Audi A6 C9
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
367 PS
A6 e-tron quattro · Elektro
Sporting character — driving fun guaranteed
Fun to Drive!Body Variants
The Audi A6 C9 is available as Sedan and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi A6 C9 is available with 2 engine variants — from 252 to 367 hp.
PPE-platform rear-axle motor in the A6 e-tron Sportback/Avant. 185 kW peak power (approx. 100 kW continuous). Highly efficient PSM design with 800V charging technology and up to 270 kW DC charging.
- !! PPE software bugs — numerous faults at market launch from 1,000 km
The A6 e-tron suffered, like the Q6 e-tron, from significant software problems: door lock unresponsive, collision warning without cause, audio system errors, app reporting faults that the MMI does not show. One vehicle spent 4 months at Ingolstadt for fault analysis.
Symptoms: Doors cannot be opened via app, warning messages for no apparent reason, CarPlay does not connect, audio non-functional. Workshop update or control unit replacement needed. - !! 12V electrical system — deep discharge during standstill
PPE platform vehicles occasionally report 12V issues after several weeks without a charge connection. The system requires regular use or a permanent charge connection.
Symptoms: Vehicle not ready to start after several days of standing. All systems unresponsive. Jump start or workshop visit needed. - ! AC charging only 11 kW as standard
Like the Q6 e-tron, the A6 e-tron is delivered as standard with only 11 kW AC charging. 22 kW is optional and was not available at market launch. A significant limitation for a premium vehicle over 70,000 €.
Symptoms: Wallbox charging takes noticeably longer than expected. Charge power display shows max. 11 kW despite a 22 kW-capable wallbox.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
PPE-platform dual-motor in the A6 e-tron quattro. 270 kW peak power (approx. 138 kW continuous). Two PSM motors for all-wheel drive. 800V technology enables up to 270 kW charging speed.
- !! PPE software bugs — numerous faults at market launch from 1,000 km
The A6 e-tron quattro (270 kW) shares the PPE software problems: door lock unresponsive, collision warning without cause, CarPlay failure, app reporting faults that the MMI does not show. Software level at delivery often incomplete.
Symptoms: Doors cannot be opened via app, warning messages for no apparent reason, CarPlay does not connect, audio non-functional. Workshop update or control unit replacement needed. - !! Electric motor vibration — harmonic resonance noise from 10,000 km
Like the Q6 e-tron quattro, owners of the A6 e-tron quattro report harmonic resonance noises from the front. Audi plans balance weights for the electric motors. Dealers initially classify the noise as normal.
Symptoms: Harmonic humming or droning from the front at 50–60 km/h, independent of tyre brand. Gets louder at higher speeds. - !! 12V electrical system — deep discharge during standstill
PPE platform vehicles occasionally report 12V issues after several weeks without a charge connection. The system requires regular use or a permanent charge connection.
Symptoms: Vehicle not ready to start after several days of standing. All systems unresponsive. Jump start or workshop visit needed.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Digital Instrument Cluster Can Go Black On 2021 Audi models (predecessor platform to the C9), the digital instrument cluster can suddenly go dark due to increased connection resistance in the cable. Audi resolves this via a software update reducing sensitivity to voltage fluctuations. Symptoms: Instrument cluster display goes suddenly black while driving or on startup. | Low | |
| Recall: PHEV Battery Overheating Risk During Charging KBA action 93AD affects plug-in hybrid A6, A7, Q5 from production period 08/2019–08/2024. Cell modules in the high-voltage battery can overheat during charging and cause a vehicle fire. Software update as solution (approx. 60 min workshop visit). Symptoms: Unusual smells or heat generation during charging. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 32 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A6 C9 (2024–2026) — 29 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics.
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 (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 (DTHA-220, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Camshaft breakage, Turbocharger failure. Power: 299 PS.
A6 (Audi-A6ET-185, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: PPE software bugs — numerous faults at market launch, 12V electrical system — deep discharge during standstill, AC charging only 11 kW as standard. Power: 252 PS.
A6 (Audi-A6ET-270, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: PPE software bugs — numerous faults at market launch, Electric motor vibration — harmonic resonance noise, 12V electrical system — deep discharge during standstill. Power: 367 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee