The Lemon Index
202020225th generation (C8)
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 9,543 in the U.S. in 2021 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 13 complaints in its first 3 years.
13 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–26 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Lexus ES 462021 BMW 5 Series 652021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 81
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), 25V201000 (electrical) and 23V601000 (brakes) done? It has 12 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?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Audi sent dealers 1358 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks”?
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 13 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
Liquid spulked in the trunk and somehow was able to get to the control module that is located under the rear seat similar concerns as recalled Audi Q5. Vehicle malfunctioned in the middle of a busy intersection.
2021 Audi A6 owner · NHTSA complaint 11460079
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1358 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks
- This bulletin contains repairs for a wiring issue with DTCs P010600 and P023600 with a…
- This bulletin contains a workaround for DTC U131C00 and the HUD not turning on with "The…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 12
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025 New: most likely still open
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
- Electrical · recall issued 2025
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
- 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.
Show all 12 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
- Equipment · recall issued 2022
The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2022
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
- 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.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2021
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- 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.
- Electrical · recall issued 2020
The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
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 (With Rear Seat SABs) 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,050–$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. 2021 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 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/audi-a6/?y=2021" 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-a6/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Audi A6 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Audi A6 reliable?
We can't score it: only 9,543 were sold in the U.S. in 2021 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2021 Audi A6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (62%), body structure (15%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A6 have?
12 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 2021 Audi A6 get?
22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Audi A6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Audi A6 cost in fuel a year?
About $3,050 to $3,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Audi A6 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Audi A6 year is better than the 2021?
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