2016 Audi S6: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The front passenger-side 6-piston Brembo caliper's (Part No. 20.A989.63) external steel crossover tube failed due to corrosion, specifically where the tubing was covered by a protective rubber sleeve, which trapped moisture and road salt. This led to a catastrophic loss of brake fluid and braking capability. This appears to be a systemic corrosion defect.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2025
“We, a group of Audi S6 owners with vehicles from the 2013-2017 model years, are experiencing premature mechatronic issues. These problems manifest as jerking when coming to a stop, which can lead to accidents, and intermittent power loss that can be life-threatening. These issues began around 40,000 miles and have progressively worsened, despite our vehicles having only approximately 70,000 miles on them. Given the early onset and severity of these problems, we strongly urge a recall. The current mechatronic design appears to be flawed and fails prematurely, posing significant safety risks.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 2024
“I was driving my car and it stalled out in the middle of an intersection which was totally unsafe and it would barely start. I was able to limp it to safety but it would not run or idle correctly. I had it towed to the local Audi dealership and they diagnosed the issue as being the turbos. The turbos failed and need to be replaced. The obvious known issue with the oil screen starving the turbos and causing collateral damage is well documented hence Audi issued an extended warranty on turbos and the recall on the oil screen however the dealer is refusing to do any repair and has had the vehicle for over a week.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2022
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“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2022
“I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few thousands dollars $8000-$12,000 to replace the mechatronic and clutch transmission system which is very prone to failure. Thank you”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“Loss of power on freeway, due to known turbo issue on these cars. Filter for turbo oil clogs, and burns the turbo's without warning causing loss of power. Not to mention it often sends metal into your engines oil and the repair for that is more than the car is worth.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2021
“The Passenger Side Turbo failed. Yes it's available for inspection. I was driving and I felt a pop, like a backfire from under the hood. The car lost power instantly and was any under power anymore on the road. It could have been a lot worse if I was on a busy highway but luckily was on a street with do one behind me. It was confirmed it was the turbo failure and the turbo has been inspected. No warning lamps or any prior symptoms before hand. Once it happened it started throwing warning lights for pretty much everything. Limited slip diff, air bags, EPC, TPMS, check engine light and traction control warning lights all went off one after the other.”Owner report · Engine · May 2021
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi S6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the repair had been previously completed by an independent mechanic, a year prior to receiving the recall letter. The contact filed paperwork to be reimbursed after receiving the recall letter. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The dealer had not performed the recall repair, stating that the vehicle had been modified. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2021
“Turbocharger(s) failure due to oil filter screen clogging with contaminants at 47000 miles causing turbocharger bearing failure destroying the turbine and compressor wheels along with compressor housing and exhaust manifolds. Possible engine damage. The vehicle operated while driving on highway. Sudden loss of power at highway speeds while failure occurred inducing loss of engine throttle control. Harsh surging of the engine occured. Once vehicle was pulled over to side of the highway. Engine was unable to maintain idle and unable to be driven.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
“There is something wrong with the way the s6 downshifts which makes driving unsafe. A downshift is followed by about 1 second of the transmission not being engaged (so no power to the wheels) and then suddenly the transmission engaged and the car violently thrusts forward. The issue is more profound when downshifting 3rd to 2nd at about 20-30 mph and can result in rear-ending the car in front. Apparently many s6 owners face the same issue. Audi has fixed it in 2013 models with software update but the issue happens again in the latest models.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2015
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Volkswagen 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
How other years compare
Check your exact S6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2016 Audi S6 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Audi S6. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2016 Audi S6 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.