Audi A6 (C7) common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Audi A6 (C7) is known for (2012–2017), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Audi A6 (C7)
Coolant pump fault and fire risk
Safety risk
2011–2017 · 2.0 TFSI petrol, vehicles fitted with an additional (after-run) electric coolant pump · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Ask for proof the coolant pump recall was done, and check the EPC warning light goes out after starting.
Why it matters: Recalled in Australia twice - PRA 2017/16068 (May 2017, debris blocking the additional coolant pump) and PRA 2018/16842 (June 2018, campaign 19N3, moisture ingress) - and in the US as NHTSA 18V229 / Audi 19N4, because an overheating or short-circuiting coolant pump can start an engine-bay fire. An unrepaired car is a fire and liability exposure, not just a repair.
What to look for: Smell and look along the fuel hose to the engine-mounted pump for cracks, weeping or a washed-clean patch.
Why it matters: US recall NHTSA 16V646: the affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel - a fire hazard. No equivalent Australian recall is listed for the C7 A6, so this is a US campaign: check the VIN with Audi rather than assuming a local register entry.
What to look for: Ask if the turbo oil strainer recall was done, and on the drive watch for power loss, turbo whistle or blue smoke.
Why it matters: Australian recall campaign 21H7 (August 2022, REC-005488): a manufacturing issue can clog the oil strainer feeding the turbochargers and affect engine operation, causing a loss of power while driving - the register entry records an increased risk of a collision, not merely a repair bill. A starved turbo is also a turbo-replacement cost and can send debris through the engine.
2012–2017 · 2.0 TFSI EA888 gen 3 · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Check the oil level, look for blue smoke at cold start, and ask if the pistons have been replaced.
Why it matters: A US class action (Gonzalez v. Volkswagen Group of America, D.N.J. 1:21-cv-15026, filed 9 Aug 2021) alleges that piston rings in these engines fail to seat and can fracture; a settlement reached preliminary approval and a claims site went live in 2024, covering 75% of repair cost for 9 yr / 90,000 mi in the United States.
What to look for: Smell the vents for hot plastic in the first minute on full heat, and ask if the heater recall was done.
Why it matters: Australian recalls PRA 2018/16956 (80C5) and PRA 2019/17547 (82C1): the electric auxiliary heater element can overheat at its connectors, causing smoulder damage or fire behind the dash.
Got a question about a Audi A6 (C7)? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.