2007 Audi A6
The 2007 Audi A6 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, stylish interior, and available Quattro all-wheel drive. Engine options included a 3.2L V6 producing 255 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.2L V8 making 350 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were typically paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the A6 for its sophisticated design, smooth handling, and luxurious features. Common complaints included issues with electrical components, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, and higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury vehicles.
Engine
3.2L V6
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Can lead to severe engine damage if the timing chain jumps.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and potentially the timing chain itself.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- PCV Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leaks, oil consumption, and potential check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the PCV valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
4.2L V8
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loud rattling noise, especially on cold starts. Can be misdiagnosed.
- Solution: Full replacement of timing chains, guides, tensioners, and related components. It’s a labor-intensive process.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil levels. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil cooler seals.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets/seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and potential transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. Sometimes a software update can help, but usually, the valve body is the source of the problem.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor failing to inflate the system, air leaks, suspension fault lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or repair air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,000+ for the compressor
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, and imprecise handling.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn control arms or just the bushings if possible.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, display failures, inability to control audio or navigation.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific issue (software glitch, faulty module, etc.). Software updates may help, but often module replacement is needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the repair
- Recalls: None Found
- Central Convenience Control Module Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Issues with power windows, door locks, interior lighting, alarm system, and other convenience features.
- Solution: Replacement of the central convenience control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not being used. This can happen overnight or over a few days.
- Solution: Find the source of the parasitic draw and repair it. This can involve inspecting and testing various electrical components and circuits.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the complexity of the issue
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Foggy headlight lens, HID bulb failure, headlight motor failure, or the entire headlight assembly stops working.
- Solution: Replacing the bulb, the motor, polishing the lens, or replacing the entire assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the issue
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof is getting stuck, not opening/closing properly, or leaking when closed.
- Solution: Inspect the rails and clean out any debris, or have the sunroof motor and/or entire assembly replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the issue
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Audi A6, while a comfortable and stylish vehicle, can present owners with a variety of issues, particularly related to the engine (especially timing chains on both the V6 and V8), transmission (valve body), electrical systems (MMI), and suspension (air suspension if equipped). The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs. The cost of these repairs can be significant, especially for timing chain replacements or air suspension overhauls. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision, including getting a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Audi vehicles.