2002 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2002 Audi S6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply 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 2002 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Audi S6 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	4	44%	▲ up
Speed Control	2	22%	new
Transmission	2	22%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	11%	new

Does the 2002 Audi S6 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V267000Fuel SystemMay 3, 2011 · 5,992 units

Defect

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

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.

“Fuel is leaking from the top of the driver side of fuel tank. Appears to be near to rollover nipple that was previously recalled in 2010. Result: accumulation of fuel near exhaust - fire hazard.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 14, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI S6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 15, 2004

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI S6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 15, 2004

“TIRE EXPLODED (AT FREEWAY SPEED) AND DISINTEGRATED CAUSING ME TO BE IMMEDIATELY DRIVING ON THE WHEEL (DAMAGING THE WHEEL) UNTIL I COULD GET OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND STOP.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 16, 2002

2002 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2002 Audi S6 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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 2002 compare to other S6 years?

What are the most common 2002 Audi S6 problems?

Does the 2002 Audi S6 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2002 Audi S6 reliable?

Does the 2002 Audi S6 have recalls?

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

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