VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 30.0 times the median S6 year — the 2016 model ranks #2 of 30 S6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (14 of 30), far ahead of other at 4. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi S6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1447%
Other413%
Transmission310%
Electrical System27%
Driver Assistance27%
Steering13%
Suspension13%
Brakes13%
Speed Control13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2016 Audi S6 have recalls?

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

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Consequence

Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Consequence

If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 4, 2022

“THIS WAS A LOW MILEAGE (9K) LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD PRISTINE CONDITION AUDI S6. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER SAT IN THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE OFF PRIOR TO EXITING THE VEHICLE. BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MINUTES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 15, 2016 · fire

“I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 4, 2022

“THIS WAS A LOW MILEAGE (9K) LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD PRISTINE CONDITION AUDI S6. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER SAT IN THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE OFF PRIOR TO EXITING THE VEHICLE. BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MINUTES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 15, 2016 · fire

“We, a group of Audi S6 owners with vehicles from the 2013-2017 model years, are experiencing premature mechatronic issues. These problems manifest as jerking when coming to a stop, which can lead to accidents, and intermittent power loss that can be life-threatening. These issues began around…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 14, 2024

2016 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi S6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2016 model at #2 of 30 S6 years. It is one of the S6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 S6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), other (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi S6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Audi S6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.

How safe is the 2016 Audi S6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Audi S6 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.