AUDI RS 6 Avant Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The rear camera on the car repeatedly does not work. The car has been to the dealership for replacement parts several times with the problem recurring. The rear camera does not work most days. In addition, the other cameras have failed repeatedly resulting in safety systems such as automatic collision sensors working and not-working randomly when driving the vehicle.

Loss of electrical power while cruising on the interstate at 65 mph. There was a series of warning messages, YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction", "electric system malfunction". Then RED colored warning message "Electric system: Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point, engine was running but was no longer connected to the transmission, Power steering failed. All I could do was coast to the shoulder and stop. Car would not restart. Appeared to be a complete electrical failure, e.g., could not raise or lower windows.

The generator cut off and the car coasted to a stop. The generator on these vehicles is failing on almost every single one.

The last few times I've started my car, the instrument cluster takes multiple minutes before it turns on, while the yellow check engine and red warning lights flash repeatedly.

My Audi RS6 has experienced a recurring central locking/door latch malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Central Locking System Malfunction” warning and the affected door does not operate normally. This appears to be a known issue affecting the C8 Audi platform. Audi has issued a Technical Service Bulletin addressing front and rear door-lock failures on the RS6 and other related models. Audi’s own bulletin describes conditions including doors that cannot be opened from the outside or inside, central-locking/exit-warning messages, and situations where a vehicle is locked but a door can still be opened. The bulletin also identifies faults involving the central-locking mechanism and states that the door-lock manufacturing process was optimized. I am concerned this represents a safety defect rather than simply a convenience issue. A malfunctioning door-lock/latch mechanism may prevent an occupant from opening a door normally during an emergency, or may prevent a door from remaining properly secured when the vehicle is supposed to be locked. This could be particularly dangerous following a collision, fire, or other situation requiring rapid vehicle evacuation. Numerous other C8 RS6/Audi owners have reported similar central-locking and door-latch failures, including replacement of door-lock/latch assemblies. My vehicle is being repaired at my expense because it is outside the factory warranty. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this recurring door-lock failure constitutes a safety-related defect affecting this vehicle population.

My Audi RS6 has experienced a failure involving the engine cooling system/water pump that requires repair. This appears to be a recurring issue among C8 RS6 owners. Other owners have reported water-pump failures, coolant loss, overheating, drivetrain malfunction warnings, turbo underboost faults, and vehicles entering reduced-power or limp mode. Audi has also issued technical service information addressing coolant-pump leakage and related cooling-system problems. I am asking NHTSA to investigate this issue because the potential safety consequences appear to extend beyond an expensive mechanical repair. If the cooling-system failure occurs while driving, the vehicle may overheat, display urgent coolant warnings, enter reduced-power/limp mode, or require the driver to immediately pull off the road. A sudden or significant reduction in available engine power can be dangerous, particularly while merging onto a freeway, passing, crossing traffic, or driving at highway speeds. Likewise, an overheating vehicle may force the driver to stop unexpectedly in an unsafe location. There appear to be numerous RS6 owners reporting similar water-pump and cooling-system failures, including vehicles with relatively low mileage. Because this failure can potentially affect propulsion and the driver’s ability to safely continue driving, I believe the frequency, root cause, affected production range, and safety consequences warrant investigation. My vehicle is outside the factory warranty and I am paying for the repair myself. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting the C8 Audi RS6 and related vehicles.