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Audi · Mid-Size · 2018–2024

Audi A6 C8

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.9 / 5.0 · Based on 18 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

630–640 PS

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin

600 hp wide-body icon — Instagram star with real substance

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

230–265 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

7 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

231 PS

3.0L TDI V6 Diesel

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Audi A6 C8 is available as Limousine and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi A6 C8 is available with 15 engine variants — from 136 to 640 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

S6 · Diesel· 344–349 PS
2018 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.0L TFSI · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 245–265 PS Engine Change
2018 2024
Good Choice 7 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 333–340 PS
2018 2024
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
RS6 Avant · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 600 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
RS6 Avant Performance · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 630 PS
2023 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
S6 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 450 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
S6 Avant · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 450 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
50 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 299 PS
2021 2023
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
50 TFSI e Avant · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 299 PS
2021 2023
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
55 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 367 PS
2021 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
55 TFSI e Avant · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 367 PS
2021 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2.0L TDI · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 163–204 PS Engine Change
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 231–344 PS Engine Change
2018 2024
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2023 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
30 TDI · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 136 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
S6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 340–349 PS Engine Change
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2019 2024
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The Audi S6 (Diesel, 344–349 PS) has the DTPA-257 (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 245–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DMTA (2018–2024, Good Choice) und DEMA (2018–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TFSI!

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 333–340 PS) has the DLZA (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi RS6 Avant (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 600 PS) has the DCSA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi RS6 Avant Performance (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 630 PS) has the DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi S6 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 450 PS) has the DCTB (2.9L TFSI V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi S6 Avant (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 450 PS) has the DCTB (2.9L TFSI V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi 50 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 299 PS) has the DLGA (2.0L TFSI e) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi 50 TFSI e Avant (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 299 PS) has the DLGA (2.0L TFSI e) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi 55 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 367 PS) has the DRYA (2.0L TFSI e) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Audi 55 TFSI e Avant (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 367 PS) has the DRYA (2.0L TFSI e) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 163–204 PS) comes with 3 different engines: DETA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DEZE (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DTNA (2018–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 231–344 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CZVC (2018–2024, Stay Away!) und DTHA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DTPA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DTHA-220 (2023–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The Audi 30 TDI (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 136 PS) has the DEZF (2.0L TDI MHEV) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi S6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 340–349 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DTPA (2019–2024, Be Careful) und DAUB (2019–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the S6!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: Panoramic Roof Can Detach

Contamination of the bonding surface during manufacture can cause the rear panoramic roof module to detach. Affects A6 models produced in 2018.

Symptoms: Wind noise, leaks at sunroof; in extreme cases rear glass panel detaches at speed
Low
Recall: Panoramic Roof Bonding Defective

On the A6 Avant (MY 2018), the rear glass panel of the panoramic roof was incorrectly bonded. Audi recalled 1,435 vehicles in Germany. Creaking/scraping noises and water ingress are further known issues with the panoramic roof.

Symptoms: Creaking or scraping noises from roof area, wind noise from panoramic roof, possible water ingress in rain.
High
Recall: PHEV Battery Overheating Risk During Charging

High-voltage battery cell modules on A6, A7, Q5 PHEV models can overheat during charging (KBA 15722R / code 93AD). 53,449 vehicles worldwide, 17,012 in Germany affected (production period 08/2019–08/2024). Software update takes approx. 60 minutes.

Symptoms: Unusual smells or heat generation during charging.
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
145 complaints · 2018–2024
Electrical
108 ⚠ 1
Engine
29 ⚠ 2
Collision Avoidance
18
Other
16
Powertrain
16

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (108 complaints)
Engine (29 complaints)
Collision Avoidance (18 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 123 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A6 C8 (2018–2024) — 117 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CZVC (3.0L TDI V6), DAUB (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Body, Suspension. Considered reliable: DMTA (2.0L TFSI).

A6 (DTPA-257, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear V6 TDI, Camshaft material defect 3.0 TDI 257 hp, Complex 4-chain timing drive. Power: 344–349 PS.

A6 (DEMA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner and Chain Wear, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup, Coolant Pump Leaking. Power: 245–252 PS.

A6 (DLZA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System, Rocker Arm Roller Failure — Early Production, 48V Mild Hybrid Belt Starter-Generator Failure. Power: 333–340 PS.

A6 (DCSA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Turbo Oil Strainer Clogged — Bearing Starvation, Timing Chain Elongated — Camshaft Synchronisation, Turbo Oil Drain Lines Coked — Shaft Seal Failure. Power: 600 PS.

A6 (DCTB, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure — Engine Damage, Upper Chain Tensioners Defective — Rattling, High-Pressure Pump Defective. Power: 450 PS.

A6 (DJTB, 2023–2024) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearings — Thermal Stress in V-Position, Turbocharger Oil Supply — Strainer and Drain Lines, 48V Electrical System and Mild Hybrid Components Fault-Prone. Power: 630 PS.

A6 (DLGA, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: Recall 93AB/93AD — High-Voltage Battery Overheating, Hybrid Gearbox Failure (S-Tronic 0D8/0D9), Timing Chain Elongation EA888 evo3. Power: 245–252 PS.

A6 (DRYA, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Recall 93AD — high-voltage battery overheating, Hybrid gearbox problems S-Tronic, Timing chain stretch EA888 evo4. Power: 265 PS.

A6 (DETA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Damage, Camshaft Seal Leaks Oil onto Timing Belt, Early Water Pump Failure. Power: 190 PS.

A6 (DEZE, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Crack and Coolant Loss, Wet Timing Belt Premature Wear, Turbocharger Secondary Damage from DPF/EGR. Power: 163 PS.

A6 (DTNA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: EGR cooler leak and coolant loss, Wet timing belt in oil bath — wear, Turbo oil supply line — carbon deposits. Power: 204 PS.

A6 (CZVC, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Camshaft fracture — SQ5 / A6 272 hp, Timing chain elongation — V6 TDI 272 hp, High-pressure pump failure — system contamination. Power: 231 PS.

A6 (DTHA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles on cold start, Camshaft fracture — material defect, AdBlue system: pump and injector failure. Power: 286 PS.

A6 (DTPA, 2018–2026) — Be Careful: Low oil pressure from variable oil pump, Camshaft breakage (material defect), Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system). Power: 340–344 PS.

A6 (DTPA, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Low oil pressure from variable oil pump, Camshaft breakage (material defect), Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system). Power: 340–349 PS.

A6 (DAUB, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Camshaft fracture from material defect, Timing chain elongation — catastrophic engine damage possible, Soot deposits on injectors. Power: 340–349 PS.

A6 (DEZF, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: Belt Starter-Generator Fire Risk (KBA 9831), 48V Belt Starter-Generator Failure (Battery Deep-Discharge), Wet Timing Belt — Scheduled Wear Item. Power: 136 PS.

A6 (DTHA-220, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Camshaft breakage, Turbocharger failure. Power: 299 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi A6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi A6 C8 have? +
The Audi A6 C8 has 117 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi A6 C8? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: DMTA (2.0L TFSI). The most reliable engine is the DMTA (2.0L TFSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CZVC (3.0L TDI V6) — stay away!
Which Audi A6 C8 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi A6 C8. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 7 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi A6 C8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi A6 C8 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Most aggressive RS6 ever: wide body, 600 hp, MHEV. Social media darling that actually delivers. Quieter and more comfortable than the C7 — which bothers purists and delights daily drivers. Running costs at supercar level. Want less attention and more character: buy a used C7 Performance.
Is the Audi A6 C8 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi A6 C8 — 2 of 18 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi A6 C8? +
The Audi A6 C8 is available with engine variants from 136 to 640 hp. Petrol: DMTA (2.0L TFSI), DEMA (2.0L TFSI), DLZA (3.0L TFSI V6), DCSA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DJTB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCTB (2.9L TFSI V6 BiTurbo), DLGA (2.0L TFSI e), DRYA (2.0L TFSI e). Diesel: DETA (2.0L TDI), DEZE (2.0L TDI), DTNA (2.0L TDI), CZVC (3.0L TDI V6), DTHA (3.0L TDI V6), DTPA (3.0L TDI V6), DAUB (3.0L TDI V6), DTPA-257 (3.0L TDI V6), DTHA-220 (3.0L TDI V6), DEZF (2.0L TDI MHEV).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee