What year Audi S6 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013, 2014, and 2016 Audi S6 model years rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100, 92, and 85 respectively, mostly tied to engine and turbocharger problems.

Is the 2013 Audi S6 reliable?

The 2013 Audi S6 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year covered and the most complaints (42), with 83% of them involving the engine and a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles.

Does the Audi S6 have engine problems?

Yes. Engine complaints make up 71% of all complaints across every Audi S6 year in this data (75 of 105 total complaints), with turbocharger failures a recurring theme in 2013, 2014, and 2016.

Are there recalls on the Audi S6 turbocharger?

Yes. Recall campaign 22V178000 covers 2013-2017 Audi S6 Sedan models for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked, wearing the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

What is the best year for the Audi S6?

This data does not identify any Audi S6 year as a clear best; 2015 and 2017 are marked as caution years with complaint index scores of 62 and 54, lower than the avoid years but not free of reported problems.

Audi S6 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)

The Audi S6 years to avoid are 2013, 2014, and 2016, with complaint index scores of 100, 92, and 85 out of the model's 14 covered years — all driven mainly by engine and turbo complaints. No year is flagged as a best year in this data; 2015 and 2017 fall into caution territory with lower but still notable complaint index scores of 62 and 54.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Avoid 2016

Model years: 14; 2010–2025
NHTSA complaints: 105
Recall campaigns: 16
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.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Audi S6 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	No verdict	31	1	0	0	2	Airbags	16	—
2011	No verdict	0	0	0	0	2	—	16	—
2013	Avoid	100	42	1	0	3	Engine	20	—
2014	Avoid	92	20	0	0	3	Engine	20	5★
2015	Caution	62	5	1	0	2	Engine	20	5★
2016	Avoid	85	19	0	1	2	Engine	21	5★
2017	Caution	54	5	0	0	2	Engine	21	5★
2018	No verdict	46	4	0	0	1	Steering	18	5★
2020	No verdict	38	2	0	0	6	Electrical System	22	—
2021	No verdict	8	0	0	0	10	—	22	—
2022	No verdict	69	4	0	0	4	Electrical System	22	—
2023	No verdict	15	0	0	0	1	—	22	—
2024	No verdict	23	0	0	0	1	—	22	—
2025	No verdict	77	3	0	0	1	Electrical System	22	—

S6 years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Audi S6 Index 100 · 42 complaints · 3 recalls

2013 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (42) of any Audi S6 year in this data, ranking worst of the 14 years covered. Engine problems make up 83% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles. Owners describe turbocharger failures causing stalling and rough idle, plus transmission hesitation followed by sudden forward lurches. Three recalls apply, covering the turbocharger oil strainer, seat belt pretensioners, and a fuel line leak risk.

2013 engine problems →

2014 Audi S6 Index 92 · 20 complaints · 3 recalls

2014 ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 92 and 20 complaints, including 2 reported injuries. Engine issues account for 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,750 miles. Owners report turbo failures causing stalling while slowing on highways and major roads, plus repeated power steering failures requiring dealer replacement. Three recalls apply: the turbocharger oil strainer, seat belt pretensioner wear, and a fuel line leak issue shared with the 2013 model year.

2014 engine problems →

2016 Audi S6 Index 85 · 19 complaints · 2 recalls

2016 has a complaint index of 85 and 19 complaints, including one reported fire. Engine problems make up 74% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles. Owners describe turbocharger bearing failures from clogged oil filter screens, sudden loss of power while merging or accelerating, and transmission downshift delays followed by abrupt forward thrust. A low-mileage vehicle (about 9,000 miles) reportedly caught fire after being parked and turned off. Two recalls apply, covering the turbocharger oil strainer and seat belt pretensioners.

Most common Audi S6 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine75 (71%)
Electrical System16 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain14 (13%)
Fuel System10 (10%)
Other10 (10%)
Steering7 (7%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (7%)
Airbags3 (3%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (3%)
Structure & Body3 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Audi S6 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013, 2014, and 2016 Audi S6 model years rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100, 92, and 85 respectively, mostly tied to engine and turbocharger problems.
Is the 2013 Audi S6 reliable?: The 2013 Audi S6 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year covered and the most complaints (42), with 83% of them involving the engine and a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles.
Does the Audi S6 have engine problems?: Yes. Engine complaints make up 71% of all complaints across every Audi S6 year in this data (75 of 105 total complaints), with turbocharger failures a recurring theme in 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Are there recalls on the Audi S6 turbocharger?: Yes. Recall campaign 22V178000 covers 2013-2017 Audi S6 Sedan models for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked, wearing the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
What is the best year for the Audi S6?: This data does not identify any Audi S6 year as a clear best; 2015 and 2017 are marked as caution years with complaint index scores of 62 and 54, lower than the avoid years but not free of reported problems.