,000 miles (under warranty) and again at 65,000 miles (out of warranty, $1500 cost).
- IsolatedOil consumption
Description: One owner reported their 40 TDI consumes roughly 1 liter of oil per 10,000 km.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners mention the 40 TDI, 45 TDI, and RS6 variants, but no single version is universally recommended. One owner advises that if going for an Audi, it should be Quattro and preferably not “Quattro ultra.”
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate and BMW 5-Series Touring.
Is a 2019–2026 A6 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners praise the C8 A6 for its sharp exterior design, especially the Avant wagon, and its luxurious, tech-forward interior. However, there is strong criticism of the fake exhaust outlets, the reliance on dual touchscreens for climate and audio controls, and the interior’s tendency to show fingerprints. Early reactions were mixed on the styling, with some preferring the softer lines of the C7, while later owners appreciate the modern look and advanced technology. A notable water retention issue with the hatch has been reported across multiple model years, causing frustration.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consider the C8 A6 a strong competitor to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with one owner noting the general consensus that the new 5-Series is “a tad better” than the E-Class, and that the A6 “looks like it’ll do just fine” in comparison. The A6 Avant is described as “a lot better looking” than the BMW 5-Series Touring, but the Mercedes E-Class Estate is seen as “equally as good,” making it a tough choice. Some owners prefer the E-Class interior for its use of metal, wood, and leather over the A6’s tech-focused cabin.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend avoiding 20-inch wheels if comfort is a priority, suggesting 18-inch wheels are best and 19-inch a balanced choice for summer, especially without air suspension. For the 40 TDI, one owner notes the 2.0-liter uses a 12V mild hybrid system (not 48V), which may have fewer BSG issues. Another owner recommends at least the 45 TDI Quattro for diesel buyers, as they found the 2.0-liter (non-PHEV) unenjoyable to drive.
General recommendations
The C8 A6 is recommended for buyers seeking a luxurious, tech-laden, and comfortable daily driver, particularly the Avant wagon for its practicality and looks. Owners suggest avoiding early model years (2019-2020) due to potential electrical and electronic issues, with one owner reporting a lemon-like experience. The 2021 model year may have improved BSG reliability, but the hatch drain issue persists across years. Potential buyers should inspect the hatch seal and drains for water retention, and verify if any recalls for the 48V mild hybrid system have been performed on V6/V8 models.
Remarks
Owners frequently cross-shop the A6 with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, and the Avant is particularly praised for its design. The hatch water retention issue is the most commonly reported problem across multiple model years (2021-2026), with inconsistent dealer responses. The fake exhaust tips are a near-universal point of criticism. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 0 | electrical system |
| 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.