GradeAudi A6 Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Audi A6
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Audi A6 earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 28th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 483 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Audi A6 reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2017
Years to avoid: 2019 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2021 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
How long does the Audi A6 last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Audi A6 vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Audi A6?
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Rate your A6Audi A6 reliability FAQ
Is the Audi A6 reliable?
Average reliability. The Audi A6 earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 28th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 483 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Audi A6 last?
We estimate a well-maintained Audi A6 lasts around 175,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Audi A6?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Audi A6 model years are 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2017.
What Audi A6 years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Audi A6 years to be most careful with are 2019 and 2021. The 2019 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2021 grades a D overall (engine C, transmission C-), and its most common complaint is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Audi A6 transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A6 transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Audi A6 engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A6 engine a C- (below-average reliability).