2016 Audi A6 Quattro

The 2016 Audi A6 Quattro is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It’s generally praised for its elegant interior, smooth ride, and available Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Owners often appreciate the car’s refined driving experience and advanced features. However, some common dislikes include higher maintenance costs, potential for electrical issues, and the complexity of the infotainment system. The 2016 A6 Quattro offers several engine options, including a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (252 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque), a 3.0L supercharged V6 (333 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque), and a high-performance 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (450 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque) in the S6 model. The 2016 A6 Quattro’s come equipped with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission depending on the engine type.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Some owners have reported needing to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or less.
  • Solution: Potential causes include worn piston rings or valve seals. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the source. Replacing the affected components is the typical repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ depending on the specific repair and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Supercharged V6

• Supercharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, and potential engine misfires. The supercharger clutch or bearings may fail.
  • Solution: Replacing the supercharger assembly or rebuilding it with new bearings and clutch components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, engine misfires, vacuum leaks, oil leaks and potential check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Applies to most engine options except the 4.0L V8)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, particularly when cold. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and adaptation reset can improve shifting. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $5,000+ (rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (S-Tronic, Applies to the 4.0L V8)

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, inability to shift, warning lights on the dashboard, and potential complete loss of transmission function.
  • Solution: Replacing the Mechatronic unit (the transmission control unit).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, air compressor failure, suspension malfunction warning lights. Air leaks in the air struts or lines.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor, depending on the extent of the repair and the parts used.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation problems.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, the MMI (Multi Media Interface) control unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ (Software Update), $800 - $2,000+ (MMI Unit Replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or after a few days of the vehicle sitting idle, causing starting problems.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve testing various circuits and components to find the culprit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Many sensors can fail, causing issues. Some include Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, wheel speed sensors, and oxygen sensors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise. Water leaks.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism. In some cases, the sunroof motor or entire assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation Screen Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen’s anti-glare coating begins to peel off, causing a cloudy or distorted image.
  • Solution: Replacing the navigation screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, while generally a well-regarded luxury sedan, does have some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly oil consumption in the 2.0L and supercharger/PCV issues in the 3.0L, can be costly to address. Transmission issues, especially with the dual-clutch unit on the S6, are another potential concern. Electrical problems, especially with the infotainment system, are also common. Air suspension issues (if equipped) can add to the maintenance burden. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills. Careful inspection and a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.