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2017 Audi A6: common problems and reliability
· 2012-2018One of the better A6 years.
20 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 A6?The 2017 Audi A6 has 20 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag motorized mmi screen failure: recurrent: the screen mechanism can break, and the screen may not retract or extend properly.
Safety record for the 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Audi A6 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A6 years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the A6?
Across the 30 A6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2023) to 231 (1999). With 20 complaints, the 2017 A6 sits below the model's median of 54.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2017 A6
fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Campaign 19V035000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 18V370000Volkswagen 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.
seat belts:pretensioner
Campaign 16V955000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 2012-2018 A6
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Owner insights for the 2012-2018 A6. Read the full 2012-2018 owner report.
Other A6 model years
Compare every A6 year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A6 against its rivals
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