Audi A6 C9 (2025–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2025–today A6?
17
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2025–2026
2
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is sharply divided.
17 problems reported (4 very frequent, 8 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentWidespread software glitches causing digital screens to freeze or fail to boot
- Very frequentComplete failure of all driver assistance systems (lane departure
Blind spot, etc.) with multiple warning messages.
- Very frequentCheck engine light and “Drive system malfunction” warnings appearing repeatedly
+ 14 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequent“Driver assistance systems currently limited” warning with continuous chime
- RecurrentDriver profile system incorrectly detects secondary key and locks out primary profile
- RecurrentRear climate control glitches, including “Auto” AC getting stuck at maximum fan speed
- RecurrentEngine creep fails to disengage smoothly when braking to a stop
- RecurrentCar fails to shift into “Park,” displays “Rolling hazard” error, and cannot be locked
- RecurrentHUD (Head-Up Display) intermittently fails to turn on
- RecurrentCamera button and camera system not working
- RecurrentActive cruise control (ACC) occasionally unavailable due to false “door open” warning
- RecurrentBattery voltage low warning when sitting in the car
- IsolatedTrunk lid electrical problems after a software update
- IsolatedRattling dashboard
- IsolatedInterior off-gassing (strong chemical smell) at 5,000 miles
- IsolatedStationary car bouncing on air suspension
- IsolatedAudi Connect features not working / car not equipped with remote start on top-trim model
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners mention both the 45 and 55 trims, and the Prestige and Premium Plus packages, but no single version is consistently recommended over others. One owner notes that a 4-cylinder in an A6 “never sat right” with them.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 5 Series (540i), BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus.
Is a 2025–2026 A6 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is sharply divided. Many praise the C9 A6’s driving dynamics, calling it smooth, powerful, and a major upgrade over the previous generation, with some declaring it a new class leader over the BMW 5 Series. However, a very vocal and numerous group reports severe, widespread software and electronic glitches: including total system failures, persistent warning lights, and drivetrain malfunctions: leading some to label the car a “dumpster fire” and the worst vehicle they have ever driven. The consensus is that while the hardware and driving experience can be excellent, the vehicle’s electronics are deeply unreliable and have soured the ownership experience for many.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners who cross-shopped the C9 A6 against the BMW 5 Series (specifically the 540i) often chose the Audi, praising its power, ride quality, and MMI layout. However, some note that the BMW B58 engine remains the “golden standard” for reliability. A few owners switched from BMW to Audi but were disappointed by Audi’s shorter interior trim warranty (12 months vs. full warranty from BMW/Mercedes). One owner who had a terrible experience with the A6 swapped it for a BMW. The interior is criticized as feeling too plastic and screen-heavy compared to competitors like Mercedes and Lexus.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available to provide specific configuration advice. Owners have not reached a consensus on preferred engines, trims, or model years within this generation.
General recommendations
Owners strongly advise potential buyers to be extremely cautious. The 2026 model year is reported to have very frequent and serious software and electronic issues. Several owners explicitly warn others not to buy the 2026 A6 until these problems are resolved. Those who still purchase should be prepared for multiple dealership visits and potential buyback/lemon law claims. One owner suggests waiting for a mid-model-year update that may be less buggy. The EA839 engine’s long-term reliability is considered unproven due to insufficient time in the field.
Remarks
A significant number of owners report that their 2026 A6 spent days or weeks at the dealership within the first few weeks of ownership. One owner found a relevant service bulletin (NHTSA ID: MC-11025359-0001) that may address some of the driver assistance system failures. The C9 A6 Allroad variant is anticipated by some owners, with one spotting an undisguised test mule. The interior is a common point of criticism, described as having too many screens, cheap-feeling plastics, and a non-opening sunroof (only electronic dimming). One owner successfully lowered their C9 A6 on air suspension without errors, noting the car sits too high from the factory. Analysis based on approximately 28 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 |
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."
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.