2016 Audi S6

19 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Nov 27, 2025Failure Nov 25, 2025Redding, CTService brakes

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11701826
2. Filed Dec 17, 2024Failure Oct 27, 2024Dripping Springs, TXSuspension

   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] ). The air strut failed within five days of professional installation. This failure compromised the safety and functionality of my vehicle's suspension system, potentially risking further damage and endangering passengers. I was forced to drive the vehicle briefly in this compromised state to arrange for reinstallation, creating an additional safety hazard. Details of the issue: Product: Arnott FL Front Air Strut (purchased via RockAuto). Professional Installation Dates: October 25, 2024, and reinstallation due to failure on November 27, 2024. Failure Description: The air strut lost functionality within five days of installation, causing a significant drop in vehicle height and inability to maintain proper suspension. This defect demonstrates a failure of Arnott’s quality control and has left me concerned about the safety of their products, particularly when they play a critical role in vehicle performance and passenger safety. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter to ensure no systemic issues with Arnott's products compromise the safety of other drivers. I have attached supporting documentation, including invoices for installation, reinstallation, and further details on the defective part. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety matter. I look forward to your acknowledgment and any updates regarding this investigation. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11631149
3. Filed Jun 27, 2024Failure Jun 14, 2024Santa rosa, CAAdaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Power train

   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
4. Filed Jan 15, 2024Failure Jan 14, 2024Pennington, NJEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty [XXX] 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. Please add this matter to recall rather than extended warranty and is likely related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 which is causing oil separator and coolant pipe issues that need to be covered. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11565497
5. Filed Sep 9, 2023Failure Jun 16, 2022Hillsdale, NJElectrical system, Engine, Steering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11543563
6. Filed Jun 6, 2023Failure Mar 20, 2021Granger, INEngine and engine cooling

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11525586
7. Filed Jul 28, 2022Failure Jul 21, 2022appleton, WIEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11476289
8. Filed Feb 6, 2022Failure Feb 4, 2022Marietta, GAEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11450651
9. Filed Dec 13, 2021Failure Dec 1, 2021Fairmont, WVEngine, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11443657
10. Filed May 22, 2021Failure May 6, 2021Houston, TXEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11418135
11. Filed Apr 28, 2021Failure Apr 9, 202140,246 milesNiskayuna, NYEngine

    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. I MADE IT HOME AND THE CAR TURNED OFF ON IT'S OWN, WHEN I PARKED. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AUDI AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN THE NEXT MORNING - ON THE WAY IN THE CAR DIED ON WHILE IN MOTION APPROACHING A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. IT INADVERTENTLY STOPPED TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK, AND ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE TWICE, BEFORE IT STARTED AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED IT AS BLOWN TURBOS.

    NHTSA complaint 11414235
12. Filed Apr 11, 2021Failure Mar 20, 202142,600 milesGranger, INEngine

    OIL SCREEN INTERIOR OF ENGINE (NON-SERVICEABLE) CLOGGED WHICH PREVENTED TURBO CHARGERS FROM RECEIVING OIL. BOTH TURBO CHARGERS FAILED WHICH CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL. WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON TWO LANE CITY STREET. ENGINE DIED, POWER WAS LOST, AND STEERED VEHICLE TO AVOID COLLISION WITH BRICK MAILBOX. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A STOP IN ROADWAY (NO SHOULDER) BUT WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED VEHICLE TO AUDI DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED TURBO FAILURE FROM CLOGGED OIL SCREEN AND PRESENTED A $12,732.74 QUOTE FOR LABOR AND REPLACEMENT TURBO CHARGERS. DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT THIS IS COMMON FAILURE WITH STOCK AND TURNED CARS AND THEY PERFORM THIS REPLACEMENT MULTIPLE TIMES A MONTH PER AUDI TSB. TUNED VEHICLES ARE IMMEDIATELY DENIED WARRANTY DESPITE THERE MORE THAN 131 REPORTED CASES ON ONE OWNERS GROUP/VOLUNTEER WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/POLL.PHP?POLLID=4500&DO=SHOWRESULTS). MY VEHICLE RECEIVED OIL CHANGE AND 40K SERVICE FROM AUDI DEALERSHIP LESS THAN 5,000 MILES PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. OIL SCREEN REPLACEMENT REQUIRES 20 HOURS OF LABOR TO TEAR THE ENGINE DOWN TO GET TO THE PART (NON-SERVICEABLE) - TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2044640/9 (REVISED 3 TIMES OVER 3 YEARS TO REPLACE OIL SCREEN WITH UPGRADED SCREEN - REV G). HAVE VISITED WITH MULTIPLE AUDI DEALERSHIPS TO OBTAIN COMPETITIVE QUOTES AND LEARNED THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 4.0 V8 ENGINE WITH FAILURES NORMALLY OCCURRING AT 65K - 85K MILES IN A8, S4, S6, S7 MODELS AND THAT THE REPAIR IS NORMALLY $11-12K PER INCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 11407510
13. Filed Apr 3, 2021Failure Dec 25, 201976,000 milesToms River, NJEngine

    BOTH MY TURBOS FAILED ON MY CAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN 2019. I WAS COMING HOME FROM DROPPING OFF MY DAUGHTER 90 MINUTES AWAY. AFTER LEAVING THE HIGHWAY AND STARTING TO MOVE ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, MY CAR DECIDED TO COMPLETELY STALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE TO SHOULDER AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP AS I WAS ON A ONE LANE ROAD. MY CAR WAS TOWED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY CAR HAD BOTH TURBOS FAIL. I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK A MONTH LATER AND SINCE THEN HAVE HAD A COOLANT LOSS ISSUE AS WELL AS A SURGE ISSUE. THE COOLANT LOSS ISSUE REQUIRES ME TO PUT 4 OUNCE OF COOLANT INTO MY CAR EVERY MORNING. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY AUDI DEALERSHIP WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK BUT IT HASN'T BEEN FIXED. I'M UNSURE IF THE COOLANT ISSUE IS WHAT CAUSED THE TURBOS TO FAIL, OR PARTS OF MY TURBOS PROPELLERS WENT INTO MY ENGINE OR SOMEPLACE ELSE WHICH IS CAUSING ISSUES WITH THE CAR. FURTHERMORE, THE CAR NOW SURGES WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE CAR WILL SURGE A FOOT OR TWO AFTER IT'S COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHICH IS DANGEROUS. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN BE SEEN ON MESSAGE BOARDS AT THE FOLLOWING SITE: HTTPS://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/808057-4-0TT-BLOWN-TURBO-POLL AS YOU CAN SEE IT'S A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN JUST A FEW CARS. THEY ARE RANGING FROM 10% TO 40% BLOWN TURBOS DEPENDING ON THE YEAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11406277
14. Filed Apr 3, 2021Failure Dec 28, 202056,000 milesPost Falls, IDEngine

    POWER SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. CLEAR LOSS OF BOOST. EVENTUAL COMPLETE ENGINE STALL. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE ENGINE CUT OFF UNCOMMANDED. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE TURBOS HAD FAILED DUE TO A LOSS OF OIL SUPPLY. THE OIL SUPPLY IS CUT OFF DUE TO THE SINGULAR TURBO OIL SCREEN BEING CLOGGED. REGULAR OIL CHANGES ARE DOCUMENTED AT CORRECT INTERVALS. AUDI AFTER THE MIDDLE OF MY2016 INSTALLED A REVISED TURBO OIL SCREEN TO HELP PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. IT IS A KNOWN FAULT AT AUDI AND SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE A RECALL TO REPLACE THE OIL SCREENS WITH THE REVISED VERSIONS. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE ENGINE CAN SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING AT ANY SPEED.

    NHTSA complaint 11406256
15. Filed Apr 3, 2021Failure Mar 5, 202181,000 milesColumbus, OHEngine

    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. SECONDS AFTER THAT I LOST POWER TO THE CAR. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY HAZARDS AND COAST THROUGH 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER. DURING WHICH TIME, I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND HAD TO FIGHT TO MOVE THE WHEEL. I HAD THE CAR BROUGHT TO MY AUDI MECHANIC WHO SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR TURBOS BLEW AND THAT WAS INDEED THE CASE. HE SAID HE SEES IT ALL THE TIME ON THE 4.0 TT ENGINES BECAUSE OF AUDIS POOR OIL SCREEN DESIGN THAT STARVES THE TURBOS OF OIL AND LEADS TO THE SEIZING UP AND BREAKING.

    NHTSA complaint 11406182
16. Filed Sep 17, 2020Failure Sep 8, 202060,000 milesWilton, CAEngine

    TURBO FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES STATIONARY WOULD NOT START

    NHTSA complaint 11355614
17. Filed May 16, 2019Failure Apr 4, 201947,000 milesGates Mills, OHEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11208147
18. Filed Jan 9, 2017Failure Dec 15, 20169,000 milesMartinez, CAElectrical system, Unknown or otherFire

    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. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A FIRE CAUSE AND ORIGIN INSPECTOR AND AUDI. I HAVE BEEN TOLD VERBALLY THAT THE FIRE LIKELY BEGAN IN SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT AREA. AUDI HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT CAUSED BY EXTERNAL FACTORS BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED ANY OTHER FEEDBACK FROM AUDI AS TO WHAT THE ACTUAL DEFECT. WAS. JUST TO RE-CAP: 1. THE IGNITION WAS OFF 2. THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING 3. THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. 4. IT WAS RAINING THAT DAY 5. THE CAR WAS IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION, WELL MAINTAINED AND WITH NO KNOWN DEFECTS. 6. WE WERE LUCKY THE CAR WAS NOT IN THE GARAGE AS THE HOUSE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.

    NHTSA complaint 10943990
19. Filed Jul 19, 2015Failure Jul 1, 2015200 milesMenlo Parck, CAPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10734968