2001 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2001 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Audi S6 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Airbags	1	100%	new

Does the 2001 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI S6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 6, 2015

2001 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2001 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 2001 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Audi S6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2001 compare to other S6 years?

What are the most common 2001 Audi S6 problems?

Does the 2001 Audi S6 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2001 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2001 Audi S6 reliable?

Does the 2001 Audi S6 have recalls?

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

Related