YearToAvoid

2020 Audi S6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

50/100

#9 most-complained of 17 S6 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Audi S6 has a complaint index of 38, ranking 9th out of 14 model years, which is mid-pack rather than a standout problem year. It carries 6 recalls, more than most other S6 years, with electrical system issues being the top reported concern.

Complaints
2
Recalls
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
18 city / 28 hwy

Top 2020 Audi S6 problems

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

  1. Electrical System2 (100%)
  2. Engine1 (50%)
  3. Other1 (50%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain1 (50%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the Gateway Control Module failing and leaving the car undriveable for extended periods.
  • Owners describe waiting months with no repair timeframe when a recall part for the electrical system was backordered.
  • Owners report Audi declining to provide a loaner vehicle while the car sat unusable awaiting the electrical repair.
2020 Audi S6 complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2025May 2025
5 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2025 to May 2025; peak May 2025 (3).

2020 Audi S6 recalls

6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

  2. NHTSA 22V861000Nov 21, 2022Electrical System50,883 vehicles

    Electrical system

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.

    Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.

  3. NHTSA 22V155000Mar 14, 2022Electrical System47,238 vehicles

    Electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge:fuel level float/sensor/sending unit

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.

    Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.

See all 6 recalls for the 2020 Audi S6 →

2020 Audi S6 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,650
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.

2020 compared with other S6 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’13’14’15’16’17’18’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Caution635221
2018No verdict564118
2020No verdict502622
2021No verdict1301022
2022No verdict694422

All Audi S6 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Audi S6 reliable based on NHTSA data?
NHTSA lists a complaint index of 38 for the 2020 Audi S6, ranking 9th out of 14 model years, which is a middling result compared to other S6 years like 2013 and 2014, which scored much higher.
What are the main problems with the 2020 Audi S6?
NHTSA complaints point to the Electrical System as the top problem area, making up 100% of the complaint share, with Engine and Transmission & Powertrain each accounting for 50% of remaining reports.
Does the 2020 Audi S6 have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2020 Audi S6, covering areas including the rearview camera software, electrical system components, suspension lock nuts, and passenger airbag score line, with none marked do-not-drive.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Audi S6?
EPA rates the 2020 Audi S6 at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650.

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.