Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q7
How the AUDI A6 and AUDI Q7 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q7: The A6 averages 20 complaints per year and 2 crash-related reports, while the Q7 averages 64.6 complaints per year and 20 crash-related reports. The Q7 also has 21 injuries vs. 2 for the A6. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or AUDI Q7 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own. Over 10 years, it has averaged 20 complaints per year, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like sudden power loss, water leaks causing electrical corrosion, and warning lights that can affect steering. While it has fewer complaints than the Q7, the nature of the issues—especially electrical and engine failures—means repairs can be costly and safety-related.
AUDI Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV with a much higher complaint rate: about 65 per year, more than triple the A6. The complaints cover a wide range of systems, including exterior lighting, electrical, engine, and suspension. Owners describe complete electrical failures at highway speeds, coolant leaks, and even children getting locked inside. With 20 crash-related complaints and 21 injuries reported, the Q7 appears to have more frequent and severe issues than the A6.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | AUDI Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 200 Better | 646 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 40 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 20 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 64.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 21 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
AUDI A6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, corroding the seat wiring harness and causing electrical failures, mold growth, and sudden loss of engine power. This can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden power loss with a 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' warning, and battery/restarter issues that shut down the auto start-stop system and air conditioning. These problems can occur without warning and affect drivability.
Drivers describe a myriad of warning lights and even steering lock-up, as well as malfunctioning ADAS components and emergency SOS activation. These failures could compromise safety features you rely on.
Issues include electronic door locks malfunctioning (trapping children inside) and persistent mold/mildew odors from the HVAC system. These affect everyday usability and health.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
AUDI Q7
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING160
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
- 03ENGINE131
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SUSPENSION60
Owners report matrix adaptive headlights not working, reducing night visibility and causing glare sensitivity. This is a safety concern for nighttime driving.
Complaints include complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction, often replaced with the same faulty part. This can cause a sudden loss of power and control.
Owners describe systemic coolant leaks in the 3.0L turbo V6, leading to increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. These can result in overheating and costly engine damage.
Reports include the vehicle locking unexpectedly with children inside, and difficulty exiting due to door issues. These are serious safety and convenience problems.
“Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve thi…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
AUDI A6 — 41 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
AUDI Q7 — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
The risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.…
Buyer analysis
AUDI A6 or AUDI Q7: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 64.6) and fewer crash-related reports (2 vs. 20). In practice, this means the A6 is likely to spend less time in the shop and pose fewer safety risks, though it still has notable electrical and engine issues. The Q7's higher rate of problems, especially electrical failures and coolant leaks, makes it a riskier used purchase.
Key differences
- The Q7 has over three times as many complaints per year as the A6 (64.6 vs. 20), indicating more frequent issues.
- Q7 complaints include 20 crash-related and 21 injuries, while the A6 has only 2 crash-related and 2 injuries.
- A6 problems often center on electrical water leaks and sudden power loss; Q7 issues include complete electrical failure at speed and coolant leaks.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the Q7's are more severe (e.g., BSG failure) and the A6's are more often linked to water ingress.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell and corrosion on seat wiring harnesses, which can cause electrical failures and mold.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and look for any warning lights; some owners report steering lock-up and ADAS malfunctions.
- Inspect for coolant leaks and oil consumption issues, especially in the 3.0L V6 engine, which can lead to overheating.
- Test all electrical functions, including the Belt Starter Generator (BSG), as complete electrical failure at highway speeds has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring for corrosion or water damage.
- For the Q7, specifically check the BSG and coolant system for leaks or previous repairs.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss or warning lights.
- Inspect for mold or mildew odors in the cabin, especially from the HVAC system.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | AUDI A6 | AUDI Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 1 |
| 2025 | 9 | 16 |
| 2024 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 75 |
| 2020 | 25 | 28 |
| 2019 | 114 | 62 |
| 2018 | 2 | 143 |
| 2017 | 20 | 319 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific AUDI A6 or AUDI Q7 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q7
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 200
- AUDI Q7 total complaints
- 646
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- AUDI Q7 total recalls
- 40
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- AUDI Q7 avg complaints/year
- 64.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- AUDI Q7 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING