The Lemon Index
201620184th generation (C7)
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 16,304 in the U.S. in 2017 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 6 complaints in its first 3 years.
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 24–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2017 Lexus ES 322017 BMW 5 Series 212017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 100
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V035000 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V370000 (airbags) and 16V955000 (seat belts) 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.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Audi sent dealers 750 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 6 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 →
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 750 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 instructions for insulating the bracket for the…
- Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 10-15 dated October 20, 2010
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.
- 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.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2016
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.
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A6 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
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. 2017 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 2017 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/audi-a6/?y=2017" 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-a6/2017/">Lemon Index</a> (2017 Audi A6 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2017 Audi A6 reliable?
We can't score it: only 16,304 were sold in the U.S. in 2017 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2017 Audi A6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (83%), engine (17%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 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 2017 Audi A6 get?
24 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Audi A6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 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 2017 Audi A6 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Audi A6 year is better than the 2017?
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