MODEL
Audi A6
NHTSA safety across every Audi A6 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Audi A6 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 78. 36 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that has competed at the heart of the premium executive segment since the 1990s. Aimed at professional buyers who want a polished daily driver with genuine prestige, the 2019 to 2025 generation blends a sophisticated cabin with a driver-focused character. It goes up against the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in one of the most competitive corners of the American luxury market.
From a pure safety standpoint, the 2019 to 2025 Audi A6 tells a story that is mostly encouraging but not without wrinkles worth examining. The best NHTSA Safety Index score across the covered years reaches 95 out of 100 for the 2025 model, placing it in the Exceptional band, a genuinely strong result for any vehicle in this class. Crash-test performance at its best shows a 4-out-of-5 star frontal rating, which is solid but not perfect, paired with an impressive 5-out-of-5 on both side impact and rollover protection. Shoppers should note that the frontal result leaves a small gap relative to the side and rollover scores, and that performance has varied across model years, with some years landing in the Average band rather than Exceptional or Strong. The recall picture deserves honest attention. Thirty-four recalls across roughly six model years is a meaningful number for a single nameplate, and buyers shopping used examples in particular should verify that all open recall work has been completed through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Owner complaints total 156 across the covered span, including 2 reported crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, all unverified allegations. That complaint volume is not alarming for a six-year dataset, but the fire allegation warrants awareness. Overall, the A6 earns a cautious recommendation on safety grounds, strongest on the newest model years.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the A6 as one of the more refined and technically accomplished entries in the midsize luxury sedan segment, praising its interior quality, composed ride, and advanced driver assistance technology. Most critics consider it a strong all-around choice for buyers who prioritize a premium feel, though some note that rivals can feel more dynamically engaging behind the wheel.
- The 2025 A6 earns a 95 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Exceptional band, but earlier model years in this generation have scored in the Average band, so check the specific model year you are considering rather than assuming all years perform equally.
- Frontal crash protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars at its best, which is good but falls one star short of the perfect scores the A6 achieves in side impact and rollover testing. Buyers who prioritize head-on collision protection should weigh this gap.
- Thirty-four recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Anyone buying a used A6 should run the VIN through NHTSA's free lookup tool to confirm all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Owner complaints include an unverified allegation of a fire incident. While this is a single unverified report within 156 total complaints, it is worth asking a selling dealer or independent inspector to check for any related technical service bulletins or open investigations.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi A6 with 11 recalls.