2018 Audi S6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2018 Audi S6 has a complaint index of 56, ranking 8th worst out of 17 model years, with 4 complaints and 1 recall on file. Steering issues make up half its reported problems, but no crashes, fires, or injuries were recorded.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 56/100
- #8 of 17 S6 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Audi S6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a dead battery preventing the car from starting, followed by steering system, stability, suspension, and adaptive light warning messages appearing together.
- Steering-related faults surfaced early, with one report logged at 420 miles.
- Windshields reportedly shattered from minor impacts such as small rocks or road debris, in one case happening three separate times on the same vehicle.
- One owner described a windshield failure occurring at highway speed near 70 mph.
- A visibility complaint was tied to a median mileage of 21,000 miles, later than the steering-related reports.
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 and 1 recall for the 2018 Audi S6, giving it a complaint index of 56. That places it 8th worst among the 17 model years with data, in the middle of the pack rather than at either extreme.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Audi S6?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 2 of the 4 complaints (50%). One steering-related complaint was reported at 420 miles.
- Does the 2018 Audi S6 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 18V370000) covers airbag-related seat wear 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 56, the 2018 model ranks better than years like 2013 (100), 2014 (94), and 2016 (88), which are rated Avoid, but it has no assigned verdict of its own.
- What fuel economy does the 2018 Audi S6 get?
- EPA rates the 2018 Audi S6 at 18 mpg combined (16 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450.