2016 Audi S6 Safety Report
2016 Audi S6 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Audi S6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 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 (19) | 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 | 2015 | Check the 2015 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi S6 | 5 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi S6 | 5 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Audi S6 | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi S6 | 2 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Audi S6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 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
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Audi onlySuspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Audi onlyPower Train,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlySteering,Electrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Electrical System,Engine issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi S6
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi S6 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 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 2016 Audi S6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi S6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2016-2017 Q7 vehicles due to potential engine and engine cooling issues. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger-Side Brake Caliper Corrosion The front passenger-side 6-piston Brembo caliper's external steel crossover tube failed due to corrosion, leading to potential brake failure. |
Medium | Occasional | 100k-150k miles |
| Premature Mechatronic Issues A group of Audi S6 owners from 2013-2017 model years are experiencing premature mechatronic issues, manifesting as various malfunctions. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering And Electrical System Malfunctions One owner reported a steering malfunction warning while driving, indicating potential electrical system issues. |
Low | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi S6:
Issues with engine and engine cooling, including turbocharger failures and loss of power.
Corrosion of the front passenger-side brake caliper's external steel crossover tube.
Premature mechatronic issues, leading to various malfunctions.
Steering malfunction warning while driving.
Recall Details for the 2016 Audi S6
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 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 2016 Audi S6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Audi S6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
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.
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 functionality of my vehicle's...
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 approximately 70,000 miles ...
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 specific fault codes caused b...
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. Vehicle was towed. With th...
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 dealer, and the dealer stat...
I was driving my car and it stalled out in the middle of an intersection which was totally unsafe and it would barely start. I was able to limp it to safety but it would not run or idle correctly. I had it towed to the local Audi dealership and they diagnosed the issue as being the turbos. The turbos failed and need to be replaced. The obvious known issue with the oil screen starving the turbos an...
I am having a transmission malfunction warning light on the dashboard that comes on. The car will not shift gears which is dangerous when driving in streets/highway. This is a known issue with the Audi S6 and related models and a class action lawsuit is in process. Audi is trying to charge few thousands dollars $8000-$12,000 to replace the mechatronic and clutch transmission system which is very p...
Loss of power on freeway, due to known turbo issue on these cars. Filter for turbo oil clogs, and burns the turbo's without warning causing loss of power. Not to mention it often sends metal into your engines oil and the repair for that is more than the car is worth.
The Passenger Side Turbo failed. Yes it’s available for inspection. I was driving and I felt a pop, like a backfire from under the hood. The car lost power instantly and was any under power anymore on the road. It could have been a lot worse if I was on a busy highway but luckily was on a street with do one behind me. It was confirmed it was the turbo failure and the turbo has been inspected. No w...
ON 09APR2021 I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY DOGS FROM DAYCARE. DURING MY RIDE THE CAR SEEMED HESITANT WITH POWER. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DAYCARE AND PARKED THE CAR ESSENTIALLY SEEMED LIKE IT WAS CHOKING AND AT ONE POINT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ON IT'S OWN. AFTER I PICKED UP MY DOG I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT TOOK 3 ATTEMPTS FOR IT TO START. ON THE WAY HOME I HAD TO TRY AND KEEP THE CAR IN MO...
OIL SCREEN INTERIOR OF ENGINE (NON-SERVICEABLE) CLOGGED WHICH PREVENTED TURBO CHARGERS FROM RECEIVING OIL. BOTH TURBO CHARGERS FAILED WHICH CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL. WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON TWO LANE CITY STREET. ENGINE DIED, POWER WAS LOST, AND STEERED VEHICLE TO AVOID COLLISION WITH BRICK MAILBOX. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A STOP IN ROADWAY (NO SHOULDER) BUT WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC. CAR WOULD NOT RESTA...
BOTH MY TURBOS FAILED ON MY CAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN 2019. I WAS COMING HOME FROM DROPPING OFF MY DAUGHTER 90 MINUTES AWAY. AFTER LEAVING THE HIGHWAY AND STARTING TO MOVE ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, MY CAR DECIDED TO COMPLETELY STALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE TO SHOULDER AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP AS I WAS ON A ONE LANE ROAD. MY CAR WAS TOWED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY CAR HAD BOTH TURBOS FAI...
POWER SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. CLEAR LOSS OF BOOST. EVENTUAL COMPLETE ENGINE STALL. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE ENGINE CUT OFF UNCOMMANDED. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE TURBOS HAD FAILED DUE TO A LOSS OF OIL SUPPLY. THE OIL SUPPLY IS CUT OFF DUE TO THE SINGULAR TURBO OIL SCREEN BEING CLOGGED. REGULAR OIL CHANGES ARE DOCUM...
I WAS ACCELERATING WITH TRAFFIC WHILE ON AN ON RAMP AND MERGING INTO BUSY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST POWER AND MY CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AT A RAPID PACE. THERE WAS NO THROTTLE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS BEING PRESSED. SECONDS AFTER THAT I LOST POWER TO THE CAR. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY HAZARDS AND COAST THROUGH 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER. DURING WHICH TIME, I HAD NO ...
TURBO FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES STATIONARY WOULD NOT START
TURBOCHARGER(S) FAILURE DUE TO OIL FILTER SCREEN CLOGGING WITH CONTAMINANTS AT 47000 MILES CAUSING TURBOCHARGER BEARING FAILURE DESTROYING THE TURBINE AND COMPRESSOR WHEELS ALONG WITH COMPRESSOR HOUSING AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE OPERATED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHILE FAILURE OCCURRED INDUCING LOSS OF ENGINE THROTTLE CONT...
THIS WAS A LOW MILEAGE (9K) LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD PRISTINE CONDITION AUDI S6. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER SAT IN THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE OFF PRIOR TO EXITING THE VEHICLE. BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MINUTES AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE WE SMELLED SMOKE IN THE HOUSE. WE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE HAD FLAME AND SMO...
THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WAY THE S6 DOWNSHIFTS WHICH MAKES DRIVING UNSAFE. A DOWNSHIFT IS FOLLOWED BY ABOUT 1 SECOND OF THE TRANSMISSION NOT BEING ENGAGED (SO NO POWER TO THE WHEELS) AND THEN SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND THE CAR VIOLENTLY THRUSTS FORWARD. THE ISSUE IS MORE PROFOUND WHEN DOWNSHIFTING 3RD TO 2ND AT ABOUT 20-30 MPH AND CAN RESULT IN REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT. ...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 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 2016 Audi S6
Has the 2016 AUDI S6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 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 2016 AUDI S6 have?
The 2016 AUDI S6 has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI S6?
The 2016 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 2016 AUDI S6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 AUDI S6 involve engine (9 complaints), service brakes (1 complaints), suspension (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,forward collision avoidance, unknown or other,engine,fuel/propulsion system, steering,electrical system,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 AUDI S6 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2016 AUDI S6 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2016 AUDI S6 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 AUDI S6 out of 19 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 AUDI S6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI S6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 AUDI S6?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI S6.
Should I buy a 2016 AUDI S6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 AUDI S6 is generally recommended. It has 19 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 2016 AUDI S6?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 AUDI S6 are: 1. ENGINE (9 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 3. SUSPENSION (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 AUDI S6?
Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, especially with turbocharger failures. Regularly inspect the front passenger-side brake caliper for corrosion and address any mechatronic issues promptly. The 2016 AUDI S6 has 19 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 AUDI S6?
The 2016 AUDI S6 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 19 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Front Passenger-Side Brake Caliper Corrosion.
What are the known issues with the 2016 AUDI S6?
Known issues with the 2016 AUDI S6 include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Front Passenger-Side Brake Caliper Corrosion, Premature Mechatronic Issues, Steering and Electrical System Malfunctions. These are based on patterns found across 19 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Audi S6?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and engine cooling issues, as well as airbags sensor problems.
What are the common issues with the 2016 Audi S6?
Common issues include engine and engine cooling problems, brake caliper corrosion, premature mechatronic issues, and steering and electrical system malfunctions.
Can the transmission malfunction warning be dangerous?
Yes, the transmission malfunction warning can be dangerous as it may prevent the car from shifting gears, making it difficult to drive safely.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, especially with turbocharger failures. Regularly inspect the front passenger-side brake caliper for corrosion and address any mechatronic issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi S6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi S6. The data includes 19 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 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