DecodedCars2016 Audi A6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan Tdi Quattro
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 252–333 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 25 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,957–4,178 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Audi A6 is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,957 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (25 city / 38 highway), 15% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 A6 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 A6 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 A6 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 3,957 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,101 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan Tdi Quattro | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,178 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 quattro Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 38 / 30 | +15% | $3,200 | 343 |
| A6 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +7% | $2,950 | 315 |
| A6 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 25 | -5% | $3,300 | 343 |
| A6 quattro | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | -8% | $3,400 | 375 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Audi A6.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A6 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Dec 5, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V862000 · 845 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 Sedans and 2015 Audi A7 vehicles. The auxiliary heater electrical connector on these vehicles may have been incorrectly inserted into the auxiliary heater, possibly resulting in increased electrical resistance.
- Risk
- The extra resistance can cause the connector to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the auxiliary heater connector, replacing the auxiliary heater and connector, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 82C1.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · 139,249 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2016 Audi A6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Audi A6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 26,205 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Audi A6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A6 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 A6 | 24 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 4 |
| 2021 A6 | 26 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 27 |
| 2020 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 34 |
| 2019 A6 | 27 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 114 |
| 2018 A6 | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 11 |
| 2017 A6 | 28 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2015 A6 | 29 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 22 |
| 2014 A6 | 29 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →