2016 Audi S6 problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S6, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 13 | 68% |
| Unknown / Other | 4 | 21% |
| Power Train | 3 | 16% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 5% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% |
| Steering | 1 | 5% |
| Suspension | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 11 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Nov 27, 2025
“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…”
Suspension · filed Dec 17, 2024
“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…”
Forward Collision Avoidance · filed Jun 27, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
Engineering Analysis EA22001 · opened Apr 4, 2022 · closed May 26, 2023
- Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
Preliminary Evaluation PE21009 · opened Mar 29, 2021 · closed May 27, 2022 · led to recall 22V178000
Technical service bulletins
669 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S6. The 10 most recent:
This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
TSB_2074436_3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026
This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
TSB_2069904_3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2026
This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
TSB_2069078_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2026
This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
TSB_2068999_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2026
This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
TSB_2067132_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2026
This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.
TSB_2076945_2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
TSB_2079732_2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2026
This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
TSB_2075120_3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2026
This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
TSB_20741717_15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2026
This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
TSB_2072304_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2016 Audi S6 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2016 Audi S6?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.