Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I'm NOT sure if this would have developed to an safety issue, I'll let your team decide. At my scheduled 50,000 mile dealer service (50,219 miles) I was informed that both motor mounts had failed and needed replacement. The service rep said that THEY found a fault code for one mount and a visual inspection confirmed that the other mount had also failed. Both mounts had sensors but I DID NOT receive a Check Engine Light of any kind. If the situation would have continued, COULD this have become a safety issue? Maybe? I was also concerned about the "No CEL" in that my car was just 2000 mile out of warrantee, could the mount mount have failed during the warranty period and the system was intentionally set up to NOT let me know there was a failure?
Turbo power feels to have gradually declined upon approaching 50K miles. It is caused by clogged turbo oil screens. $3000+ repair with no help from Audi brand and dealer for a widely known issue. Additionally the o2 sensors have randomly throw error for running lean. Replaced o2 sensor but issue came back. Have already tested maf sensor and vetted for vacuum, exhaust leaks. Also a known issue with no help from Audi brand/dealer.
Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty [redacted] covers only ten years or 120k miles. My car has close to 160k miles. According to NHTSA or Audi, "Audi has determined that, in some vehicles, it is possible for the crankcase ventilation valve to malfunction, causing a whistling noise in the engine compartment and the MIL to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component. This condition may impact the vehicle tailpipe emissions, and the presence of a MIL-on condition may cause the vehicle to fail an IM (smog) test." This is causing the engine to rev on its own, foul odor, consume more oil and gas, MIL-on, and potentially cause the IM (smog) test to fail regardless of years or miles and a safety issue. …
While driving with my wife and kids, on the highway, in the rain a warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down. As a result, I was unable to steer the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to "muscle" the car off the highway and onto a secondary roadway. Vehicle was towed. With the power steering locking-up and not being able to effectively steer the vehicle this is a HUGE safety issue and needs to be addressed with Audi. This could have ended tragically if it were to happen to a driver who was unable to "muscle" the vehicle to safety.
Multiple turbo failures. Engine shook violently then suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. This same issue happened 3 times affecting both turbos. It may be due to faulty oil filter/strainer. From online research (link below) this is a common problem for C7 Audi s6. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/[phone]-S6-4-0T-Turbo-Failure
Driving on the new jersey turnpike and both turbochargers failed. Car lost power and I had to steer to side of the highway without power steering and brakes from far left lane. Audi service says bearings starved of oil and seized. They said this is a common problem with the 4.0 twin turbo Audi engines and that the oil feed line gets blocked and starves the turbochargers of oil, resulting in bearing failure. Repair cost is $9,000. Car has less than 70,000 miles. Audi has a technical service bulletin on file with the NHTSA that specifically addresses this known problem. Audi north America will not assist with cost of repairs.
The contact owns a 2014 Audi S6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered due to aftermarket parts. No additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
EPC light and Engine light keep coming on and causing the car to go into limp mode while driving on highway at 55+ mph. This has happened three times. Each time I have taken the car back to Audi Marietta Jim Ellis. Each time I have paid thousands of dollars to remedy the problem. But other issues with the car engine keep arising. I have replaced the entire suspension at 60k miles... and Air struts at 70k. Engine mounts, Transmission mounts, replaced the battery twice. Dealership can not understand why the components are wearing out prematurely. The car is a safety issue and at this point I am fearful when I have to drive the car. This car is a lemon! But Audi will not buy the car back.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
NHTSA investigations
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic.
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi S6 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (34), 2014 (15) and 2016 (14) model years. Engine complaints make up 81% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Audi S6 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-178 (turbo/supercharger, Mar 23, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi S6 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
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.