Makes›Audi›A6›2011

2011 Audi A6

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Audi A6
Pictured: Audi A6 C9 IAA 2025 DSC 1920. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
3.0 Tfsi 4dr Sedan AWD, 4.2 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Avant AWD Wagon 3.0
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
Horsepower
265–300 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
193.7–194.1 in
Curb weight
4,123–4,222 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 300 hp, versus about 400 hp for similar 2011 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Audi A6 is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.2L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (3.0 Tfsi 4dr Sedan AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 3% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2011

  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 24
  • Lightest version 265 lb heavier

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 A6 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine265 hp3.2L 6-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

quattro Prestigequattro Premium Plusquattro Premium, PrestigePremium

Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 A6 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
3.0 Tfsi 4dr Sedan AWD193.7 in73.2 in57.5 in111.8 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,123 lb61/39
4.2 4dr Sedan AWD193.7 in73.2 in57.5 in111.8 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,222 lb61/39
4dr Avant AWD Wagon 3.0194.1 in73.2 in57.5 in111.8 in61.4 / 62.2 in4,123 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
A63.2L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+3%$3,400370
A6 quattro3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-9%$3,900423
A6 Avant quattro3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21–$3,900423
A6 quattro4.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-18%$4,350468
Spend $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Audi A6.

Similar 2011 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Audi A6 (this car)24 MPGNot rated3
2011 BMW 5 Series25 MPGNot rated5
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Jaguar XJ19 MPGNot rated3
2011 Lexus GS23 MPGNot rated3
2011 Porsche Panamera21 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 22, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V427000 · 237,947 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 4, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V004000 · 10,166 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Audi A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles, ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet vehicles, and 2009-2011 Audi A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Audi mailed an interim owner notification March 02, 2018. When parts to perform the recall repair become available, Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69U1. Note: This recall has been superseded by 18V427.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 1, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V382000 · 194,453 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Audi A6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

18Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags12
Seats3
Engine2
Electrical System2
Equipment1
Steering1
Unknown Or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/03: 116/06: 116/07: 116/08: 216/10: 116/12: 117/01: 217/03: 117/08: 118/06: 218/07: 220/09: 126/02: 126/06: 116/0316/0716/1017/0117/0818/0726/02max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Audi A6 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 12 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Seats — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Audi A6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other A6 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 A624196.9 inNot rated19
2025 A626194.5 inNot rated39
2024 A626194.5 inNot rated13
2023 A627194.5 inNot rated13
2022 A626194.5 inNot rated54
2021 A626194.5 in★★★★★1227
2020 A627194.5 in★★★★★934
2019 A627194.5 in★★★★★7114
2018 A628193.7 in★★★★★211
2017 A628193.7 in★★★★★320
2016 A630193.7 in★★★★★351
2015 A629193.7 in★★★★★422

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →