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Audi A6 C7 problems (2011–2018)

We have documented 3 engines and 2 gearboxes for the Audi A6 C7; the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Audi A6 C7 has one brake servo recall (built in 2012) and, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, weak points in air suspension, wheel bearings and air conditioning; owner testimonies add minor electrical faults. The sample from fiches-auto.fr is small (105 testimonies).[2][3][4]

Audi A6 C7 (2011–2018)
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.1out of 10

Audi A6 C7 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 24 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.3From 4.8 to 7.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox6.7Manual: no faults · Multitronic: 3.6 · ZF 8HP: 6.4
  • Suspension8.23 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.01 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering9.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.3 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system9.31 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control9.61 fault
  • Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 40 of 95 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Audi A6 C7

  1. 1Critical severity: Wear of the variator chain and conesMultitronic gearbox
  2. 2High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp modeMultitronic gearbox
  3. 3High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)3.0 TDI V6 engine
  5. 5Critical severity: Brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign)Brakes

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

1 recall or campaign documented, the latest: Brake servo: oil entering through the vacuum hoses (Audi A6 C7, 2012). See the campaigns for the Audi A6 C7

37 sourcesHow we work

Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)

In the A6 C7
2011–2014[5]
Name
multitronic
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)2007–2014 · 0AW

    With caution

    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.[6]

Faults that affect the A6 C7

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

A6 C7 Multitronic gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the Multitronic

VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel

In the A6 C7
2010–2018[7][8]
Names
3.0 TDI quattro · BiTDI competition
Faults that affect it
5 · 4 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
52
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A6 C7

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. 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.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingCamshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)On the EA897 evo engines from 2014 to early 2017 (mainly CRT, also CZV) the camshafts can break because of a material or design defect, according to the guides. Audi lists it in bulletin TPI 2043172 and the problem was considered under control from February 2017.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0

A6 C7 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol

In the A6 C7
2011–2017[3][16][17][18][19]
Names
3.0 TFSI 300 CV · 3.0 TFSI 310 CV · 3.0 TFSI 333 CV
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
36
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A6 C7

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

A6 C7 Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

ZF 8HP (caja automática de convertidor de par, 8 velocidades)

In the A6 C7
2011–2018[2]
Names
A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic · A6 3.0 TDI 272 quattro tiptronic
Faults that affect it
3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
36
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1st generation (2008-2013)2008–2013 · 8HP45, 8HP55, 8HP65, 8HP70, 8HP90

    With caution

    Cars with this first generation are now around 13-18 years old in 2026; on the BMW 5 Series (F10) there are documented cases of failed mechatronics and of being unable to engage reverse after 120,000-130,000 km, so it is worth checking the gearbox's service history before buying.[23]

  • 2nd generation (2014-2017)2014–2017 · 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 845RE

    Buy

    It is the most widespread version and the one with the most known mileage: in the analyses of several models (BMW X3, BMW X5, Audi A6) gearbox faults are a minority of the total accounts, although occasional jerking is still documented and, less often, mechatronic faults or leaks. It is worth checking the history, but there is no systemic defect that argues against buying.[2][24][25]

Faults that affect the A6 C7

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Yes, although in a minority of cases: there are documented ZF 8HP mechatronic failures on BMW after 120,000-130,000 km, costing €1,400 to €3,500, and also control unit or electronic selector faults on Audi and Land Rover.Repair: €1,400–€3,500
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogrammingYes: on BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo there are accounts of jerking, hesitation or harsh shifts with the ZF 8HP. It is usually due to ageing oil or the calibration of the mechatronics, and the dealer often fixes it -not always first time- by reprogramming the gearbox control unit.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sumpYes: on the BMW 1 Series and the Jaguar F-Pace there are accounts of oil leaks from the ZF 8HP gearbox gaskets, in one case already at 40,000 km. If it is not repaired soon, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to the jerking or mechatronic failure of the related faults.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000

A6 C7 ZF 8HP gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the ZF 8HP

2.0 TDI

Safest option

Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel

In the A6 C7
2011–2018[26]
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
23
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA

    Buy

    Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[1]

Faults that affect the A6 C7

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
  2. Low severityFrequency: RareTurboHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.

A6 C7 2.0 TDI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

Faults of the Audi A6 C7 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A6 C7

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,463 inspections of 900 cars registered between 2012 and 2017, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.9%.

    Fewer defects than average
  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.2%.

    Fewer defects than average
  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    Fewer defects than average
  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 8.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16%.

    Fewer defects than average
  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Average
  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 2.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.8%.

    More defects than average
  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 1.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.3%.

    Average
  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.1%.

    Fewer defects than average
  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 18.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi A6 C7

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Multitronic gearbox (2011–2014)

If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (2010–2018)

If it has the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (2011–2017)

If it has the ZF 8HP gearbox (2011–2018)

If it has the 2.0 TDI (2011–2018)

Wear parts for the Audi A6 C7

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi A6 C7?

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Own a Audi A6 C7? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A6 C7 reliable?

We have documented 3 engines and 2 gearboxes for the Audi A6 C7; the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Audi A6 C7 has one brake servo recall (built in 2012) and, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, weak points in air suspension, wheel bearings and air conditioning; owner testimonies add minor electrical faults. The sample from fiches-auto.fr is small (105 testimonies).

Which Audi A6 C7 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines and 2 gearboxes we have documented, the safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «Buy» verdict. Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[1]

What problems does the Audi A6 C7 have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Audi A6 C7 has one brake servo recall (built in 2012) and, according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, weak points in air suspension, wheel bearings and air conditioning; owner testimonies add minor electrical faults. The sample from fiches-auto.fr is small (105 testimonies). The most important documented faults are: brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign) (brakes, critical severity), premature wheel bearing wear (suspension, medium severity), rear air suspension leaks and compressor failure (suspension, medium severity) and ball joints, steering track rod ends and brake lines flagged in TÜV inspections (suspension, medium severity).[2][3][4]

What faults does the Audi A6 C7 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV) (3.0 TDI V6, critical severity) and timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi A6 C7?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2018 (7.0/10); the worst rated is 2012 (6.2/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Audi A6 C7 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented one campaign for the Audi A6 C7, such as brake servo: oil entering through the vacuum hoses (Audi A6 C7, 2012) (2014). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[3][4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Tous les problèmes sur Audi A6 2011-2018 (105 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  3. Audi A6 C7 (4G): Probleme, Rückrufe und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 1 August 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  4. Recall: Audi A6 (2012) accident, brakescar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 18 September 2014 · consulted 29 October 2026
  5. Audi A6Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  8. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  9. VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  10. 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  11. Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  12. Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  14. Informationen zu den Audi Nockenwellen Problemen am 3.0 TDI (CRT & CZV) Motor im A4, A5, A6, A7 sowie dem Q5 & Q7CarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  15. Verdacht auf Abschalteinrichtung bei Audi A6 und A7heise autos · Motoring press · published 8 May 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  16. Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI 333 CV quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2014-2017)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2012-2014)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2011-2012)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  20. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2015/031 y R/2019/099)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  21. Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  22. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  23. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2010-2016), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  24. Fiabilité BMW X3 (2010-2017), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  25. Fiabilité BMW X5 (2013-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  26. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  27. Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  28. VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  29. Common Problems of Audi A6 C7 3.0 TFSI: A Comprehensive GuideEuro Auto Pro (blog de taller, Australia) · Other source · published 6 October 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  30. Fuel rail fault prompts Audi recallGoAuto · Motoring press · published 30 January 2015 · consulted 9 October 2026
  31. Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  32. Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  33. Fiabilité Jaguar XE, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  34. Fiabilité Alfa Romeo Giulia, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  35. Fiabilité Jaguar F-Pace, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  36. Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  37. Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German