2014 Audi S6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2014 Audi S6 carries a complaint index of 94 and ranks 2nd worst out of 17 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 76,000, plus three recalls including a turbocharger oil strainer issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 17 S6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 20
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2014 Audi S6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (75%)
- Fuel System3 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (15%)
- Electrical System2 (10%)
- Steering2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Turbochargers fail and destroy the engine, sometimes causing the car to stall while slowing on a highway or major road.
- Owners report the turbo bearings breaking, leading to complete engine destruction around the mid-60,000 mile range.
- Power steering has failed suddenly and repeatedly, including one instance after driving through water, even after prior warranty replacement.
- Suspension faults trigger dashboard warnings for auto leveling, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and auto braking systems together.
- Engine mounts, transmission mounts, and suspension components have needed repeated replacement well before typical wear expectations.
- LED brake lights were reported as excessively bright to the point of being hard to look at from behind.
2014 Audi S6 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
- NHTSA 13V450000Sep 23, 2013Fuel System3,594 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.
2014 Audi S6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other S6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Audi S6 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2014 S6 has a complaint index of 94, ranking 2nd worst among 17 model years of the S6, resulting in an Avoid verdict relative to other S6 years.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2014 Audi S6?
- Engine problems account for 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 76,000. Fuel system and suspension issues each make up 15% of complaints.
- Does the 2014 Audi S6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls: a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can wear bearings from lack of lubrication, an airbag seat-frame stress issue, and a fuel line that may leak on 4.0L engines.
- How does the 2014 S6 compare to other S6 model years?
- The 2013 S6 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2014 at 94, while 2011 has the lowest complaint index at 6 among years with data.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Audi S6?
- The 2014 S6 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,000.