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Audi A6 C6 (2004-2010) reliability

At a glance

Audi A6 C6 built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Audi A6 C6 models built around 2010 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at an Audi A6 C6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

25% of MOT tests on Audi A6 C6 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 26% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A6 C6 models built around 2010 involves the suspension.

Audi A6 C6
excellent reliability2004-2010SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 31,015 tests of A6 models registered 2004-2010.

About 1 in 15 A6 C6 MOTs (6.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 7,068 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 A6 C6 MOTs (7.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 7,068 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C6 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,17723.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,06824.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,03425.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,41326.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,74526.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,59227.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,46528.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
52127.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the A6 C6 compares

At each age below, see how the A6 C6 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 80,248 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,17723.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7,06824.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,03425.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,41326.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,74526.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,59227.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,46528.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
52127.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A6 C6.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.7%, against 24.6% for the Audi A6 C6, both built around 2010.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,466 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 6.5%, against 7.3% for the Audi A6 C6.

    3,651 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 22.0%, against 24.6% for the Audi A6 C6, both built around 2010.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,381 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Volvo S40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.8%
    Dangerous
    9.9%

    No clear edge over the Audi A6 C6 on these figures.

    2,769 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

79%of all Audi A6 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

36 recalls in all

5 of the 36 A6 C6 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Stop-drive Takata PSAN
  • If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may bur
  • Replacing Takata passenger airbag

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on A6 C6 cars built around 2010

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 879 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
53%
Emissions
20%
Drivetrain
4%
Bodywork
2%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Tyres
57%
Lighting
50%
Brakes
28%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 11% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2010 (15 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel A6 tests (not specific to C6).

1.4 to 2.0 litres25.4%5,124 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres23.0%1,560 tests
How A6 C6 cars have aged

How A6 C6 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (6,268 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (6,003 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (5,649 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (5,238 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (4,832 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (4,046 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (3,815 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (3,449 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (3,136 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (2,740 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (7,044 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (6,438 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (5,604 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (4,740 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (3,858 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (6,918 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (6,069 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (5,114 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (4,092 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (3,287 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (4,324 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (3,784 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (3,076 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (2,429 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (1,734 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (2,661 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (2,186 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (1,643 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,223 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (941 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,567 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (1,158 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (915 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (685 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (521 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as C6 cars age

How each part holds up as C6 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension53%51%47%42%
Brakes28%32%31%39%
Emissions20%17%16%14%
Tyres57%54%56%55%
Lighting50%50%52%52%
Drivetrain4%11%7%22%
Bodywork2%1%2%2%
Steering1%1%2%2%
Corrosion11%8%9%9%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 662 to 976 cars at each age.

C6 variants compared

A6 C6 variants built around 2010

The fail rate for each A6 C6 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A624.8%6,686 tests

Petrol

  • A619.2%375 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Audi A6 models of this age

This list covers every Audi A6 built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C6 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    28.0%
    Advisory: 3,292Fail: 534 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.6%
    Advisory: 2,227Fail: 201 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    11.4%
    Advisory: 1,066Fail: 98 (8% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.0%
    Advisory: 1,066Fail: 16 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    One of the number plate lights not working

    10.8%
    Advisory: 1Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,068 tests

Looking at an Audi A6 C6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Audi A6 C6 (2004-2010) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 7,068 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 31,015 MOT tests on Audi A6 models first registered between 2004-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.