VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi A6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2018 Audi A6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other A6 years?

A6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted276 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 22 complaints1996: 71 complaints1997: 26 complaints1998: 158 complaints1999: 276 complaints2000: 201 complaints2001: 148 complaints2002: 113 complaints2003: 85 complaints2004: 44 complaints2005: 119 complaints2006: 83 complaints2007: 63 complaints2008: 78 complaints2009: 22 complaints2010: 24 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 86 complaints2013: 79 complaints2014: 47 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 77 complaints2017: 24 complaints2018: 16 complaints2019: 193 complaints2020: 39 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 10 complaints2026: 11 complaints
A6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi A6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine744%
Fuel System425%
Other213%
Airbags16%
Electrical System16%
Transmission16%

Does the 2018 Audi A6 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

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 Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 6, 2020

“February 27, at approximately 1:20am my vehicle caught fire while parked in the driveway after sitting for about 9 hours. The fire originated near the gas tank. The fire department was called, there is a fire report being conducted. Audi was notified.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 27, 2026 · fire

“February 27, at approximately 1:20am my vehicle caught fire while parked in the driveway after sitting for about 9 hours. The fire originated near the gas tank. The fire department was called, there is a fire report being conducted. Audi was notified.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 27, 2026 · fire

“February 27, at approximately 1:20am my vehicle caught fire while parked in the driveway after sitting for about 9 hours. The fire originated near the gas tank. The fire department was called, there is a fire report being conducted. Audi was notified.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 27, 2026 · fire

“Audi is unable to correct the recall repairs despite several attempts by us to schedule. Advised parts are no longer available and were not available during 2 previous attempts to repair.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 12, 2026

2018 Audi A6 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi A6 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 A6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi A6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Audi A6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A6 years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2002, 2012, 2003, 2006, 2013, 2008, 2016, 1996. The cleanest record among A6 years belongs to 2024.

How safe is the 2018 Audi A6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Audi A6 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.