Audi RS6 Problems by Year

We compared every Audi RS6 model year from 2003 using 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. No RS6 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

1model years
43complaints
2recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

200343
Owner complaints per model year, Audi RS6. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200343—2SuspensionLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median RS6 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Audi RS6 problems

  • Suspensionworst: 2003
    3172%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2003
    716%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    37%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2003
    12%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2003
    12%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    12%

Latest Audi RS6 recalls

Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 11V-267 · May 3, 2011 · 5,992 vehicles

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Audi a6, model year 2002-2003 s6 and model year 2003 rs6 vehicles equipped with 4.2l engines and manufactured from June 19, 2001, through June 8, 2004.

Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 04V-133 · Mar 18, 2004 · 172,866 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if…

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Audi RS6 should you avoid?

None of the Audi RS6 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Audi RS6 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (31), fuel & propulsion system (7) and transmission & drivetrain (3). Suspension complaints peak in the 2003 model year.

How many recalls has the Audi RS6 had?

2 recalls across 2003. The model year with the most is 2003.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.