AI DamageAudi S6: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Audi S6 across 11 model years: 30 owner complaints and 1,777 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 60% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 7% of all complaints
- 7 Engine and cooling 3% of all complaints
- 8 Visibility 3% of all complaints
- Engine: 18 complaints (60% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 255.
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2,431.
- Powertrain: 4 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 229.
- Steering: 3 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 333.
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 302.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · turbo · 5 cyl 1995
- 4 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl 2013–2018
- 4.2 L · petrol · 8 cyl 2002–2003
- 5.2 L · petrol · 10 cyl 2007–2011
- 2.9 L · hybrid · 6 cyl 2024–2025
- 2.9 L · hybrid · turbo · 6 cyl 2020–2023
- automatic, 5-speed 2002–2003
- automatic, 6-speed 2007–2011
- automatic, 8-speed 2020–2025
- dual-clutch (DCT), 7-speed 2013–2018
- manual, 5-speed 1995
Drive: AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 30 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 0 | 255 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 2,431 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 229 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 333 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 302 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 102 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 319 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 279 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 254 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 13 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 1,416 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 644 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 125 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
While driving my 2020 Audi S6, the vehicle suddenly lost power and completely shut off in the middle of the road without warning. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. I was unable to accelerate or steer out of the way, which created a major crash risk for myself and other drivers.
My 2020 Audi S6 has been undriveable since September 27, 2024 due to a backordered recall part (Gateway Control Module). Audi has failed to provide a repair timeframe, making my car unusable for over five months. Audi has refused to provide a loaner vehicle despite the long delay.
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Defective Arnott Front Air Strut To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern regarding a defective Arnott FL front air strut purchased via RockAuto for my 2016 Audi S6 (VIN: [XXX] ).
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.
First off let me start by saying the vehicle has 45k miles on it. There were no fault codes or system errors prior to the issue that developed. I was driving to a meeting in heavy rain, no issues or suspicion of issues arising.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has…
- This bulletin provides information when there is a warning message in the instrument cluster about…
- This bulletin is a help guide for Audi connect remote start
- This Pending Service Solution requests that technicains create a record in the PSS database when the…
- This bulletin provides information regarding various complaints about front or rear door locks
- This bulletin provides information regarding fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate
- This bulletin provides information about billing for a broken sunroof glass panel
- This bulletin provides information regarding driver assist systems; Audi adaptive light, Audi pre sense…
- This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations
- This bulletin provides general information about SOS Emergency Assist
- This bulletin provides information when there are stails/marks on the sill panel trim
- This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on, EVAP pressure/temp sensor incorrect DTC displayed
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.