YearToAvoid

2016 Audi S6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

85/100

#3 most-complained of 14 S6 years

The 2016 Audi S6 ranks 3rd-worst of 14 model years with a complaint index of 85 and 19 NHTSA complaints, most tied to engine turbocharger failures. It carries 2 recalls, including a turbocharger oil strainer issue, making it a year to approach with caution relative to other S6 years.

Complaints
19
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
18 city / 27 hwy

Top 2016 Audi S6 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine14 (74%)
  2. Other4 (21%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain3 (16%)
  4. Electrical System2 (11%)
  5. Brakes1 (5%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
  7. Fuel System1 (5%)
  8. Steering1 (5%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)

What owners report

  • Turbochargers lose oil supply when the oil filter screen clogs, leading to bearing failure and destroyed turbine and compressor wheels, reported around 47,000 miles.
  • Sudden loss of power at highway speeds when turbo failure occurs, sometimes forcing the driver to coast to the shoulder.
  • Engine stalls unexpectedly during acceleration or while parking, traced to turbo failure from clogged oil screens, at mileages reported between 56,000 and 81,000.
  • Transmission hesitates for about a second during downshifts, especially from 3rd to 2nd gear at 20-30 mph, then suddenly engages and lurches the car forward.
  • A low-mileage vehicle caught fire in the electrical system minutes after being parked and turned off, at about 9,000 miles.
  • Steering can lock up on the highway along with an engine power-down warning, leaving the driver unable to steer.
2016 Audi S6 complaints: complaints filed per month5Jul 2015May 2019Apr 2021Dec 2021Jul 2022Sep 2023Jun 2024Nov 2025
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2015 to Nov 2025; peak Apr 2021 (5).

2016 Audi S6 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

2016 Audi S6 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
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.

2016 compared with other S6 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’13’14’15’16’17’18’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Avoid9220320
2015Caution625220
2016Avoid8519221
2017Caution545221
2018No verdict464118

All Audi S6 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Audi S6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Audi S6 has a complaint index of 85, ranking 3rd-worst among 14 model years, so it is a year to approach with caution compared to other S6 years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Audi S6?
Engine issues dominate, accounting for 14 of 19 complaints (74%), mostly turbocharger oil strainer failures reported at a median of 56,000 miles.
Does the 2016 Audi S6 have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 S6: one for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked, and one for airbag seat frame stress or wear.
How does the 2016 S6 compare to other years?
Its complaint index of 85 is lower than 2013 (100) and 2014 (92), both also rated Avoid, but higher than 2015 (62) and 2017 (54), which are rated Caution.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.