2002-2025 Audi S6 Problems: 6 Known Issues
2002-2025 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002-2025 Audi S6 has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7, 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV and ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure ($1,500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,500 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
TIRES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
AIR BAGS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi S6 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002-2025 Audi S6 has 6 documented issues. Documented issues include: 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7, 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV, ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Audi S6 reliable?
The 2002-2025 Audi S6 has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7 and 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV and ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Audi S6 problems?
Repair costs for known Audi S6 issues range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Audi S6 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Audi S6. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2002-2025 Audi S6 with 6 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2007-2011 Audi S6 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7?
Certain non-sequential-VIN 2007-2011 S6 sedans produced July 14, 2006 through January 13, 2011 are included in the final Takata passenger-frontal-airbag recall. Degraded inflator propellant can create excessive pressure during deployment, rupture the inflator and send metal fragm… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2025 Audi S6 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV?
Certain 2020-2025 S6 vehicles produced October 22, 2019 through July 10, 2025 are included in recall 25V900/90TV because a software issue can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. The failure reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. Eligibility is determined… Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2003 Audi S6 ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure?
The 2002-2003 S6 (C5, 4.2 V8) uses the ZF 5HP24A five-speed Tiptronic automatic, the all-wheel-drive (quattro) version of the 5HP24. As these transmissions wear, clearance grows between the pressure regulator valve and its bore in the valve body, and line pressure becomes erratic… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Audi S6 4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?
The Audi S6 C7 with the 4.0T twin-turbo V8 (direct injection) develops carbon buildup on the intake valves since fuel does not wash over them. This reduces airflow and causes misfires, rough idle, and power loss over time. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013 Audi S6 2013 Audi S6 Air-Suspension Compressor or Relay Fault - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2018765/8 covers 2013 C7 S6 vehicles with air suspension when ride-height adjustment is unavailable, the compressor continues running after shutdown and locking, or the system lowers the car and displays a warning. The bulletin identifies a compressor or J403 relay diagn… Severity: medium.
What is the 2013 Audi S6 2013 Audi S6 Turbocharger Coolant-Pipe Seepage - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2036167/2 documents slow coolant loss at the turbocharger coolant feed and return connections on 2013 S6 4.0T vehicles in VIN range 000001-127113. Supported signs are a low-coolant warning, a low reservoir level and black encrusted coolant residue at the connections. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.