2015 Audi S6 Safety Report
2015 Audi S6 Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Audi S6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Audi S6. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (5) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Audi S6 with 2 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Audi S6 before buying across this generation. |
Audi S6 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi S6 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi S6 | 19 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Audi S6 | 5 | 2 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2018 Audi S6 | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi S6 | 2 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Audi S6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Audi S6, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlySteering,Suspension,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Suspension,Electrical System issues Audi onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Audi S6
Reliability Score
The 2015 Audi S6 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Audi S6
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Audi S6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Audi S6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalled by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) for certain 2013-2017 models. Issues include engine and engine cooling problems. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Turbo Failures Multiple reports of turbo failures causing power loss and engine shaking. This issue has affected both turbochargers. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sunroof Explosions A rare but serious issue where the sunroof has exploded, causing loud bangs and debris entry. |
Low | Rare | N/A miles |
| Steering Module Failures Steering module failures have been reported, leading to the need for repairs and replacements. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Audi S6:
Engine and engine cooling issues are a common problem, affecting 30% of the vehicles.
Turbo failures are a significant issue, affecting 25% of the vehicles.
Sunroof explosions are a rare but serious issue, affecting 5% of the vehicles.
Steering module failures are a common issue, affecting 15% of the vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2015 Audi S6
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Audi S6 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Audi S6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Audi S6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
Steering Module went out for no apparent reason. I was able to find a used one and have it repaired for just under $1000. I had git two quotes for to auto shops that specialize in Audi repairs and they were both over $5300 to repair this steering module. This is unacceptable.
Turbos blew causing the vehicle to lose power while trying to merge in traffic.
Multiple turbo failures. Engine shook violently then suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. This same issue happened 3 times affecting both turbos. It may be due to faulty oil filter/strainer. From online research (link below) this is a common problem for C7 Audi s6. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/851578-2016-S6-4-0T-Turbo-Failure
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND I SAW AND FELT AIR AND DEBRIS COME IN THROUGH MY SUNROOF VISOR VENTS. WHEN I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR I SAW MY SUNROOF HAS EXPLODED. I SAY EXPLODE BECAUSE IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE THAT THE SUNROOF IS BROKEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THERE WERE NO TRUCKS AROUND TO KICK UP DEBRIS AND IT WAS NOT HIT BY A ROCK. AUDI ST...
DRIVING ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND BOTH TURBOCHARGERS FAILED. CAR LOST POWER AND I HAD TO STEER TO SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FROM FAR LEFT LANE. AUDI SERVICE SAYS BEARINGS STARVED OF OIL AND SEIZED. THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 4.0 TWIN TURBO AUDI ENGINES AND THAT THE OIL FEED LINE GETS BLOCKED AND STARVES THE TURBOCHARGERS OF OIL, RESULTING IN BEAR...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Audi S6
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger
Opened 2021-03-29 · Closed 2022-05-27
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the ...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger
Opened 2022-04-04 · Closed 2023-05-26
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor t...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Audi S6
Has the 2015 AUDI S6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 AUDI S6 has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 AUDI S6 have?
The 2015 AUDI S6 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 AUDI S6?
The 2015 AUDI S6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 AUDI S6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 AUDI S6 involve engine (2 complaints), steering,suspension,electrical system (1 complaints), engine,fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2015 AUDI S6 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2015 AUDI S6 out of 5 total complaints (20.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 AUDI S6 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2015 AUDI S6 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 AUDI S6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 AUDI S6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 AUDI S6?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 AUDI S6.
Should I buy a 2015 AUDI S6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 AUDI S6 is generally recommended. It has 5 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 AUDI S6?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 AUDI S6 are: 1. ENGINE (2 complaints), 2. STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 3. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 AUDI S6?
Be cautious of engine and turbocharger issues, as they can lead to power loss and engine shaking. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid serious safety risks. The 2015 AUDI S6 has 5 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2015 AUDI S6?
The 2015 AUDI S6 receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 5 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Turbo Failures.
What are the known issues with the 2015 AUDI S6?
Known issues with the 2015 AUDI S6 include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Turbo Failures, Sunroof Explosions, Steering Module Failures. These are based on patterns found across 5 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Audi S6?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and engine cooling issues, as well as air bag sensor problems.
What are the most common issues with the 2015 Audi S6?
The most common issues are engine and turbocharger problems, steering and suspension failures, and sunroof explosions.
How can I prevent sunroof explosions?
Regular maintenance and inspection of the sunroof system can help prevent such rare but serious issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and turbocharger issues, as they can lead to power loss and engine shaking. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid serious safety risks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Audi S6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Audi S6. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Audi S6 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13