Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 2.5× | 4 | Electrical | Few |
| 2021 | 0 | −43% | 10 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 2 | −20% | 6 | Electrical | Few |
| 2017 | 5 | 1.4× | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 19 | 4.0× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2015 | 5 | typical | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2014 | 20 | 4.0× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2013 | 42 | 7.6× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2011 | 0 | −69% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2010 | 1 | −54% | 2 | Airbag | Few |
| 2009 | 0 | −69% | 3 | — | Few |
| 2008 | 2 | −38% | 2 | Seat Belt | Few |
| 2007 | 1 | −69% | 2 | Airbag | Few |
| 2003 | 2 | −69% | 2 | Fuel System | Few |
| 2002 | 7 | 1.4× | 2 | Fuel System | Average |
| 1995 | 20 | 4.0× | 2 | Fuel System | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median S6 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi S6 problems
Latest Audi S6 recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.
Electrical system › Software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023.
Electrical system
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi S6 should you avoid?
2013, 2014, 2016 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other S6 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Audi S6?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other S6 years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi S6 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (73), fuel & propulsion system (31) and transmission & drivetrain (16). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi S6 had?
21 recalls across 1995–2022. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi S6 recalls by year.
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.