The Lemon Index
201920215th generation (C8)
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 10,536 in the U.S. in 2020 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 24 complaints in its first 3 years.
24 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Lexus ES 122020 BMW 5 Series 182020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 36
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 25V900000 (back over prevention), 23V601000 (brakes) and 22V861000 (electrical) done? It has 9 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Audi sent dealers 1394 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation”?
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 24 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 →
In owners' words
Lamp: Electrical system malfunction: safely stop vehicle. I have read that they car would have next shut down and loss of control while driving.
2020 Audi A6 owner · NHTSA complaint 11511811
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1394 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
- This bulletin contains repairs for a wiring issue with DTCs P010600 and P023600 with a…
- This information bulletin provides an explanation for squeaking noises heard when the steering…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 9
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025 New: most likely still open
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
- Brakes · recall issued 2023
An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Show all 9 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
- Tires · recall issued 2022
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
- Airbags · recall issued 2020
The passenger air bag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam.
- Electrical · recall issued 2020 Hybrid only
Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A6 (With Rear Seat SABs) 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A6 (With Rear Seat SABs) 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,950–$3,600 (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. 2020 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 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/audi-a6/?y=2020" 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-a6/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Audi A6 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Audi A6 reliable?
We can't score it: only 10,536 were sold in the U.S. in 2020 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Audi A6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (75%), automatic emergency braking (33%) and steering (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A6 have?
9 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi A6 get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Audi A6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Audi A6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,950 to $3,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Audi A6 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Audi A6 year is better than the 2020?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2015 drew the fewest (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