VinSpectorAI Logo
HomeHow It Works Pricing Vehicle StatsBlog Garage VIN Search Inspection Guide
LoginDemo
  1. Vehicle Stats
  2. AUDI
  3. S6 Reliability

AUDI S6
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History

10 model years analyzed (2015–2025). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β€” the same data used by federal regulators.

πŸ“‹
35
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
πŸ””
30
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
πŸ’₯
1
Crash-Related
crash complaints
πŸ”₯
1
Fire-Related
fire complaints
πŸ₯
0
Injuries Reported
across all years
πŸ€–
Average
AI Rating
reliability score

Checking a specific AUDI S6? Run a VIN check for its exact history.

⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.

πŸ€–

AI Interpretation

Medium ConfidenceAverage
AI interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

NHTSA complaint data for the Audi S6 (2015–2025) shows a total of 35 complaints, with the highest number in 2016. The engine is the most frequently reported component, followed by unknown or other issues. Recalls total 30, and there is one crash-related complaint.

πŸ“Š Key Findings
  • Engine complaints account for 21 of the 35 total complaints.
  • The 2016 model year has the most complaints (19), while 2021–2023 have zero.
  • There is one crash-related complaint among the data.
⚠️ Top Concerns
  • Engine issues are the most common complaint.
  • Unknown or other components account for 7 complaints.
  • Electrical system complaints total 6.
⚠️ Worst Years

The 2016 model year has the highest number of complaints (19), primarily driven by engine issues.

βœ… Best Years

Model years 2021, 2022, and 2023 have zero complaints, which may indicate improved reliability or lower reporting rates.

βœ… Before You Buy β€” Checklist
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine and unknown components.
  • Check for any unresolved complaints related to unknown or other components.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The total number of complaints (35) is relatively small, which may limit generalizability.

πŸ“… NHTSA Complaints by Model Year

2015
5
2016
19
2017
5
2018
4
2020
2
2021
0
2022
0
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: May 2026

πŸ”” NHTSA Safety Recalls

30 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Campaign #22V742000May 10, 2022

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Campaign #21V159000October 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS
Campaign #21V606000May 8, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Campaign #18V370000April 6, 2018

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Campaign #18V370000April 6, 2018

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Campaign #22V034000

Safety Recall

Component: TIRES
Campaign #21V295000

Safety Recall

Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Campaign #22V155000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT
Campaign #22V861000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign #23V601000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
Campaign #25V201000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Campaign #25V900000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #22V806000

Safety Recall

Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Campaign #22V861000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign #22V155000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT
Campaign #25V900000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V900000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #22V178000

Safety Recall

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Campaign #25V900000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V900000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

πŸ”§ Most-Reported Problem Areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 35 NHTSA complaints.

1
ENGINE
21 complaints
2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
4
STEERING
4 complaints
5
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
7
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
8
SUSPENSION
2 complaints

πŸ“‹ NHTSA Complaint Reports

35 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2022

I took the vehicle to west Covina Audi to get the recall repaired. Inv # 793279. They claimed the recall was repaired. I request photos of the work performed and old parts. I was told that since it was a recall they have to ship the parts to Audi. When i was notified that my car was done. I asked for pictures. they send me pictures of another car. I checked all the hose clamps and markings from the factory. they are all untouched. Its a extensive repair and that was done in 15 minutes. Audi is commiting recall fraud.

ENGINEMar 2022

I'm NOT sure if this would have developed to an safety issue, I'll let your team decide. At my scheduled 50,000 mile dealer service (50,219 miles) I was informed that both motor mounts had failed and needed replacement. The service rep said that THEY found a fault code for one mount and a visual inspection confirmed that the other mount had also failed. Both mounts had sensors but I DID NOT receive a Check Engine Light of any kind. If the situation would have continued, COULD this have become a safety issue? Maybe? I was also concerned about the "No CEL" in that my car was just 2000 mile out of warrantee, could the mount mount have failed during the warranty period and the system was intentionally set up to NOT let me know there was a failure?

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApr 2021

TURBO POWER FEELS TO HAVE GRADUALLY DECLINED UPON APPROACHING 50K MILES. IT IS CAUSED BY CLOGGED TURBO OIL SCREENS. $3000+ REPAIR WITH NO HELP FROM AUDI BRAND AND DEALER FOR A WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY THE O2 SENSORS HAVE RANDOMLY THROW ERROR FOR RUNNING LEAN. REPLACED O2 SENSOR BUT ISSUE CAME BACK. HAVE ALREADY TESTED MAF SENSOR AND VETTED FOR VACUUM, EXHAUST LEAKS. ALSO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NO HELP FROM AUDI BRAND/DEALER.

ENGINEApr 2021

AUDI S6 4.0 TT, THE CAR I OWN ARE NOTORIOUS IN OIL SCREEN PROBLEMS. THEY STARVE THE TURBOS WITH NO OIL AND CAUSE FAILURE TO THEM. I AM ONE OF THE PERSON THAT HAS TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE.

ENGINEJun 2019

OEM TURBOS FAIL ON AUDI 2013-2017 S6/S7/S8/RS6/RS7 DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY CLOGGED OEM OIL STRAINER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE FAILURE HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND AS IT GENERALLY HAPPENS WHILE WHILE DRIVING THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE WIDE-SPREAD BASED ON DISCUSSIONS AVAILABLE ON ONLINE FORUMS. AUDI IS AWARE OF THESE FAILURES AND HAS ISSUED TSB'S THAT IDENTIFY THE TURBO OIL STRAINER AS THE CULPRIT BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN VARIOUS REVISED VERSIONS OF THIS OIL STRAINER OVER TIME, EACH ONE BEING LESS RESTRICTIVE THAN THE PRIOR. $10K+ REPAIR EVERY 30-50K MILES IS UNREASONABLE DUE TO FACT THAT OIL STRAINER HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED TO BE DEFECTIVE AND UPDATED SEVERAL TIMES BY AUDI.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDec 2023

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. I parked the car, returned about 2 hours later started the car to find 6 warnings on the dash (tpms fault, acc disabled, steering disabled, air ride control disabled esc disabled and a few more. Notably was the steering, it had a red light and the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The vehicle couldnt be driven. After having the computer scanned the issue was the electronic steering rack. See codes below. This is very unfortunate and strange that it came out of nowhere especially to fail this way. The vehicle is available for inspection until the part is replaced. VIN: [XXX] License Plate: Mileage: 73992km-45976mi Repair Order: Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 4G0-909-144.clb Control Module Part Number: 4G0 909 144 T HW: 4G0 909 144 Q Component and/or Version: RCevo H55 0202 Software Coding: 101001010001 Work Shop Code: WSC 02391 785 00200 ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPS 106007 (AU57) ROD: EV_RCEPS_106.rod VCID: 3A381898BDFF7D41CD-806E 4 Faults Found: 6291727 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error B2000 00 [10001001] - - [Abschaltpfadtest fehlgeschlagen] MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear Freeze Frame: Fault Priority: 1 Fault Frequency: 1 Mileage: 73949 km Date: 2023.12.06 Time: 10:07:29 Write only channel 1052420 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error B2000 49 [10001001] - Internal Electronic Failure [Unplausibler Signalverlauf des Motortemperatursensors] MIL ON - Confirmed - Test INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VISIBILITY/WIPERApr 2021

I OWN A 2018 AUDI S6 WHICH I BEGAN DRIVING IN MARCH 2018. SINCE THEN THE WINDSHIELD HAS SHATTERED THREE TIMES, DUE TO ONLY MINOR IMPACTS OF ROCKS OR ROAD DEBRIS EACH TIME. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 36 YEARS IN SEVEN DIFFERENT AUTOMOBILES AND I HAVE NEVER HAD TO HAVE A WINDSHIELD REPLACED. I ALSO DO MUCH LESS HIGHWAY DRIVING THAN I HAVE IN THE PAST. THE FACT THAT THE WINDSHIELD ON MY AUDI HAS SHATTERED THREE TIMES IN THREE YEARS CANNOT POSSIBLY BE JUST BAD LUCK. FORTUNATELY, EACH TIME THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED IT WAS NOT IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. IF THE WINDSHIELD HAD SHATTERED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER IT COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS THE WINDSHIELD ON THIS PARTICULAR AUDI MODEL SEEMS TO BE QUITE FRAGILE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN A 2009 AUDI A5 FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO SUCH ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA WITH MY CONCERNS, BUT THEY DO NOT SEEM INTERESTED.

SERVICE BRAKESApr 2018

EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST ON WHEELS AND ROTORS AFFECTING STOPPING DISTANCE

STEERINGDec 2017

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 11/18/2017; ON 11/21/2017 A DEAD BATTERY CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. ON THE 11/22/2017 AFTER CHARGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY OVER 20 HOURS THE VEHICLE STARTED; HOWEVER THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNINGS: STEERING SYSTEM FAULT, DYNAMIC STABILITY, ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION, ADAPTIVE LIGHTS, ETC... THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING; WHICH IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO STEERING SYSTEM FAULT. THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO ME BY A MEMBER OF THE SALES TEAM ON 11/30/2017 STATING THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND CLEAR OF ANY ISSUES. HOWEVER, THE STEERING SYSTEM FAULT RETURNED WITHIN HOURS AFTER THE DELIVERY WHILE DRIVING WESTBOUND ON I-565 AND THE ACTIVE LANE ASSISTANCE ENGAGED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE ACTIVE LANE ASSISTANCE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. AFTER PICKING UP MY CHILDREN FORM SCHOOL, THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL NEARLY SEIZED UP MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE SAFELY. I HAD TO VERY AGGRESSIVELY MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL IN HOPES OF CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR WITHOUT ANYTHING OR BEING HIT. I HAD NO REAL CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. MY CHILDREN AND I WERE VERY FORTUNATE; BLESSED EVEN THAT WE WERE ARE STILL ALIVE TO TALK ABOUT THIS INCIDENT.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEMay 2025

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. I had to have the vehicle towed to Audi of Riverside for diagnosis and repair. The dealership confirmed the issue was related to Recall 22V861 (Gateway Control Module). I was never notified by Audi of this open safety recall prior to the incident. The problem was immediately confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle has been in the shop since September 2024 β€” now over eight months β€” with no ETA on parts from Audi and no resolution. During this time, Audi has not provided a loaner vehicle or rental support. I’ve continued to pay my monthly car note for a car I cannot use and have spent hundreds of dollars per month on Uber and alternate transportation to get to work. Audi issued a $3,000 goodwill check, but that does not begin to cover my actual out-of-pocket costs. I also previously requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. This is a serious safety defect that caused a dangerous on-road failure, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely or adequate remedy. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is still not repaired or returned to me. I’m requesting immediate investigation and enforcement regarding this unresolved recall and the unreasonable delay in resolution.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2025

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. As of March 2025, there is no estimated time of arrival for the part, and Audi has not provided any alternative resolution. This recall renders the car inoperable, posing a serious financial and safety concern.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJul 2025

Steering Module went out for no apparent reason. I was able to find a used one and have it repaired for just under $1000. I had git two quotes for to auto shops that specialize in Audi repairs and they were both over $5300 to repair this steering module. This is unacceptable.

ENGINESep 2021

Turbos blew causing the vehicle to lose power while trying to merge in traffic.

πŸ’₯ CrashENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJun 2021

Multiple turbo failures. Engine shook violently then suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. This same issue happened 3 times affecting both turbos. It may be due to faulty oil filter/strainer. From online research (link below) this is a common problem for C7 Audi s6. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/851578-2016-S6-4-0T-Turbo-Failure

UNKNOWN OR OTHERApr 2021

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND I SAW AND FELT AIR AND DEBRIS COME IN THROUGH MY SUNROOF VISOR VENTS. WHEN I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR I SAW MY SUNROOF HAS EXPLODED. I SAY EXPLODE BECAUSE IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE THAT THE SUNROOF IS BROKEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THERE WERE NO TRUCKS AROUND TO KICK UP DEBRIS AND IT WAS NOT HIT BY A ROCK. AUDI STILL CLAIMS NO FAULT EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE CONSUMER REPORTS ARTICLES AND RECALLS DONE ON OTHER MODELS. LUCKY FOR ME MY SUNROOF VISOR WAS CLOSED IF IT WAS NOT I WOULD HAVE BEEN RAINED DOWN ON BY THOUSANDS OF SHARDS OF GLASS CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. THE GLASS EXITING THE VEHICLE HAS SCRATCHED THE ROOF AND TRUNK LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST. AS IT IS THE SOUND OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING WAS ENOUGH TO STARTLE MANY PEOPLE INTO AN ACCIDENT. IT IS A SHAME THIS STILL GOES ON TODAY AND AUDI DOES NOT WANT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FAULT. NON-THE-LESS I AM FORCED TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM TO GET THIS REPAIRED.

ENGINEMar 2021

DRIVING ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND BOTH TURBOCHARGERS FAILED. CAR LOST POWER AND I HAD TO STEER TO SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FROM FAR LEFT LANE. AUDI SERVICE SAYS BEARINGS STARVED OF OIL AND SEIZED. THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 4.0 TWIN TURBO AUDI ENGINES AND THAT THE OIL FEED LINE GETS BLOCKED AND STARVES THE TURBOCHARGERS OF OIL, RESULTING IN BEARING FAILURE. REPAIR COST IS $9,000. CAR HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. AUDI HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON FILE WITH THE NHTSA THAT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. AUDI NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT ASSIST WITH COST OF REPAIRS.

SERVICE BRAKESNov 2025

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.

SUSPENSIONDec 2024

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)

POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJun 2024

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJan 2024

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, β€œAudi 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)

Showing 20 of 35 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check a Specific AUDI S6

This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.

πŸ“– Understanding This Data

πŸ“‹

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI S6 has 35 complaints on record across 10 model years.

πŸ””

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI S6 has 30 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

πŸ’₯

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the AUDI S6's 35 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

πŸ€–

How Is the AI Rating Calculated?

The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β€” always verify with a VIN-specific report.

πŸ“Š

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

πŸ”

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI S6 vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two AUDI S6 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

πŸ”Ž

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI S6 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Other AUDI Models

AUDI A4AUDI A6AUDI Q5AUDI Q7AUDI Q3All AUDI Models β†’

VinSpectorAI

The world's most advanced AI-powered vehicle history platform. Comprehensive insights, fraud detection, and smart analysis for any vehicle.

5M+
Reports
50+
Brands
AI
Powered
Check Any VIN Free
Product
  • VIN Search
  • VIN Search by State
  • AI Analysis
  • Pricing
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Affiliate Program
Support
  • FAQ
Legal
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

Β© 2026 VinSpectorAI. All rights reserved.

contact@vinspectorai.com
Made with for car enthusiasts