2018 Audi A6Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi A6, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-370 the manufacturer reports only 85% of affected cars repaired.

2018 Audi A6

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 12, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2018 Audi A6 has problems

11 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine70
Fuel/propulsion system41
Air bags10
Electrical system11
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2018 Audi A6 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

92%repaired · 2020 Q2

Fuel injection system: fuel rail

Recall 19V-035 · Jan 16, 2019 · 74,881 vehicles · 68,748 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

85%repaired · 2020 Q1

Sensor: occupant classification

Recall 18V-370 · Jun 4, 2018 · 139,249 vehicles · 117,762 repaired

Risk. If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2018 vs. every other A6 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A6 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2018 Audi A6 safety ratings

2018 Audi A6 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2018 Audi A6 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2018 Audi A6 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2018 Audi A6 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 5 stars (9.0% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What A6 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

2018 Audi A6 3.0T diagnosed a coolant leak due to water pump failure at less than 43k miles on March 27, 2024. In July 2023 (at less than 39k miles), the vehicle's thermostat was replaced due to a coolant leak. These are substantial failures in terms of risk to engine damage and cost to consumer,…
Complaint 11579713 · Mar 27, 2024
The main water pump failed earlier than expected at 48000miles. Dealer mentioned that water pump should not fail so early
Complaint 11562566 · Dec 29, 2023
Coolant leak, warning light signified an issue with the cooling system. Took vehicle to Audi dealership service department; they confirmed there is a big coolant leak with the coolant pump and thermostat. Vehicle inspected by Audi Sewell dealership for repairs. Symptoms appeared approximately…
Complaint 11559166 · Dec 8, 2023

Own a 2018 A6?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.