Audi A6 C7 (2011-2018): known problems and buying guide

Built
2014–2018
Median price
€17,490
Listings
2,907
Running cost per month
€485–€714
Power
190–326 PS (140–240 kW)
Reliability
2/5
DIY
1/5

A roomy premium saloon with costly engine and gearbox risks, so check the 3.0 TDI camshafts, chains and gearbox history first.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
3.0 TDI, 272 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€596€17,880758Diesel CRTAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2018
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€485€15,950607Diesel DDDAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2018
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€533€15,950607Diesel DDDAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2015–2018
3.0 TDI, 218 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€528€15,500554Diesel CZVAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2017
3.0 TDI, 218 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€557€15,500554Diesel CZVAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2018
3.0 TDI, 320 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive €670€18,950285Diesel CVUAutomatic (8)2014–2018
3.0 TDI, 326 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive €714€21,990281Diesel CVUAutomatic (8)2014–2018
3.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€561€15,500223Diesel CZVAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2015–2018
2.0 TFSI, 252 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€525€20,00070Petrol CYPAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2016
2.0 TFSI, 252 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€557€20,00070Petrol CYPAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2015–2018
1.8 TFSI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€505€18,60061Petrol CYGAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2018
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 6-speed manual Research€492€14,50052Diesel DDDManual (6)2014–2018

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN): ask for oil top-up records and proof of ring work on early 2012-2014 cars.
  8. 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.
  9. Recalls: ask a dealer to check open campaigns by VIN.

Running costs

Operational€191
Workshop€176
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€206
Total per month€573
New-car depreciation (not included)€115

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.

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
2,907
25th percentile
€14,499
Median price
€17,490
75th percentile
€20,260
Median mileage
181,927 km
Median first registration
2016
Dealer share
44.9%
Price at 100,000 km
€23,360

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.

Full guide with details