2018 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi S6 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	2	40%	▲ up
Brakes	1	20%	— flat
Electrical System	1	20%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	20%	new

Does the 2018 Audi S6 have recalls?

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

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 PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 11/18/2017; ON 11/21/2017 A DEAD BATTERY CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. ON THE 11/22/2017 AFTER CHARGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY OVER 20 HOURS THE VEHICLE STARTED; HOWEVER THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNINGS: STEERING SYSTEM FAULT, DYNAMIC STABILITY, ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 30, 2017

“I OWN A 2018 AUDI S6 WHICH I BEGAN DRIVING IN MARCH 2018. SINCE THEN THE WINDSHIELD HAS SHATTERED THREE TIMES, DUE TO ONLY MINOR IMPACTS OF ROCKS OR ROAD DEBRIS EACH TIME. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 36 YEARS IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 10, 2021

2018 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi S6 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 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.

How safe is the 2018 Audi S6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Audi S6 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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 2018 compare to other S6 years?

What are the most common 2018 Audi S6 problems?

Does the 2018 Audi S6 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2018 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi S6 reliable?

Does the 2018 Audi S6 have recalls?

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2018 Audi S6?

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