AUDI A6 · model year

2018 AUDI A6

12 NHTSA complaints, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018AUDIA6 carries 12 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 A6 is engine with 7 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (3) and power train (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2018 A6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

12
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 AUDI A6 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 AUDI A6. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

12 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
POWER TRAIN1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1

Recalls (2)

19V03500016/01/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

18V37000004/06/2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ

Recent Complaints

20240327ENGINE

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, within a time and mileage period where a consumer should not expect these issues.

20231229ENGINE

The main water pump failed earlier than expected at 48000miles. Dealer mentioned that water pump should not fail so early

20231208ENGINE

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 11/19/23, 2 weeks days prior to taking into the dealership. I had the oil changed at a non-Audi supplier); I informed service technician coolant warning light was on and service tech informed me vehicle was low on coolant. He replaced oil and topped off coolant on 11/19. Service light was no longer on; 2 weeks after the light came on again so i reported to Audi on 12/1/23 for repairs. Audi confirmed lose of containment of coolant.

20231017ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Audi A6. The contact stated that the EPC and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of an unstated recall. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed about a buyback, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

20231017FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The EPC light came on in my vehicle and I noticed I started to lose gas faster than normal. Took it to a shop to get diagnosed, they stated that my vehicle was under a recall (Recall #24DP). I called Audi and they said I do not fall under the warranty even though the website said 2016-2018 Audi A6 were under recall. They would not provide any help for me. My vehicle is showing all the signs of the recall. Sometimes the car will accelerate too fast and it is a risk for not only other drivers but me as well. It is just ironic that the same same problem for that recall is happening to my vehicle.

20230630ENGINE

2018 Audi A6 3.0T, VIN [XXX] At 38,637 miles, Audi dealership diagnosed that vehicle requires water pump replacement due to water pump failure, causing vehicle to leak coolant. The vehicle has previously displayed a low coolant warning light prior to water pump failure diagnosis. My research has found that in October 2022, a class action suit was filed for over water pump defects. See: https://www.classaction.org/news/audi-defective-water-pump-class-action-includes-2021-2022-vehicle-models-with-3.0t-engines The suit looks to cover all persons or entities in the United States who are current or former owners and/or lessees of a 2013-2022 Audi S4, Q5, S5, SQ5, A6, A7, Q7 and A8 vehicles with a 3.0T engine. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

20220214UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at 60mph on the freeway, the glass sunroof on my 2018 Audi A6 randomly exploded/shattered. Glass shards flew into the cabin. There was no apparent “rock” or outside influence on the glass to cause it to shatter. The remaining glass remnants on the sunroof were angled up as if to suggest an explosion.

20201102ENGINE

AT SLOW SPEED AND PARTICULARLY WHEN STARTING FROM STATIONARY, SUCH AS STOPPED TO WAIT TO TURN LEFT, THE CAR STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS, SUGGESTING THAT IT ISN'T GETTING FUEL. ONCE MOVING, THE CAR RUNS FINE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE AUDI DEALER TWICE. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. THE CAR ONLY HAS 14,800 MILES ON IT. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH, 2020.

Mileage: 11,800

20201102FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AT SLOW SPEED AND PARTICULARLY WHEN STARTING FROM STATIONARY, SUCH AS STOPPED TO WAIT TO TURN LEFT, THE CAR STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS, SUGGESTING THAT IT ISN'T GETTING FUEL. ONCE MOVING, THE CAR RUNS FINE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE AUDI DEALER TWICE. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. THE CAR ONLY HAS 14,800 MILES ON IT. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH, 2020.

Mileage: 11,800

20200325ENGINE

WHEN MAKING A U-TURN AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN PORTION THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE. IT IS AS IF THE VEHICLE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. THE FAILURE IS FOR A SHORT TIME BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE AGAIN ACCELERATES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. DISCUSSED WITH DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IS "THE NATURE OF THE CAR" AND THE SERVICE TECH SAID IT USUALLY HAPPENED TO HIM WHEN TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND HE WOULD "FLOOR IT" AND THE CAR WOULD JUMP.

Mileage: 8,000

20200325FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN MAKING A U-TURN AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN PORTION THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE. IT IS AS IF THE VEHICLE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. THE FAILURE IS FOR A SHORT TIME BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE AGAIN ACCELERATES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. DISCUSSED WITH DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IS "THE NATURE OF THE CAR" AND THE SERVICE TECH SAID IT USUALLY HAPPENED TO HIM WHEN TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND HE WOULD "FLOOR IT" AND THE CAR WOULD JUMP.

Mileage: 8,000

20200325POWER TRAIN

WHEN MAKING A U-TURN AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN PORTION THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE. IT IS AS IF THE VEHICLE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. THE FAILURE IS FOR A SHORT TIME BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE AGAIN ACCELERATES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. DISCUSSED WITH DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IS "THE NATURE OF THE CAR" AND THE SERVICE TECH SAID IT USUALLY HAPPENED TO HIM WHEN TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND HE WOULD "FLOOR IT" AND THE CAR WOULD JUMP.

Mileage: 8,000

Compare 2018AUDIA6 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 AUDI A6 have?
The 2018 AUDI A6 has 12 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 AUDI A6?
The 2018 AUDI A6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 AUDI A6?
Yes, the 2018 AUDI A6 has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 AUDI A6?
The most-complained component for the 2018 AUDI A6 is ENGINE with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2018 AUDI A6 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 AUDI A6 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.