Models · Audi
Audi A6 C8 and allroad buying guide
The C8 A6 arrived in 2018 as a saloon and Avant, followed by the allroad, with four-cylinder and V6 engines, most of them with mild-hybrid assistance. The mechanical side has few complaints, and most checks concern electrics, software and recall work.
The versions
- 40 TDI: 2.0 four-cylinder diesel, 204PS, the only front-wheel-drive version
- 45 TFSI quattro: 2.0 four-cylinder petrol, 245PS
- 50 TDI quattro (3.0 V6 diesel, 286PS) and 55 TFSI quattro (3.0 V6 petrol, 340PS)
- allroad quattro with air suspension and a raised ride height: 45 TDI (231PS), 50 TDI or 55 TFSI
- 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, or an 8-speed tiptronic automatic on the 3.0 TDI
- A 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid was also sold but isn't covered here
What to check on a C8 A6
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Mild-hybrid system recall
What to look for: Ask an Audi dealer, with the chassis number, whether the mild-hybrid recall applies and has been done. With the engine running, look for warning messages about the electrical system or start-stop on the dashboard.
Why it matters: Cars built between 10 August 2018 and 11 March 2020 were recalled because moisture could get into the mild-hybrid system, and the repair has to be done by Audi. The same check covers a recall for faulty front side airbag crash sensors on cars built between 1 July and 15 September 2020.
Panoramic roof glass
What to look for: If the car has a panoramic glass roof, open and close it fully and look around the edge of the glass for gaps, lifting or uneven seams.
Why it matters: On some cars built between 16 July and 10 October 2018, the glass could come unstuck from its frame. Affected cars had the glass removed and refitted under a recall, which a dealer can confirm.
Infotainment and electrical equipment
What to look for: Pair your phone, and use the touchscreens for a few minutes, watching for flicker, freezing or slow responses. Try the sat-nav, seat motors, climate control and electric tailgate, and note any warning lights.
Why it matters: Electrical and infotainment faults make up most of the problems owners report on this A6, with phones not connecting and screens flickering the usual complaints. The latest Audi software cures some of them, so ask whether updates have been done.
Also in the full guide
- S tronic servicing
- The water pump (55 TFSI)
- allroad air suspension
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the C8 A6
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Audi A6 C5 and allroad · Audi A6 C6 and allroad · Audi A6 C7 and allroad
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.