2016 Audi S6 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S6.

2
recalls
19
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Audi S6 recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger

NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · reported March 23, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 26,093 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · reported June 4, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 139,249 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 27, 2025 · Service brakes

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…

Dec 17, 2024 · Suspension

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: […] ). The air strut failed within five days of professional…

Jun 27, 2024 · Power train

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…

Jan 15, 2024 · Engine

Hi - The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Extended Warranty […] 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…

Sep 9, 2023 · Steering

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”…

S6 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 34210
2014 32000
2015 2510
2016 21901
2017 2500
2018 1400

Across all years, the 2013 S6 has the most complaints (42). All Audi S6 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Audi S6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Audi S6, the most recent reported on March 23, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi S6?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (13 complaints), followed by unknown or other (4).
How many 2016 Audi S6 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 19 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 27, 2025.