Known APK problem

Audi A6 (C7): exhaust and emissions

On the Audi A6 (C7) the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 2.0× as often as on cars of the same age: at 11–12 years 0.8%, against about 0.4% nationally.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?

By age

Share of inspected Audi A6 (C7)s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

Age	Type	A6 (C7)	95%-CI	National	Difference	n
7 – 8 years	A	0.4%	0.2 – 0.8%	0.2%	2.0×	2,009
7 – 8 years	B	0.7%	0.4 – 1.2%	0.4%	1.7×	2,009
9 – 10 years	A	0.7%	0.4 – 1.0%	0.3%	2.2×	3,093
9 – 10 years	B	1.1%	0.8 – 1.5%	0.8%	1.4×	3,093
11 – 12 years	A	0.8%	0.6 – 1.2%	0.4%	2.0×	2,951
11 – 12 years	B	1.7%	1.3 – 2.2%	1.4%	1.2×	2,951
13 – 15 years	A	0.5%	0.3 – 0.8%	0.5%	1.1×	3,842
13 – 15 years	B	2.7%	2.2 – 3.2%	2.7%	1.0×	3,842

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 11–12 years

Model	Exhaust and emissions	Vs. national
Audi A6 (C7)	0.8%	2.0×
BMW 3-serie F30	0.3%	0.7×
Volvo V60 I / S60 II	1.5%	3.6×
BMW 3-serie F31	0.3%	0.7×
Opel Insignia A	0.9%	0.6×
Volvo V70 III / XC70 II	2.3%	5.3×

Looking at a Audi A6 (C7)? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Audi A6 (C7)s of the same age.

All weak spots of the Audi A6 (C7) · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Audi A6 (C7) often have exhaust and emissions problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 11–12 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 0.8% of inspected Audi A6 (C7)s, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (2.0×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used Audi A6 (C7)?

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know