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Audi A6 C7 (2011-2017) reliability

At a glance

Audi A6 C7 built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Audi A6 C7 models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at an Audi A6 C7?

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

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on Audi A6 C7 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 15% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A6 C7 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Audi A6 C7
excellent reliability2011-2017SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 83,125 tests of A6 models registered 2011-2017.

About 1 in 40 A6 C7 MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 12,835 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 20 A6 C7 MOTs (4.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 12,835 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C7 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,44311.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
12,83513.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,72814.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
13,06115.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
12,74017.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,15517.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,27419.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,88922.3%

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 14 years old.

How the A6 C7 compares

At each age below, see how the A6 C7 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 185,354 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,44311.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
12,83513.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,72814.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
13,06115.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
12,74017.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,15517.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,27419.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,88922.3%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 C7.

  1. 1

    Jaguar XE

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.1%
    Dangerous
    6%

    No clear edge over the Audi A6 C7 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    13,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 3.1%, against 4.5% for the Audi A6 C7.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,114 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Alfa Romeo Giulia

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    6.3%

    No clear edge over the Audi A6 C7 on these figures.

    1,378 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Jaguar XF

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    More still registered at 10 years: 91%, against 79% for the Audi A6 C7.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,874 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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

10 of the 36 A6 C7 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 10 recalls

Top concerns

  • Replacing Takata passenger airbag
  • The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
  • Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel A6 tests (not specific to C7).

1.4 to 2.0 litres14.4%9,890 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres11.2%2,123 tests
How A6 C7 cars have aged

How A6 C7 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%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (7,445 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (6,881 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (6,694 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (6,540 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (6,350 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (10,212 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (9,789 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (9,538 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (9,296 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (9,040 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (8,577 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (8,267 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (8,050 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (7,872 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (7,711 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (8,331 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (8,287 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (8,043 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (7,858 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (7,524 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (8,186 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (8,057 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (7,873 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (7,628 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (7,275 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (6,897 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (6,739 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (6,434 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (6,102 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (5,785 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (6,118 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (5,943 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (5,653 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (5,272 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (4,889 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
C7 variants compared

A6 C7 variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each A6 C7 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A613.8%12,007 tests

Petrol

  • A611.1%821 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 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C7 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    18.9%
    Advisory: 3,636Fail: 313 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    9.4%
    Advisory: 1,876Fail: 248 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.1%
    Advisory: 1,051Fail: 79 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.7%
    Advisory: 646Fail: 362 (36% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    4.6%
    Advisory: 833Fail: 6 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 12,835 tests

Looking at an Audi A6 C7?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Audi A6 C7 (2011-2017) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 12,835 8-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 83,125 MOT tests on Audi A6 models first registered between 2011-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.