VIN REPORT

WAUF8AFC7JN0738292018 AUDI A6quattro Sport/Premium, quattro Progressiv (Canada)

26of 100
Moderate Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
2
2 campaigns found
Safety Grade
D
68/100 composite
Complaints
2
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
8 yrs
Made in GERMANY
BUYPurchase Verdict

2018 AUDI A6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 2 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

28 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2018 AUDI A6

2018 AUDI A6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 2 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
  • Complaint language indicates serious real-world safety incidents beyond routine mechanical failures
Owner Complaint Intelligence

2 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (50%), Safety Systems (50%).

26
of 100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
2 model-wide recalls on record
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
AUDI
Model
A6
Year
2018
Trim / Series
quattro Sport/Premium, quattro Progressiv (Canada)
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2L 252 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
AUDI AG
Assembly
NECKARSULM, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: NECKARSULM, GERMANY

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 NECKARSULM, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 68/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety18/30
Complaint History30/30
40/100Moderate
  • Airbag system recall
  • Fuel system recall
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Moderate
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
1 recall1 complaint

2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls2

Deferred Failure Risk

Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones

70/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~96,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
DUE SOONCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
DUE SOONModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

2 RECALLS
2found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~77%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

77%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

AUDI Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

AUDI completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#19V035000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~74%

~26% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#18V370000
Apr 2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~80%

~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
8.3yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

04/06/2018
2 total campaigns
Fuel SystemSafety Systems
2
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints2

Complaint Intelligence

2 complaints analyzed across 2 system categories

Electrical
1
Safety Systems
1
Fire/smoke1

Owner Complaints

2 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

2found
1
Fire
ODI #11723814ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFIRE

February 27, at approximately 1:20am my vehicle caught fire while parked in the driveway after sitting for about 9 hours. The fire originated near the gas tank. The fire department was called, there is a fire report being conducted. Audi was notified.

ODI #11723830AIR BAGS

Audi is unable to correct the recall repairs despite several attempts by us to schedule. Advised parts are no longer available and were not available during 2 previous attempts to repair.

Complaint Severity Analysis

NLP analysis of complaint language — not all complaints are equal

50/100
High Severity
1 of 2 complaints use high-severity language

1 complaints use high-severity language including caught fire, fire — these are not minor inconveniences.

caught firefire
Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$2,700
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,800
Annual Maintenance
8-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$31,500

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$46,614
~$777/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$13,500
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$17,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

2 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,000
High-severity owner complaint language−$700
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$2,100

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2018 AUDI A6 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 ve
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan,
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WAUF8AFC7JN073829. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
8-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWAUF8AFC7JN073829
Model Year2018
MakeAUDI
ModelA6
Trimquattro Sport/Premium, quattro Progressiv (Canada)
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2
Horsepower252

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUDI AG
Assembly CityNECKARSULM
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WAU
Check Digit (Char 9)7
Model Year Code (Char 10)J
Plant Code (Char 11)N
Sequence (Chars 12–17)073829

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count2
NHTSA Complaint Count2

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
A
2
U
3
F
4
8
5
A
6
F
7
C
8
7
9
J
10
N
11
0
12
7
13
3
14
8
15
2
16
9
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
U
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
F8AFC
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
J
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
N
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
073829
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"J" → 2018
Could also be 1988
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 2:58:26 AM.