2016 Audi S6
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 20 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2013 | 42 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230909
I WAS ACCELERATING WITH TRAFFIC WHILE ON AN ON RAMP AND MERGING INTO BUSY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST POWER AND MY CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AT A RAPID PACE. THERE WAS NO THROTTLE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS BEING PRESSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210403
TURBO FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES STATIONARY WOULD NOT START
NHTSA ODI report, 20200917
3 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WAY THE S6 DOWNSHIFTS WHICH MAKES DRIVING UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150719
2 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THIS WAS A LOW MILEAGE (9K) LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD PRISTINE CONDITION AUDI S6. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170109
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230909
1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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).
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.
Campaign 18V370000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
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.
Campaign 22V178000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Audi S6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V370000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Audi S6 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi S6?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi S6 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.