2016 Audi S6 recalls & problems

2 recalls 19 complaints 2 investigations

2recalls
19owner complaints
0crashes reported
1fires reported
0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Audi S6 and 19 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is engine (13 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2016 Audi S6 recalls

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 22V178000 · Mar 23, 2022

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

26,093 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 18V370000 · Jun 4, 2018

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

139,249 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2016 Audi S6 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine 13
000
Unknown or Other 4
010
Power Train 3
000
Electrical System 2
010
Forward Collision Avoidance 2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling 1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
000
Service Brakes 1
000
Steering 1
000
Suspension 1
000
Vehicle Speed Control 1
000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Service Brakes · Nov 27, 2025 · CT

The front passenger-side 6-piston Brembo caliper's (Part No. 20.A989.63) external steel crossover tube failed due to corrosion, specifically where the tubing was covered by a protective rubber sleeve, which trapped moisture and road salt. This led to a catastrophic loss of brake fluid and braking capability. This appears to be a systemic corrosion defect.

Suspension · Dec 17, 2024 · TX

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Defective Arnott Front Air Strut To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern regarding a defective Arnott FL front air strut purchased via RockAuto for my 2016 Audi S6 (VIN: [XXX] ). The air strut failed within five days of professional installation. This failure compromised the safety and…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 27, 2024 · CA

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 40,000 miles and have progressively worsened, despite our vehicles having only…

Power Train · Jun 27, 2024 · CA

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 40,000 miles and have progressively worsened, despite our vehicles having only…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 27, 2024 · CA

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 40,000 miles and have progressively worsened, despite our vehicles having only…

Engine · Jan 15, 2024 · NJ

Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty [XXX] covers only ten years or 120k miles. My car has close to 160k miles. According to NHTSA or Audi, “Audi has determined that, in some vehicles, it is possible for the crankcase ventilation valve to malfunction, causing a whistling noise in the engine compartment and the MIL to illuminate due to the presence of…

Unknown or Other · Jan 15, 2024 · NJ

Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty [XXX] covers only ten years or 120k miles. My car has close to 160k miles. According to NHTSA or Audi, “Audi has determined that, in some vehicles, it is possible for the crankcase ventilation valve to malfunction, causing a whistling noise in the engine compartment and the MIL to illuminate due to the presence of…

Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 15, 2024 · NJ

Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty [XXX] covers only ten years or 120k miles. My car has close to 160k miles. According to NHTSA or Audi, “Audi has determined that, in some vehicles, it is possible for the crankcase ventilation valve to malfunction, causing a whistling noise in the engine compartment and the MIL to illuminate due to the presence of…

Engine · Sep 9, 2023 · NJ

While driving with my wife and kids, on the highway, in the rain a warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down. As a result, I was unable to steer the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to “muscle” the car off the highway and onto a secondary roadway.…

Steering · Sep 9, 2023 · NJ

While driving with my wife and kids, on the highway, in the rain a warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down. As a result, I was unable to steer the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to “muscle” the car off the highway and onto a secondary roadway.…

Electrical System · Sep 9, 2023 · NJ

While driving with my wife and kids, on the highway, in the rain a warning message was displayed. The warning stated: steering malfunction, please stop the vehicle!. At which point the power steering locked-up & the engine powered down. As a result, I was unable to steer the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to “muscle” the car off the highway and onto a secondary roadway.…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 6, 2023 · IN

The contact owns a 2016 Audi S6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the repair had been previously completed by an independent mechanic, a year prior to receiving the recall letter. The contact filed paperwork to be reimbursed after receiving the recall letter. The contact had taken the vehicle to a…

Other Audi S6 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Audi S6 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2016 Audi S6, the most recent one (22V178000) for engine and engine cooling. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi S6?

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine (13), unknown or other (4), power train (3).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2016 Audi S6?

Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 2016 Audi S6?

NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA22001: Engine Stall - Turbo Failure.