I'm very interested in purchasing the 2012 A6 when it comes out. I've been comparing it to the BMW 5 and I like it quite a bit more. My one hesitation is the record of reliability In Consumers Reports the A6 has a dismal reliability record and most of it seems to be related to the 3.0 supercharged engine. I was wondering if Audi acknowledges this and if they have taken any steps to rectify whatever it is that causes this engine to be unreliable. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

I'm very interested in purchasing the 2012 A6 when it comes out. I've been comparing it to the BMW 5 and I like it quite a bit more. My one hesitation is the record of reliability In Consumers Reports the A6 has a dismal reliability record and most of it seems to be related to the 3.0 supercharged engine. I was wondering if Audi acknowledges this and if they have taken any steps to rectify whatever it is that causes this engine to be unreliable. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

I believe the reliability issues reported in Comsumers Reports relate primarily to faulty water pumps and thermostats on certain '09-'10 Audis with the 3.0T engine (i.e. A6, S4 and Q7). Both of these issues are well documented/discussed in the B8-S4 and C6-A6 forums, and Audi is now actively addressing both issues with the affected models and has, as far as I know, corrected these issues with new production of those vehicles with the 3.0T engines. I just had my A6 in for its 15k service at which the thermostat was replaced under warranty (I had just recently received an RVU - required vehicle update - notice from Audi concerning the thermostat), but have not had ANY issues with the car/engine otherwise.

I believe the reliability issues reported in Comsumers Reports relate primarily to faulty water pumps and thermostats on certain '09-'10 Audis with the 3.0T engine (i.e. A6, S4 and Q7). Both of these issues are well documented/discussed in the B8-S4 and C6-A6 forums, and Audi is now actively addressing both issues with the affected models and has, as far as I know, corrected these issues with new production of those vehicles with the 3.0T engines. I just had my A6 in for its 15k service at which the thermostat was replaced under warranty (I had just recently received an RVU - required vehicle update - notice from Audi concerning the thermostat), but have not had ANY issues with the car/engine otherwise.

Thank you. That's very reassuring. As I said, I really fell in love with the 2012 A6 when I saw it and sat in it at the NYC Auto Show this past Mon. Prior to that I was focusing on the BMW 5 series. I think the BMW is now somewhat bland looking...a 3 series that just put on weight (or, alternatively, a 7 series on a diet...lol). The interior of the 5 series is not at all welcoming. What I'm not completely sold on is the relatively small nav popup nav screen in the A6. It doesn't seem appropriate in a car of this stature. But the rest of the A6 is simply gorgeous and it's design is so classic it'll never really age badly. Hopefully Audi can get its reliability ratings up to where they should be and all will be well.
Again, thanks for the input and reassurance.

Thank you. That's very reassuring. As I said, I really fell in love with the 2012 A6 when I saw it and sat in it at the NYC Auto Show this past Mon. Prior to that I was focusing on the BMW 5 series. I think the BMW is now somewhat bland looking...a 3 series that just put on weight (or, alternatively, a 7 series on a diet...lol). The interior of the 5 series is not at all welcoming. What I'm not completely sold on is the relatively small nav popup nav screen in the A6. It doesn't seem appropriate in a car of this stature. But the rest of the A6 is simply gorgeous and it's design is so classic it'll never really age badly. Hopefully Audi can get its reliability ratings up to where they should be and all will be well.
Again, thanks for the input and reassurance.

The new MMI nav screen is 8" and it doesn't really look that small in the pics I've seen (see link below). The interior of the new A6 is very similar to the A7 so you may want to go to a dealer and check out the nav size/setup in an A7.

http://www.insideline.com/audi/a6/2012/2012-audi-a6-first-drive.html

Consumer reports can make mountains out of a few things. The water pump /thermostat issue has been discussed many times.
Consumer reports has been kind to the new generation A6, and for several years they had it recommened and gave it a thumbs up.

The A6 is pretty rock solid.

Although I had 4.2 v8, I had no realiabilty issues with my 2008. All I did was put gas in it and go for almost 3 years. Never a electrical glitch, check engine light...nothing in the time I owned it.

The 09 was the 1st year of the S/C engine. So it's expected you might have a few glitches here and there.

If you car dies from a bad water pump, it is a fault and something that needs to be addressed.

But for anybody to say the new generation 05 & up A6's are generally "abismal" - doesn't know what they're talking about.

But for anybody to say the new generation 05 & up A6's are generally "abismal" - doesn't know what they're talking about.

A few things. First it's CU that rates them "Much Worse Than Average," their lowest rating in the reliability dept. I took the liberty merely of equating this to "abysmal." Pardon me for offending your apparently delicate sensibilities. Second, I did not say "the cars themselves" were abysmal, merely their record of reliability. Sometimes it pays to focus on what you're reading.

So, in short -- (1) don't shoot the messenger and (2) work on your reading comprehension.

A few things. First it's CU that rates them "Much Worse Than Average," their lowest rating in the reliability dept. I took the liberty merely of equating this to "abysmal." Pardon me for offending your apparently delicate sensibilities. Second, I did not say "the cars themselves" were abysmal, merely their record of reliability. Sometimes it pays to focus on what you're reading.

So, in short -- (1) don't shoot the messenger and (2) work on your reading comprehension.

Consumer ratings are based on a number of things, (1) the problem, (2) the dealer's ability to fix the problem, (3) time taken to cure said problem and (4) the whole experience from booking car in to receiving it back. The professionalism of a dealer greatly reflects on these ratings in combination with the expectations of the consumer towards the brand itself.

I see this in all consumer products ranging from cars to washing machines to TVs, if they believe they are buying the best then they think it should never give problems, but the reality is that all things electrical and mechanical do break down from time to time regardless of the brand.

If you think for one minute that Audi are any less reliable than Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar or Porsche then you are wrong because they all use the same sub-manufacturers to supply the parts which make up the cars you drive, if theres a difference it's coming from post assembly, meaning the dealer network.

Consumer ratings are based on a number of things, (1) the problem, (2) the dealer's ability to fix the problem, (3) time taken to cure said problem and (4) the whole experience from booking car in to receiving it back. The professionalism of a dealer greatly reflects on these ratings in combination with the expectations of the consumer towards the brand itself.

I see this in all consumer products ranging from cars to washing machines to TVs, if they believe they are buying the best then they think it should never give problems, but the reality is that all things electrical and mechanical do break down from time to time regardless of the brand.

If you think for one minute that Audi are any less reliable than Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar or Porsche then you are wrong because they all use the same sub-manufacturers to supply the parts which make up the cars you drive, if theres a difference it's coming from post assembly, meaning the dealer network.

So is the takeaway here that Audi dealerships are the culprit(s)? As a 30 year subscriber to CU I have filled out many of their reliability surveys and I believe that all they request is whether or not the car/appliance in question required warranty work. I don't recall any questions directed towards ascertaining my satisfaction (or lack thereof) with the manufacturer or dealership in question. Sadly, I think we have to acknowledge that the 3.0T engine HAS been a source of a significant number of problems. My original question in this thread was seeking to find out if there were one or two well known and well defined problem areas (as in the case of BMW's HPFP problems) that have since been rectified or if they just reflect diffuse problems of all description. Like it or not, that engine has been singled out as a source of many problems and has blackened Aud's reputation (thus far).

Maybe you should open a thread asking members to vote either 'yes' they have had an issue with their 3.0SC engine (regardless of model) or 'no' they have experienced no problems what so ever.

I run one recently before handing over to my brother and between both of us we haven't experienced any problems at all. Maybe we are the exception to the rule but I feel if it's record is indeed as bad as you are claiming then this vote should reflect this.

I can't live my life just on what Consumer Reports or JD power says. They write it, so it's bible and verse in a lot of people's minds.

As a 3 time Audi owner and 2 time A6 owner (06/08/11 models), I have had good expereience with my A6's.

The people that are angry in life usually let a lot of people know about it. There is a lot of technology on these cars. User error and "ghost problems" are counted against the manufactuer and people complain about a lot of things.

Some are very valid, and others not.

If you can't handle the emotional stress of owning an A6 because Consumer Reports says not to, then maybe you should go buy a Subaru.

Sorry for bringing this thread back from the dead but was trying to see if there are any updates on Audi's reliability. I know the 2012 A6 is too new to really gauge any differences but how has Audi's reliability been for any of their vehicles as of late?

I'm new to Audis but you might find the DEKRA data interesting.
DEKRA comments:


The Audi A6 scores top marks yet again in the defect check by DEKRA and significantly beats the average values in nearly all categories. Even in the highest mileage (km) range 80 percent of vehicles are accredited as "without defects". With this high score the top-range Ingolstadt vehicle is among the leading group in the "Best of all Classes" again.
Typical Faults:•Stabilizer play
•Multitronic susceptible
•Particle trap defect
http://www.gebrauchtwagenreport.com/index.php?id=12&L=1

I'm new to Audis but you might find the DEKRA data interesting.
DEKRA comments:


The Audi A6 scores top marks yet again in the defect check by DEKRA and significantly beats the average values in nearly all categories. Even in the highest mileage (km) range 80 percent of vehicles are accredited as "without defects". With this high score the top-range Ingolstadt vehicle is among the leading group in the "Best of all Classes" again.
Typical Faults:•Stabilizer play
•Multitronic susceptible
•Particle trap defect
http://www.gebrauchtwagenreport.com/index.php?id=12&L=1

The site that you list (URL) has a 4b and 4f for the Audi A6. I gather one is the 3.0 and the other 2.0 engines - I would be highly interested in how they rate the 2.0.

I'm very interested in purchasing the 2012 A6 when it comes out. I've been comparing it to the BMW 5 and I like it quite a bit more. My one hesitation is the record of reliability In Consumers Reports the A6 has a dismal reliability record and most of it seems to be related to the 3.0 supercharged engine. I was wondering if Audi acknowledges this and if they have taken any steps to rectify whatever it is that causes this engine to be unreliable. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

I just had A6 for 2 weeks now and I found one good way to learn about reliability is to search through forums. I have to say I'm impressed with feedback from new A6 owners most of feedback is always positive, where normally owners tend to report problems. http://truedelta.com/ is one site I'll probably join, but getting feedback directly from owners is best to know details and how it get solved. I still have E60 BMW 535i and lucky not to be hit by HPFP failures, I also considered F10 but A6 was winner and I look forward to no major issues but then again with new complex technologies there may be hickups and hopefully they are not major

Any new series of Audi (or other brand for that matter) can be subject to some "defects" of one kind or another. Been there, done that with my first year A4 B8, none of which were I'm-sorry-I-bought this car issues, just mostly annoying until they were resolved.

As the C7 3.0t engine is essentially a carry-over from the C6, I would guess that any first year problems will be other than the engine.

Besides engine, it would be interesting to know any electrical issues the A6 may have as it's teched out to the gills....

Most of the A-6 is a take off from the A-7 so it isn't brand new per-say.

to the OP-- thanks for this thread... i worried the same things when switching over to Audi..

I noticed your username... any chance you were the same PsychDoc in NYC from AcuraZine? You might remember me... "BLACKURA_NY" lol

to the OP-- thanks for this thread... i worried the same things when switching over to Audi..

I noticed your username... any chance you were the same PsychDoc in NYC from AcuraZine? You might remember me... "BLACKURA_NY" lol

Yup, that's me. I spend most of my time over at the F10 Bimmerfest board now.

A6 is a nice car but the exterior blandness and the horrible dealer network moved me toward the 535.

So far very happy with my decision.

Yap yap you are right

Yup, that's me. I spend most of my time over at the F10 Bimmerfest board now.

A6 is a nice car but the exterior blandness and the horrible dealer network moved me toward the 535.

So far very happy with my decision.

Cannot go wrong with either car, but if you rather pay $10000 more for less of a car, the 535i is a good choice.

A6 external beauty is classy & its lines are refined but not flashy. BMW 535i F10 has a sort of beauty with attractive lines taken from 7 series & very pretty especially the rear. But A6 true beauty lies under the hood, coupled with its superb natural handling. As current BMW owner (E60 535i) I still find bangle design unique, some hate it, but again E60 legendary handling/steering feel compensates for exterior looks.
My point is “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” A6, BMW,….etc each have its own beauty. As far as Audi dealer so far for my 1.5 month old A6 car they have been responsive and easy to deal with, I saw good feedback and bad feedback as member of Bimmerfest about certain BMW dealers, perhaps the difference is that there are more BMW dealers out there to choose from, while Audi at least in Canada is less numbered so maybe bad experience from bad dealers gets magnified. One thing for sure and hope it continues, very little issues or complaints are reported from A6 & hope that trend continues.

Exterior design wise, the new 535ix and the A6 is a toss up. The A6 have better lighting, but thats about it for the BMW as far as advantage. Interior design, braking, accelaration, handling, electronic toys and good value all goes to Audi. Some thinks that all Audi looks the same and the only difference is size. Well, I stood next a 528i last week at the dealer and I thought it was the new 3 series. Its nice that BMW upgraded the 3 series, but I think they also cheapen the 5 series at the same time.

^ +1


Neurobit

Exterior design wise, the new 535ix and the A6 is a toss up. The A6 have better lighting, but thats about it for the BMW as far as advantage. Interior design, braking, accelaration, handling, electronic toys and good value all goes to Audi. Some thinks that all Audi looks the same and the only difference is size. Well, I stood next a 528i last week at the dealer and I thought it was the new 3 series. Its nice that BMW upgraded the 3 series, but I think they also cheapen the 5 series at the same time.

I tell ya, a few years back when I used to drive the 3-series...I would always think about driving a 5-series. While I still love the 3 series, I no longer desire the 5-series. I think A6 beats it easily now. I would however still say, Bimmer still wins with regards to the perception of the "richer" car in minds of people. Audi now has the better car for sure and somehow needs to change this perception too.

I tell ya, a few years back when I used to drive the 3-series...I would always think about driving a 5-series. While I still love the 3 series, I no longer desire the 5-series. I think A6 beats it easily now. I would however still say, Bimmer still wins with regards to the perception of the "richer" car in minds of people. Audi now has the better car for sure and somehow needs to change this perception too.

That's because it is. About $10k richer on average... ;)
I like it just the way it is. Don't need to be perceived as being rich.

I tell ya, a few years back when I used to drive the 3-series...I would always think about driving a 5-series. While I still love the 3 series, I no longer desire the 5-series. I think A6 beats it easily now. I would however still say, Bimmer still wins with regards to the perception of the "richer" car in minds of people. Audi now has the better car for sure and somehow needs to change this perception too.

In my opinion, Mercedes has the perception of being richer compare to both BMW and Audi, but that doesnt mean the E350 is a better than the 5 series or the A6.
The 3 series is still the benchmark in small luxury sport sedan. We just pick up a 2011 328ix for mid $30000. Pretty much loaded except for the sport package. Originally, we were going to look at the 2012 328ix, but my wife likes the steering on the 2011 better than the 2012's electric steering. Also, BMW is giving away about $3000 worth of options for free in the 2011 model plus another $3500 off from factory rebate. Its pretty much a bargain we could not pass up.

I have just started my search for my next car. I still have my 97 A4, which has been by FAR the most reliable car I have ever owned. Its almost bulletproof.

The A6 is the leader out of the clubhouse for me, but Ill look at and drive everthing I can find in the class. Yesterday I drove the A6 (the Prestige model), and I was impressed.

I had seen the CU rating, and while CU is not the "bible" to me, it got my attention. I asked the dealer what they had to say about it (as it is not new news), and was hoping to hear something along the lines of the water pump issue cited here, and how it had been resolved. Sadly, I got a blank stare, which wasnt the most comforting moment of the visit. I didnt have time on this visit, but my next stop is either the Service Manager, or a different dealership.

I guess part of the problem is thanks to sites like this, often we as consumers are better informed than the sales staff.

Also, off topic - asked the sales guy if I could cause the MMI screen to stow manually. He was befuddled by that question too, and I found the answer here in less than 3 minutes. Figures eh?

jc

I have just started my search for my next car. I still have my 97 A4, which has been by FAR the most reliable car I have ever owned. Its almost bulletproof.

The A6 is the leader out of the clubhouse for me, but Ill look at and drive everthing I can find in the class. Yesterday I drove the A6 (the Prestige model), and I was impressed.

I had seen the CU rating, and while CU is not the "bible" to me, it got my attention. I asked the dealer what they had to say about it (as it is not new news), and was hoping to hear something along the lines of the water pump issue cited here, and how it had been resolved. Sadly, I got a blank stare, which wasnt the most comforting moment of the visit. I didnt have time on this visit, but my next stop is either the Service Manager, or a different dealership.

I guess part of the problem is thanks to sites like this, often we as consumers are better informed than the sales staff.

Also, off topic - asked the sales guy if I could cause the MMI screen to stow manually. He was befuddled by that question too, and I found the answer here in less than 3 minutes. Figures eh?

jc

Once you get past the sales process (for better or worse), only the service department really matters.

I have put 55,000 miles on the 3.0 in my 2010 S4 and other than the dreaded and expected water pump failure and an unexpected oil sensor failure, it has performed very well. It still gives me a good kick in the pants everytime I drop the hammer especially from a standing start. I owned my share of late 60's-early 70's American muscle cars in my younger days and this is by far the most fun car to drive I have ever owned. I hope that the new 2012 version of the 3.0 even tuned down from the 333HP in my S4, will give my wife the power she always missed in her 2010 A4.

www.truedelta.com has finally gotten enough responses to formulate results for their reliability survey of the 2012 A6 and the A6 has done very well. They are reporting a repair frequency of 12 per 100 cars which is impressively low (similar to Toyota Prius numbers). They don't break out by problem type though, so no way to know if problems reported were specific to the engine. It will be interesting to see how it compares with CR results this fall.

www.truedelta.com has finally gotten enough responses to formulate results for their reliability survey of the 2012 A6 and the A6 has done very well. They are reporting a repair frequency of 12 per 100 cars which is impressively low (similar to Toyota Prius numbers). They don't break out by problem type though, so no way to know if problems reported were specific to the engine. It will be interesting to see how it compares with CR results this fall.

Wow, that's really low. Almost too good to be true low!

According to this article, J.D. Power lists Audi as a brand slightly below the industry average

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/j-d-power-initial-quality-study-highlights-infotainment-woes-p/#continued

Hard to tell from reports what kind of problems, I find reviewing forum gives better idea on what issues a specific model may have. But A6 engine is wonderful & so far as compared to competitors there is no failure pattern seen with engine/transmission/mechanical & hope it continues this way.