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31 May 2024 Audi A6: automatic gearbox problems, other common faults, and solutions
Having troubles with your Audi A6? Check out our latest guide to learn how to spot the most common faults and find the best solution.
Audi A6: common problems and solutions
Excessive engine oil consumption
While the model is popular for its high performance and reliability, one common complaint is that it gets through engine oil pretty quickly. Oil thirsty engines require regular top ups to prevent more serious issues and damage further down the line.
If your car has a dipstick, you can use it to ensure that the oil level is way above the minimum mark in the tank. Make sure to get the correct type of engine oil for your Audi A6 as specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good.
Automatic gearbox problems
The automatic, CVT and multitronic gearboxes have been known to have some software issues. The most common symptom is an Audi transmission that hesitates or feels “clunky” while driving. If this happens to you, you may need to take the vehicle to a local dealer to get it reprogrammed.
-36%
Article number: 116 050 0029/HD
compared to
RRP
£ 472,20
£ 301,00
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
DELPHI EGR valve
with EGR cooler, High Pressure Side
Article number: EG10584-12B1
£ 196,96
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VAG Engine oil
0W-30, 1l
Article number: GS55545M2
£ 11,37
£ 11,37 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VAG Engine oil
5W-40, 5l
Article number: GS55502M4
£ 38,59
£ 7,72 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: GS60577M2
£ 16,33
£ 16,33 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Digital display faults
Users frequently report issues with the infotainment system’s display, such as a faded display or dim lighting, or lines distorting the screen. Earlier versions of the model are typically more likely to encounter these faults. In some cases, the easiest thing to do is to replace the unit.
Brake problems
Models manufactured before 2016 are more likely to experience certain braking problems. For example, there have been frequent reports of the brakes vibrating or shaking excessively when braking at high speeds. This could mean that the brake discs are warped or that your Audi A6 needs new brake pads as the pad material can wear away and start to accumulate on the surface of the discs.
The manufacturer also identified a brake servo issue on A6s made between 1 January 2012 to 27 August 2014. The servo diaphragm could rupture, reducing the braking performance.
Rear light LED problems
The Audi A6 tail lights are a well-known weak point on these vehicles. Drivers often report that they receive bulb warning notifications or the lights start to dim despite recently installing new bulbs. One possible solution is to disconnect the lights and clean the electrical connectors with an electrical contact cleaner before reconnecting. You can find the best deals on car cleaning products and other Audi A6 accessories and spare parts online.
BOSCH Bulb
12V 10W
Article number: 1 987 301 014
£ 1,98
Price per set of 2 pieces
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-54%
Article number: 110 713
compared to
RRP
£ 8,39
£ 3,82
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-14%
Article number: 100401
compared to
RRP
£ 17,99
£ 15,36
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Injector
Direct Injection
Article number: 0 261 500 01A
£ 69,35
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-72%
Article number: SP8980
compared to
RRP
£ 28,32
£ 7,78
(Price per set)
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Fuel gauge problems
One of Audi’s most recent recalls was issued due to inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Over 150,000 vehicles were affected, including the A6 Sedan and A6 Allroad cars made between April 2018 and May 2021. The reported reason for the fault was that, due to the small distance between the fuel level sensor and the tank vent pipe, the sensor was getting stuck, preventing it from detecting the fuel level correctly.
This issue should have been resolved as the manufacturer has contacted car owners to inform them, however, if you are unsure about your own car, you can check with your local Audi dealer.
Other possible causes of a faulty fuel gauge include a blown fuse, disconnected or damaged wires, a jammed fuel gauge sending lever, and damage to the gauge sensor itself. You may notice that the low fuel warning light comes on or the readings are low despite topping up with fuel or having a full tank, or high although there is less fuel.
Suspension problems
Although the suspension is generally very reliable, the components can become worn or loose over time. The tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links should be regularly inspected for signs of wear, excessive play, or cracking.
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