DecodedCars2018 Audi A6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 252–340 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,957–4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 44 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi A6 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-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 28 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 3% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 A6 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 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 |
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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +3% | $2,950 | 311 |
| A6 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | -4% | $3,150 | 347 |
| A6 quattro | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi A6 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
| 2018 Audi A6 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi A6 (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
Recalls (2)
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.
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 2018 Audi A6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi A6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 11,800 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 A6 | 28 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2016 A6 | 30 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
| 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 →