Carsieve All versions
| Variant | Running cost per month | Median price | Listings | Fuel | Engine codes | Gearbox | Production years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 TDI, 204 PS, automatic Research | €521 | €9,990 | 578 | Diesel | CLA | CVT-Getriebe | 2011–2014 |
| 3.0 TDI, 204 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research | €540 | €9,990 | 578 | Diesel | CLA | Automatic (dual-clutch) (7) | 2011–2014 |
| 3.0 TDI, 245 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research | €558 | €11,890 | 519 | Diesel | CKV | Automatic (dual-clutch) (7) | 2011–2014 |
| 3.0 TDI, 313 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | €633 | €13,899 | 305 | Diesel | CGQ | Automatic (8) | 2011–2014 |
| 2.0 TDI, 177 PS, automatic Research | €499 | €9,950 | 149 | Diesel | CGL | CVT-Getriebe | 2011–2014 |
| 2.8 FSI, 204 PS, automatic Research | €554 | €10,000 | 75 | Petrol | CHV | CVT-Getriebe | 2011–2014 |
| 2.8 FSI, 204 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research | €573 | €10,000 | 75 | Petrol | CHV | Automatic (dual-clutch) (7) | 2011–2014 |
| 2.0 TDI, 177 PS, 6-speed manual | €495 | €8,900 | 63 | Diesel | CGL | Manual (6) | 2011–2014 |
| 2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research | €491 | €11,999 | 51 | Diesel | DDD | Automatic (dual-clutch) (6) | 2014 |
At a glance
- Years: 2011 to 2018; facelift in 2014. Saloon, Avant and allroad.
- Reliability: 2/5. Camshaft, chain and gearbox faults are costly, and a failed 3.0 TDI camshaft can ruin the engine.
- DIY: 1/5. Chain, gearbox and camshaft jobs need a workshop with a scanner, and the camshaft check needs Audi.
- Prefer: cars with full service and chain or gearbox records.
- Avoid: 3.0 TDI cars without an Audi camshaft check, and pre-2014 Multitronic cars without gearbox records.
Engines and gearboxes
- 2.0 TDI EA189 (CGL), 2011-2014: 136 and 177 PS. Its faults are in the EA189 guide.
- 2.0 TDI EA288 (DDC, DDD), 2013-2018: 136, 150 and 190 PS. See the EA288 guide.
- 2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN), 2011-2014: 180 PS. Oil use is covered under Known issues.
- 2.0 TFSI gen 3 (CYP), facelift: 252 PS. Its faults are in the EA888 guide.
- 2.8 FSI V6 (CHV) and 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (CGW, CRE): chain stretch and cylinder scoring.
- 3.0 TDI V6 (CLA, CKV, CZV, CRT): camshaft, chain and emissions faults.
- 3.0 TDI biturbo (CGQ, CVU) and 4.0 TFSI (CEU, CTG, CWU, S6 and RS6): no separate fault is covered here, except the 4.0 TFSI oil screen recall.
- Multitronic CVT, front-drive, pre-facelift: see Known issues.
- 7-speed S tronic DL501: see Known issues.
Known issues
| Issue | Affects | Typical km | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 TDI camshaft failure | CRT (272 PS) and some CZV (218 PS), built about 2014 to early 2017 | Not stated | 3,500-5,400 EUR for four camshafts (Germany, year not stated) |
| 3.0 TDI timing chain stretch | 3.0 TDI V6 | 150,000-200,000 km | About 2,550-3,000 EUR (Germany; year not stated) |
| Multitronic CVT faults | Front-drive Multitronic, pre-facelift | 150,000 km and up | Control unit about 1,000-1,500 EUR; gearbox 4,200-6,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated) |
| DL501 S tronic mechatronic and clutch faults | 7-speed S tronic DL501 | About 150,000 km | Several thousand GBP for a new unit (UK, year not stated) |
| V6 petrol chain stretch and cylinder scoring | 2.8 FSI (CHV), 3.0 TFSI (CGW, CRE) | 100,000-120,000 km | No confirmed price |
| 3.0 TDI EGR, DPF and swirl flap faults | 3.0 TDI V6 | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| 2.0 TFSI gen 2 oil consumption | 2.0 TFSI CDN, built 2011-2014 | 100,000-120,000 km | No confirmed price |
| Suspension wear and air suspension | All cars; air parts on cars with air suspension | 80,000-160,000 km | No confirmed price |
Before you buy
- 3.0 TDI camshafts: read the engine number from the label on the bank 2 cover and ask Audi to check it by VIN. Listen for ticking on a cold start. Sources give different engine-number ranges, so do not rely on a range. Audi's technical product information is TPI 2043172/19.
- Multitronic: drive from a stop and at 60-100 km/h. Bad: jerks when pulling away, a drone at speed, or a warning lamp. A fault search needs a workshop with special equipment.
- DL501 S tronic: test for jerks when pulling away and on downshifts. Ask for oil records (every 40,000-60,000 km). A scanner should show P189C or P17BF if the fault is stored.
- 3.0 TDI timing chain: listen for a rattle on a cold start. A garage with ODIS (the Audi dealer software) reads the adaptation values. Target below 3 degrees; above +4 means early wear, above +6 means repair.
- V6 petrol: listen for a rattle 2 to 5 seconds after a cold start. Ask for a cylinder endoscopy (a camera inside the bores) and a fault scan for P0016, P0017 and P0018.
- 3.0 TDI emissions parts: ask about short trips and city use, which clog the DPF (diesel particulate filter). A scanner should show no swirl flap codes P2015 or P2008.
- 2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN): ask for oil top-up records and proof of ring work on early 2012-2014 cars.
- Suspension: on a lift, check wheel bearings, bushes and dampers for play and leaks. On air suspension, check ride height; a scanner shows height sensor faults.
- Recalls: ask a dealer to check open campaigns by VIN.
Running costs
| Operational | €199 |
|---|---|
| Workshop | €153 |
| Fixed costs (tax, insurance) | €195 |
| Total per month | €547 |
| New-car depreciation (not included) | €105 |
ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months
Market
Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.
- Listings
- 2,040
- 25th percentile
- €8,990
- Median price
- €11,000
- 75th percentile
- €13,990
- Median mileage
- 230,000 km
- Median first registration
- 2013
- Dealer share
- 32.4%
- Price at 100,000 km
- €16,439
To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.
In detail
3.0 TDI camshaft failure
Symptoms. Ticking or knocking beyond normal diesel noise. Parts can break and destroy the engine.
Cause. A material defect in the camshafts, covered by Audi's technical product information TPI 2043172/19.
Which cars. The CRT (272 PS) most of all, built about 2014 to early 2017. Some CZV (218 PS). Engine-number ranges differ between sources, so check each car by VIN with Audi.
Fix. Replace the camshafts. Some garages change all four, not only the noisy bank. Revised parts are fitted at service.
Cost. Four camshafts 3,500-5,400 EUR (Germany, year not stated). Whole engine 15,000-20,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
Sources: CarWiki, gebrauchtwagenberater.de
3.0 TDI timing chain stretch
Symptoms. A rattle on a cold start and under load changes. A stretched chain can jump and cause major engine damage.
Cause. The chain stretches and the tensioner wears. One garage case found the rear tensioner piston cracked.
Which cars. The 3.0 TDI V6. Reports of stretch and skip start at about 150,000 km.
Fix. Renew the chain drive, with tensioners and guide rails. One garage case renewed both chain drives at 168,000 km, with 22 hours of labour.
Cost. About 2,550 EUR (a 2026 online estimate, including VAT) to about 3,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
Sources: kfz-dietrich.com, FairGarage
V6 petrol chain stretch and cylinder scoring
Symptoms. A rattle 2 to 5 seconds after a cold start on 3.0 TFSI. On 2.8 FSI, a stretched chain can cause misfires.
Cause. The chain stretches and the tensioners and guide rails wear. On the supercharged 3.0, failing catalytic converters can send ceramic dust into the cylinders and score the bores. On the 2.8, leaking injectors can scuff the cylinders.
Which cars. 2.8 FSI (CHV) and 3.0 TFSI (CGW, CRE). Scoring is reported mainly on the 3.0.
Fix. Replace the chain and tensioners. Scoring can need a new engine block.
Cost. No confirmed price.
Sources: favorit-motors.ru, kfz-dietrich.com
DL501 S tronic mechatronic and clutch faults
Symptoms. Jerks when pulling away or on load changes, slipping under load, and an emergency mode with a gearbox warning.
Cause. Worn solenoid valves, drifting pressure sensors, worn clutch packs and overheating mechatronic boards (the gearbox control unit). Fault codes P189C (clutch travel) and P17BF (pressure regulator).
Which cars. 7-speed DL501, quattro and front-drive facelift cars. Reports start at about 150,000 km.
Fix. A board repair kit or new clutch packs, then an oil service with adaptation. A complete gearbox swap is rarely the first step.
Cost. Several thousand GBP for a replacement unit (UK, year not stated). No confirmed repair price.
Sources: kfz-dietrich.com, WhoCanFixMyCar
Multitronic CVT faults
Symptoms. Jerks when pulling away, speed swings under part load, a drone at speed, and a flashing P-R-N-D (gear selector) indicator. In a severe case the car stops.
Cause. Faulty gear position and speed sensors, a worn solenoid valve or multifunction switch, or a worn shift valve housing. Some reports add chain slip on the cones.
Which cars. Front-drive Multitronic, fitted until Audi replaced it with the S tronic in early 2014.
Fix. Shift valves are a cheap repair. A control unit replacement takes three to four hours. A rebuild with a new chain is expensive.
Cost. Control unit about 1,000-1,500 EUR. Complete gearbox with fitting 4,200-6,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
Sources: CarWiki, FairGarage
3.0 TDI EGR, DPF and swirl flap faults
Symptoms. Swirl flaps that stick, with codes P2015 or P2008. A clogged EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation) and DPF problems, most often on cars used for short trips.
Cause. Soot clogs the EGR valve. Swirl flap motors fail. Oil cooler seals harden with mileage and leak.
Which cars. The 3.0 TDI V6. Some reports name only some of these codes.
Fix. Clean or replace the EGR valve, replace the swirl flap motor, and clean or replace the DPF.
Cost. No confirmed price.
Sources: Euro Premium Parts, favorit-motors.ru
2.0 TFSI gen 2 oil consumption
Symptoms. The oil level falls between services. One press report says early cars needed a whole litre after about 300 km.
Cause. Worn piston rings. A garage on other 2.0 TFSI codes found narrow ring dimensions and treats it with new rings and bore honing.
Which cars. 2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN, 180 PS), built 2011-2014. Early 2012-2014 cars are the main risk. Press reports say the oil burning was largely solved from about 2013.
Fix. New piston rings, or rings and bore honing. A garage says the repair pays off below about 200,000 km. Early cars may qualify for warranty work.
Cost. No confirmed price.
Sources: Euro Premium Parts, gebrauchtwagenberater.de
Suspension wear and air suspension
Symptoms. Knocks over bumps, play in the front end, and noise from the wheel bearings. On air-suspended cars, air bags leak and height sensors fail.
Cause. Wheel bearings, dampers, control arms and bushes wear with mileage. On air suspension, the air bags and compressor wear.
Which cars. All cars for the wear parts. Air suspension only on cars fitted with it. Many owners fit conventional springs instead.
Fix. Replace the worn parts. Original air struts last to about 160,000 km. Air suspension repair is expensive.
Typical km. Bearings, dampers and arms at 80,000-160,000 km.
Cost. No confirmed price.
Sources: favorit-motors.ru, gebrauchtwagenberater.de
Recalls
| Country | Code | Years | What is done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (KBA) | 21H7 | Built June 2012 to March 2017 | S6 and RS6 (4.0 TFSI): oil screen with a larger mesh. |
Check every campaign by VIN with a dealer before you buy. Sources: gebrauchtwagenberater.de
Maintenance
- Multitronic oil: about every 60,000 km.
- DL501 S tronic oil: every 40,000 to 60,000 km, with adaptation after the change.
- Supercharged 3.0 TFSI and 2.8 FSI oil: every 7,000 to 8,000 km, to VW 504.00 or 507.00.
Sources
English
- Euro Premium Parts: used Audi A6 and S6 C7 reliability guide
- WhoCanFixMyCar: common problems with the Audi A6
German
- CarWiki: 3.0 TDI camshaft problems
- CarWiki: Audi gearbox problems
- gebrauchtwagenberater.de: Audi 3.0 TDI
- gebrauchtwagenberater.de: A6 C7 known faults
- kfz-dietrich.com: A6 3.0 TDI chain case
- kfz-dietrich.com: typical A6 C7 faults
- kfz-dietrich.com: DL501 mechatronic
- FairGarage: Multitronic problems
- FairGarage: timing chain replacement cost