2011 Audi A6 problems
The 2011 Audi A6 was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the ZF 6HP gearbox, the 2.0 TDI and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versions.
2011 Audi A6 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 20 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.3From 5.2 to 6.9 depending on the engine
- Gearbox6.0Manual: no faults · Multitronic: 3.3 · ZF 6HP: 4.6
- Suspension7.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2010 Audi A6
- No longer affected by: worn intake flaps (swirl) and intake manifold (3.0 TDI V6) and oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI (2.0 TDI)
- Starts to be affected by: fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6)
Multitronic gearbox in the 2011 Audi A6
Names: multitronic
- With caution
Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)
· 0AW
It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[2]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
- High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.
3.0 TDI V6 engine in the 2011 Audi A6
Names: 3.0 TDI quattro
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 1, Euro 5 (CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB; 2007-2015)
239–245 hp · CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB
It keeps the generation 1 EGR and the weak points in cooling, intake and injectors; it is worth insisting on a history and a control unit scan.[3][4][5]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlFaulty EGR valve and EGR coolerOn the first-generation EA896 engines the EGR valve and cooler often fail: Audi talks about around 15% of units compared with 1-2 in every 1,000 in the second generation (a figure cited by Wikipedia). The cooler clogs with soot and can lose coolant.
ZF 6HP gearbox in the 2011 Audi A6
Names: A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic · A6 3.2 FSI quattro tiptronic
- With caution
2nd generation (6HP21/28/32, 2007-2014)
· 6HP21, 6HP28, 6HP28X, 6HP32, 6HP32A
The 2007 revision did not eliminate the family's weak points: jerking and mechatronic faults are still documented on cars with this version, and Jaguar ended up replacing the 6HP with the ZF 8HP on the XF as early as 2012. It is still worth checking the gearbox service history before buying.[8][9][10]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxYes, and it can be serious: there are documented failures of the ZF 6HP valve body or mechatronic unit on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models from around 90,000-100,000 km, with cases that go as far as preventing a gear from engaging (including reverse) and dealer quotes of €6,000 to €10,000.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oilYes: on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models with the ZF 6HP there are reports of jerking, hesitation and harsh shifts from 80,000-150,000 km, especially if the gearbox oil has never been changed. The converter locks up in all six gears to save fuel, which speeds up its wear over the years.Repair (garage): €150–€400Appears at around 80,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the sump or the gearbox sealsYes, although in a minority of cases: there are reports of ZF 6HP gearbox oil leaks on the BMW X5 (at 180,000 km) and the Audi A6 (between 204,000 and 208,000 km). If not repaired, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to valve body or mechatronic failure.Repair (garage): €300–€600Appears at around 180,000 km
2.0 TDI engine in the 2011 Audi A6
Names: 2.0 TDI 140
- With caution
2.0 TDI pumpe-düse unit injector (EA188, 2003-2010)
136–170 hp · AZV, BKD, BLB, BRE, BKP, BMN, BMR, BMA, BMM
Caradisiac points to numerous cases of a weak oil pump on the 140 hp 2.0 TDI, and MotorReviewer attributes to a defect in the pump shaft failures that start with the turbo. Check the oil pressure and the history.[11][13]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine in the 2011 Audi A6
Names: 3.0 TFSI quattro 290 CV
- With caution
3.0 TFSI 290 hp supercharged (CAJA, CGWA; 2008-2013)
290 hp · CAJA, CGWA
The guides do not report serious faults specific to this version, but at 12-18 years old it is worth checking the thermostat and water pump history and listening to the chain on a cold start, which are the points cited for this V6.[16][17][18]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.
Faults outside the engine in the 2011 Audi A6
- High severityFrequency: CommonGearbox and clutchWear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsYes: on front-wheel-drive versions with the Multitronic (CVT) gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents jerking when pulling away that can progress to complete failure, especially on older cars; fiches-auto.fr adds selector lock-ups and torque converter breakages. The quattro versions, with the Tiptronic gearbox, do not share this problem.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyTakata recall: the front airbag can fragment in a crash (campaign 69EQ)Yes: campaign 69EQ covers A6, S6, A6 allroad quattro and RS6 models built between 23 February 2004 and 3 August 2011 because the Takata front airbag inflator can degrade with moisture and throw metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where necessary, the replacement are free of charge at the official network.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionFailure of the adaptive air suspension compressor (equipped versions)On cars with the optional adaptive air suspension (standard on the allroad quattro), gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents compressor failures that can make the car settle completely; fiches-auto.fr records a case of the rear air springs being replaced along with the compressor.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLoss of brightness of the xenon headlights over the yearsgebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that the A6 C6's xenon headlights lose brightness over the years, wear that German technical inspections (TÜV) go so far as to flag; fiches-auto.fr documents specific replacements between 75,000 and 198,000 km.Appears at around 75,000 km
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Audi A6 reliable?
The 2011 Audi A6 was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the ZF 6HP gearbox, the 2.0 TDI and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versions.
Is the 2011 Audi A6 better than the 2010?
Our score goes from 5.8 in 2010 to 5.8 in 2011. No longer affected by: worn intake flaps (swirl) and intake manifold (3.0 TDI V6) and oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI (2.0 TDI). Starts to be affected by: fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6).
What is the best year for the Audi A6?
According to our score, the best are 2011, 2010, 2009 and 1 other years with the same score (5.8/10). The year with the worst score is 2004 (5.3/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2011 Audi A6 have?
The most important ones documented for 2011 cars are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic gearbox, critical severity), takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in a crash (campaign 69EQ) (airbags and safety, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic gearbox, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity).
Own a 2011 Audi A6? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Audi A6Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- ZF 6HP transmissionWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Jaguar XFWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité BMW X3 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Audi A8 (2002-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA188Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- VW/Audi 2.0 TDI PD EA188 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability, Oil, InfoMotorReviewer · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Audi 3.0 TFSIAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 27 June 2008 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi EA837: códigos de motor del 3.0 TFSIMyMotorList (base de datos de motores) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi A6 C7 4G 2011-2018 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German