The Lemon Index
201520174th generation (C7)
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 18,686 in the U.S. in 2016 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 23 complaints in its first 3 years.
23 owner complaints, first 3 years 24–30 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Lexus ES 302016 BMW 5 Series 142016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 55
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2016 Audi A6
- Turbocharger9 complaintsmostly at 47,000–60,000 miles (76,000–97,000 km)
- Engine stalling8 complaintsmostly at 48,000–56,000 miles (77,000–90,000 km)
- Water pump8 complaints
Specific parts named in the 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A6 (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 16 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V035000 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V862000 (electrical) and 18V370000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Audi sent dealers 1018 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Audi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 23 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 33K miles (16K to 53K km) on the car (16 of all 23 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Vehicle stumbles and cuts off at a few moments of idling. It has also lost power and the gained it back moments later at rapid pace.
2016 Audi A6 owner · NHTSA complaint 10845864
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1018 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013
- This technical service bulletin provides information about locating the source of an oil leak…
- This technical bulletin explains how to proceed when there is an issue with the rubber oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2019
The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
- Airbags · recall issued 2018
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A6 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Audi A6 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/audi-a6/?y=2016" title="Audi A6 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/audi-a6/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Audi A6 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Audi A6 reliable?
We can't score it: only 18,686 were sold in the U.S. in 2016 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2016 Audi A6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (35%), engine (26%) and speed control (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A6 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi A6 get?
24 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Audi A6 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2016 Audi A6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Audi A6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Audi A6 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Audi A6 year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2015 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works