2017 Audi S6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Audi S6 has a complaint index of 63 and ranks 7th worst among 17 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems, mainly turbo oil-strainer failures, account for 80% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 39,998.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #7 of 17 S6 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2017 Audi S6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (80%)
- Fuel System1 (20%)
- Other1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Turbochargers lose oil supply because the oil strainer clogs, sometimes causing sudden power loss while driving.
- Owners describe turbo power gradually declining as the car approaches 50,000 miles, tied to the same clogged oil screen problem.
- Some owners report recurring oxygen sensor error codes for running lean alongside the turbo oil starvation issue.
- At the scheduled 50,000-mile service, some owners were told both engine motor mounts had failed and needed replacement.
2017 Audi S6 recalls
2 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.
2017 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.
2017 compared with other S6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Audi S6 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 S6 a complaint index of 63 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst out of 17 model years for this model.
- What is the main problem with the 2017 Audi S6?
- Engine issues make up 80% of complaints, mostly turbocharger oil-strainer clogging that starves the turbos of oil, with a median failure mileage of 39,998.
- Does the 2017 Audi S6 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2017 S6: one for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can block and wear the bearings, and one for airbag seat wiring stress.
- How does the 2017 S6 compare to other S6 years?
- The 2017 S6 has a complaint index of 63, better than the Avoid-rated 2013 (100), 2014 (94), 2016 (88), and 2015 (75) model years, but still ranked 7th worst overall.