2018 Audi S6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
46/100
#8 most-complained of 14 S6 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Audi S6 has a complaint index of 46, ranking 8th out of 14 model years, with 4 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported to NHTSA. It sits in the middle of the pack rather than among the worst years.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 24 hwy
Top 2018 Audi S6 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (25%)
What owners report
- A dead battery at low mileage triggered steering system, dynamic stability, adaptive suspension, and adaptive light fault warnings.
- The steering fault appeared shortly after purchase, with the median mileage at failure for steering complaints at 420 miles.
- One owner reported the windshield shattering three times from minor road debris impacts, with the most recent incident at 21,000 miles while driving at highway speed.
- Steering issues account for half of all reported problem areas for this model year, followed by brakes, electrical system, and visibility/wipers each at one complaint.
2018 Audi S6 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2018 Audi S6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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.
2018 compared with other S6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi S6 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints for the 2018 Audi S6, giving it a complaint index of 46, which ranks 8th out of 14 model years. It reports no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Audi S6?
- Steering is the top problem area, making up 50% of reported complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 420 miles.
- Does the 2018 Audi S6 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 18V370000) covers airbag seat stress or wear issues on basic seats. Dealers install a PODS system repair kit free of charge.
- How does the 2018 Audi S6 compare to other S6 years?
- With a complaint index of 46, the 2018 model ranks better than years like 2013 (index 100, Avoid) and 2016 (index 85, Avoid), but worse than 2021 (index 8) and 2023 (index 15).