2016 Audi S6 Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 4.0L 8-cyl AWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Audi S6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2016 Audi S6. The part named most often is engine, with 13 complaints (68% of the total), followed by other or unknown (4) and transmission and drivetrain (3). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 675 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 41 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 65 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine13 68%
- Other or unknown4 21%
- Electrical system2 11%
- Brakes1 5.3%
- Engine cooling1 5.3%
- Fuel system1 5.3%
- Steering1 5.3%
- Suspension1 5.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “On 09apr2021 I was driving on my way to pick up my dogs from daycare. During my ride the car seemed hesitant with power. When I arrived at the daycare and parked the car essentially seemed like it was choking and at one point completely shut off on it's own. After I picked up my dog I tried starting the car and it took 3 attempts for it to start. On the way home I had to try and keep the car in motion in order to keep the engine on, so every red light was a game. Moving though rush our in the city was very difficult and the care nearly died 3 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414235, filed 2021-04, 40,246 milesOther or unknown: “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. The driver sat in the vehicle for 5 minutes with the engine off prior to exiting the vehicle. Between 5 to 10 minutes after exiting the vehicle we smelled smoke in the house. We discovered the vehicle had flame and smoke emanating from under its hood. The fire department had to extinguish the flames as we were unable to do so with a garden hose. The entire front of the vehicle burned. It was classified as totaled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10943990, filed 2017-01, 9,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11597113, filed 2024-06Electrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11543563, filed 2023-09Mileage when problems were reported
56% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,246 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Audi S6. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S6 · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.0% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Audi S6 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S6 AWD | 4.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/superchargerCovers: Audi S6 2013–2017, A8 2013–2017, S7 2013–2017 +2 more
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.
- 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Audi S6 2013–2018, A6 2012–2018, A7 2012–2018 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2016 Audi S6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 675 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038024Sep 22, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038033Sep 8, 2026Body and structure. This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
- 11038026Sep 8, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the App Store for Android and Apple phones.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11036911Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
Other model years of the Audi S6
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | 39,998 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 19 | 47,000 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2015 | 5 | 58,250 | 2 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 20 | 73,750 | 3 | 5 | 20 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 42 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2002 | 7 | 12,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 20 | 108,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Audi S6 have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2016 Audi S6 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Audi S6 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 13 complaints (68% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 4.
Has the 2016 Audi S6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Audi S6 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Audi S6 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi S6 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Audi S6 (S6, 4.0L 8-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Audi S6 reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,246 and 60,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.