Audi S6 Best and Worst Years (2007–2025)
The 2013-2016 Audi S6 years are rated Avoid, led by 2013 with a complaint index of 100 and 42 complaints. Engine problems, mostly turbocharger failures, drive 69% of all complaints across the model. No S6 year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year carries recall campaigns; 2017 is the lowest-risk year with a Caution rating.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Avoid 2015Avoid 2016Lowest-risk years:Caution 2017
- Model years
- 17
- 2007–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 108
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Engine
S6 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Audi S6 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | No verdict | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2008 | No verdict | 44 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2009 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 16 | — |
| 2010 | No verdict | 38 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2011 | No verdict | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 16 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 20 | — |
| 2014 | Avoid | 94 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 20 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 75 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 20 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 88 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 21 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 63 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 21 | 5★ |
| 2018 | No verdict | 56 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 18 | 5★ |
| 2020 | No verdict | 50 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | — | 22 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 69 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 22 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 22 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 81 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
S6 years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Audi S6 Index 100 · 42 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2013 S6 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (42) of any year. Engine problems make up 83% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. Owners describe turbocharger failures causing rough idle, stalling, and loss of power. Transmission complaints (19% share) reported issues around 53,500 miles including hesitation and sudden lurching. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for this year covering the turbocharger oil strainer, seatback stress, and a fuel line leak risk.
2014 Audi S6 Index 94 · 20 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2014 S6 carries a complaint index of 94 with 20 complaints, 75% tied to the engine at a median 76,000 miles. Owners describe turbo failures causing stalling at highway speeds, sometimes while slowing in traffic, and two injuries were reported. Fuel system and suspension issues each account for 15% of complaints, also near 76,000 miles. Three recall campaigns apply to this year, including the same turbocharger oil strainer issue affecting 2013.
2016 Audi S6 Index 88 · 19 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2016 S6 has a complaint index of 88 with 19 complaints, 74% engine-related at a median 56,000 miles. Owners describe turbocharger bearing failures from clogged oil filter screens, leading to sudden power loss on highways. One fire was reported involving a low-mileage vehicle parked shortly after a short drive. Transmission complaints describe delayed engagement followed by violent forward lurching. Two recall campaigns apply, covering the turbocharger oil strainer and seatback stress.
2015 Audi S6 Index 75 · 5 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2015 S6 has a complaint index of 75 from just 5 complaints, 60% involving the engine at a median 69,500 miles. Owners describe repeated turbocharger failures, including sudden loss of power on highways and, in one case, loss of steering and braking assist during the failure. One crash was reported. Two recall campaigns cover this year, for the turbocharger oil strainer and a seatback stress issue.
Most common Audi S6 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine75 (69%)
- Electrical System16 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (13%)
- Fuel System10 (9%)
- Other10 (9%)
- Steering7 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (6%)
- Airbags5 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (3%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Audi S6 should I avoid?
- NHTSA data rates 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 as Avoid years, with 2013 the worst at a complaint index of 100 and 42 complaints, most tied to engine and turbocharger failures.
- Is there a good year for the Audi S6?
- No S6 year earns a Good or Best verdict because every model year carries recall campaigns. 2017 is the lowest-risk year available, rated Caution.
- What is the most common problem with the Audi S6?
- Engine problems account for 69% of all complaints across the model, mostly turbocharger failures reported by owners, followed by electrical system issues at 15%.
- Does the Audi S6 have turbocharger recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 22V178000 covers 2013-2017 S6 Sedans for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked and wear the bearings.
- How many complaints does the Audi S6 have in total?
- NHTSA lists 108 total complaints and 17 recall campaigns across the 2007-2025 Audi S6 model years covered.