VehicleVerdict

1998 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1998 Audi S6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted56 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 22 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 9 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 0 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 0 complaints2013: 56 complaints2014: 30 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 30 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 5 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Audi S6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1100%

Does the 1998 Audi S6 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V133000Electrical SystemMarch 18, 2004 · 172,866 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAD THE CAR JACKED UP USING THE AUDI SUPPLIED JACK ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. I HAD REMOVED THE TIRE AND WAS REPLACING FRONT BRAKE PADS. THE JACK SUDDENLY COLLAPSED. THE JACK HAD COME APART DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A PLASTIC PART THAT OPERATES AS A HINGE POINT. I FEEL THE JACK DESIGN IS VERY POOR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 29, 2011

1998 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 1998 Audi S6 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Audi S6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Audi S6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S6 years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2016. The cleanest record among S6 years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.