Audi
A6
Audi A6: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeAudi
ClassMidsize estate, Midsize car
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Audi A6 – Sixth generation (C9)2025–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | 4L |
| Production | April 2025 – present |
| Model years | 2026– |
| Platform | Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) |
| Engines | Petrol 2.0 L EA888 I4 turbo (MHEV Plus) 3.0 L EA839 V6 turbo (MHEV Plus) 4.0 L V8 (Available in RS6) Petrol-PHEV 2.0 L EA888 I4 turbo (CDL) (e-hybrid) Diesel 2.0 L EA288 evo I4 turbo 3.0 L EA897 evo4 V6 turbo (MHEV Plus) |
| Electric motor | 48-volt main electrical system (MHEV Plus) Permanent-magnet electric motor (e-hybrid) |
| Transmissions | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Mild hybrid 48V PHEV (e-hybrid) |
| Wheelbase | 2,923 mm 3,066 mm (LWB) |
| Length | 4,999 mm 5,142 mm (LWB) |
| Width | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,472 mm 1,450 mm (LWB) |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm China: Changchun (FAW-VW, A6L only) |
Audi A6 – Fifth generation (C8)2018–2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | 4K |
| Production | April 2018–2025 January 2019–2026 (China) |
| Model years | 2019–2025 |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform |
| Engines | Petrol 2.0 L TFSI I4 2.0 L TFSI MHEV I4 2.9 L TFSI twin-turbo V6 (S6) 3.0 L TFSI turbo V6 4.0 L TFSI twin-turbo V8 (RS6) PHEV engine 2.0 L TFSI I4 Diesel 2.0 L TDI I4 3.0 L TDI MHEV V6 |
| Electric motor | 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) AC synchronous electric motor (50 / 55 TFSIe) |
| Transmissions | 7-speed dual clutch S tronic 8-speed automatic tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | MHEV (55 TFSI / S6 TFSI / RS6 TFSI / 45 TDI / 50 TDI) PHEV (55 TFSI e) |
| Wheelbase | 2,924 mm 3,024 mm (LWB) |
| Length | 4,939 mm 5,050 mm (LWB) |
| Width | 1,886 mm |
| Height | 1,457 mm Avant: 1,467 mm |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm China: Changchun (FAW-VW, A6L only) India: Aurangabad (Audi India) |
| Designer | Phillipe Römers Helmut Jung (Avant) |
Audi A6 – Second generation (C5)1997–2005
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | 4B |
| Production | 1997 – 2005 |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group C5 |
| Engines | petrol 1.8 L 20v I4 1.8 L turbo 20v I4 2.0 L 20v I4 2.4 L 30v V6 2.7 L turbo 30v V6 2.8 L 30v V6 3.0 L 30v V6 4.2 L 40v V8 4.2 L turbo 40v V8 (RS6) diesel 1.9 L TDI I4 2.5 L TDI 24v V6 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic multitronic CVT 5-speed automatic with tiptronic |
| Wheelbase | 2,760 mm |
| Length | 4,805 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm |
| Height | saloon: 1,453 mm Avant: 1,479 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,480 kg |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm Poland: Poznań China: Changchun (FAW-VW) Thailand: Bangkok |
| Designer | Claus Potthoff (1992, 1994) Hartmut Warkuß (1994) |
Audi A6 – First generation (C4)1994–2003
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | 4A |
| Production | 1994–1998 (Germany) 2000–2003 (China) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group C4 |
| Engines | petrol 1.8 L 20V I4 2.0 L 8V/16V I4 2.2 L 20V turbo I5 2.3 L 10V I5 2.6 L 12V V6 2.8 L 12V/30V V6 4.2 L 32V V8 diesel 1.9 L TDI 8V I4 2.5 L TDI 10V I5 |
| Transmissions | 5/6-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,687 mm (FWD) 2,692 mm (AWD) |
| Length | 4,797 mm |
| Width | 1,783 mm |
| Height | 1,430 mm |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm China: Changchun (FAW-VW) |
| Designer | Hartmut Warkuß (1992) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2019–2021, 2023–2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 7-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2019–2025 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 7-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 7-speed automated manual | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2016–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2012–2018 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2014–2016 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Diesel |
| 2012–2015 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | CVT (continuously variable) | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2009–2011 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010–2011 | 3.2 L, 6 cyl | CVT (continuously variable) | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010–2011 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| +11 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km |
| 2019–2021, 2023–2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 7-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 9.4–10.7 L/100 km | 10.7–11.8 L/100 km | 7.8–9.0 L/100 km |
| 2019–2025 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 7-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 8.7–9.0 L/100 km | 9.8–10.2 L/100 km | 7.1–7.6 L/100 km |
| 2022 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 7-speed automated manual · Four-wheel drive | 9.8–10.2 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km | 7.8–8.4 L/100 km |
| 2016–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · Front-wheel drive | 8.4 L/100 km | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km |
| 2013–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 9.0–10.2 L/100 km | 10.7–11.8 L/100 km | 7.4–8.1 L/100 km |
| 2012–2018 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 7.8–11.2 L/100 km | 9.4–13.1 L/100 km | 6.2–8.7 L/100 km |
| 2012–2015 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive | 8.4 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km |
| 2009–2011 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km |
| 2010–2011 | 3.2 L, 6 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive | 9.8–10.7 L/100 km | 11.2–13.1 L/100 km | 7.8–8.4 L/100 km |
| 2010–2011 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 12.4–13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 9.8–10.2 L/100 km |
| 2006–2009 | 3.1 L, 6 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km |
| +10 more configurations |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1984 cm³ | 195 kW (265 PS) | 1780–1845 kg | 171–187 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2021, 2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1984 cm³ | 185 kW (252 PS) | 2085–2225 kg | 36–58 g/km (WLTP) | 50–94 km · 158–189 Wh/km |
| 2021–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1984 cm³ | 195 kW (265 PS) | 2085–2150 kg | 28–35 g/km (WLTP) | 62–84 km · 188–210 Wh/km |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 1968 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1715–1785 kg | 137–149 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 1968 cm³ | 150 kW (204 PS) | 1720–1845 kg | 145–161 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2021–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2967 cm³ | 180 kW (245 PS) | 1910–2020 kg | 170–181 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2967 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 1900–2020 kg | 176–196 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2018–2021, 2023–2024 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 150 kW (204 PS) | 1720–1845 kg | 146–163 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2014, 2019, 2021 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1650–1785 kg | 138–146 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2018–2019, 2021 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 1900–1965 kg | 186–197 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2021 | Diesel hybrid | 2967 cm³ | 170 kW (231 PS) | 1900–2020 kg | 185–196 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2018–2020 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 170 kW (231 PS) | 1900–1965 kg | 185–195 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2014–2019 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 200 kW (272 PS) | 1845–1970 kg | 135–149 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2015–2018 | Petrol | 1798 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1645–1710 kg | 133–142 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2015–2018 | Petrol | 1984 cm³ | 185 kW (252 PS) | 1670–1800 kg | 36–158 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2018 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1650–1800 kg | 114–139 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2015–2018 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1735–1800 kg | 110–118 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2014–2018 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1735–1885 kg | 112–210 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2014–2018 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 160 kW (218 PS) | 1835–1965 kg | 195–236 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2014–2018 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 235 kW (320 PS) | 1955–2030 kg | 164–172 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2015–2018 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 240 kW (326 PS) | 1940–2005 kg | 164–169 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2015 | Petrol | 1984 cm³ | 132 kW (179 PS) | 1615–1705 kg | 149–154 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2015 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 150 kW (204 PS) | 1720–1930 kg | 136–159 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2014 | Diesel | 1968 cm³ | 130 kW (177 PS) | 1650–1725 kg | 129–135 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2014 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 180 kW (245 PS) | 1795–1930 kg | 168–180 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| + 2 more configurations |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Midsize estate, Midsize car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2026 |
| Powertrains | Mild hybrid, Petrol, Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 2.0–4.2 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6, 8 |
| Transmission types | Automated manual, Automatic, CVT, Manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Front-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Diesel |
| Configurations listed | 101 |
| Forced induction | Turbo- and supercharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 368–1,019 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,747–2,860 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol plug-in hybrid, Diesel, Diesel hybrid |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,968–2,967 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 130–240 kW (177–326 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,650–2,150 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,857–2,933 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 256 | 2000, 2019, 2020 |
| Airbags | 223 | 2006, 2008, 2013 |
| Engine and cooling | 194 | 2000, 2002, 2019 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 134 | 2000, 2001, 2003 |
| Brakes | 92 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 89 | 2001, 2002, 2019 |
| Steering | 67 | 2000, 2014, 2019 |
| Tyres | 51 | 2000, 2001, 2003 |
| Lights | 31 | 2000, 2001, 2008 |
| Speed control and cruise | 31 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2004, 2006, 2008–2021, 2023: 1070 complaints, 38 with a crash and 34 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.
Recalls
Audi A6 recall: Air Bags:side/windowAudi A6 recall: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator ModuleAudi A6 recall: Electrical System:starter AssemblyAudi A6 recall: Electrical SystemAudi A6 recall: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator ModuleAudi A6 recall: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module