2021 Audi A6 Quattro

The 2021 Audi A6 Quattro is a luxury mid-size sedan that offers a blend of performance, technology, and comfort. The model is well-regarded for its refined interior, smooth ride, and advanced tech features. Common praises include the quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and user-friendly infotainment system. Criticisms often involve the high price point and the complexity of some of the technology features. The 2021 Audi A6 Quattro comes with several engine options, but we will focus on the most commonly equipped 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. This engine produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines include a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Coolant Leaks from Thermostat Housing
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing area. Low coolant level warning may appear. Overheating may occur if the leak is severe.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing and gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, especially when shifting from a stop. Jerky or rough shifts between gears.
  • Solution: Possible software update for the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, clutch replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) / $2,000 - $4,000+ (Clutch Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly. Air compressor runs constantly or not at all. Ride quality is poor. “Suspension Fault” warning on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the air suspension system to identify the faulty component (air spring, compressor, valve block, or height sensor). Replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MMI (Multi Media Interface) system freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive. Navigation, audio, and other functions may be affected.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. Check for available software updates for the MMI system. In severe cases, the MMI unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (System Reset) / $100 (Software Update) / $1,000 - $2,000+ (MMI Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors give false warnings or fail to detect objects. Blind spot monitoring system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor that is failing. Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially if the car sits for a few days. The vehicle may not start.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drain. Have the battery tested. Inspect the charging system. Replace the battery or faulty component causing the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ (Battery Replacement) / $100+ (Diagnose Drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED headlights flicker, dim, or fail completely.
  • Solution: Diagnose the headlight module or the LED unit itself. Replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof will not open or close properly. Makes grinding noises when operating. May leak when closed.
  • Solution: Inspect and lubricate sunroof tracks and mechanism. Replace any broken or worn parts. Reseal if leaking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the problem.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Audi A6 Quattro, while a luxurious and well-regarded vehicle, does have a few common problem areas. Engine coolant leaks and transmission shifting issues are the most prominent. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and sensors are also relatively common. Suspension issues, mainly air suspension problems, are mostly only applicable to models equipped with that option. While the issues are not necessarily catastrophic, they can be expensive to repair due to the car’s sophisticated components and systems. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and have the vehicle inspected before purchase.