YearToAvoid

2021 Audi S6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

8/100

#13 most-complained of 14 S6 years

The 2021 Audi S6 has 0 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 8, the second-lowest among 14 model years with data. It carries 10 recalls, more than most other S6 years, covering electrical, brake, and camera systems, but none are do-not-drive recalls.

Complaints
0
Recalls
10
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
18 city / 28 hwy

Top 2021 Audi S6 problems

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

No component data.

2021 Audi S6 recalls

10 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 25V201000Mar 31, 2025Electrical System44,387 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

    Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

  3. NHTSA 23V601000Aug 25, 2023Brakes7,499 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.

    Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.

See all 10 recalls for the 2021 Audi S6 →

2021 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.

2021 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
2018No verdict464118
2020No verdict382622
2021No verdict801022
2022No verdict694422
2023No verdict150122

All Audi S6 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi S6 reliable?
NHTSA lists 0 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi S6 and a complaint index of 8, ranked 13th out of 14 model years, meaning it has one of the lowest complaint levels among S6 years.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi S6 have?
The 2021 Audi S6 has 10 recalls on file with NHTSA, covering areas including electrical system, brakes, collision avoidance cameras, and seat belts. None are classified as do-not-drive recalls.
What year Audi S6 should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint index data, the 2013 model year (complaint index 100), 2014 (92), and 2016 (85) are marked Avoid, while 2021 has a much lower index of 8.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi S6?
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi S6 at 22 mpg combined, 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650.
Does the 2021 Audi S6 have a brake recall?
Yes. Recall 23V601000 covers an incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap that could be installed on certain 2021 Audi S6 Sedan vehicles, among other Audi models.

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.