2018 Audi S6 Safety Report

2018 Audi S6 boasts 5-star NHTSA safety ratings with minimal complaints, but has an airbag recall.

4Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Steering,Electrical System (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Service Brakes (1)Steering (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Audi S6

The 2018 Audi S6 demonstrates an excellent overall safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving a perfect 5-star rating in Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover crash tests. This indicates robust occupant protection in various collision scenarios. Despite its strong crash test performance, the vehicle has a very low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 4 total complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This suggests that widespread safety-critical issues are not prevalent. The complaint data, though sparse, points to a few isolated issues. One complaint details a dead battery causing multiple system warnings including 'STEERING SYSTEM FAULT' and 'DYNAMIC STABILITY' shortly after purchase. Another complaint mentions 'EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST ON WHEELS AND ROTORS AFFECTING STOPPING DISTANCE,' which could be a concern for braking performance. A third complaint highlights repeated windshield shattering from minor impacts, suggesting a potential durability issue with the glass. The low volume of complaints makes it difficult to identify strong patterns, but these individual reports offer some insight into potential areas of concern. Regarding recalls, the 2018 Audi S6 has one significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V847000) concerning the 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION' system. This recall affects the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) module. A malfunction in this module could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying correctly in a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury. This is a critical safety recall that owners should ensure has been addressed. Given the low complaint volume and high safety ratings, the 2018 Audi S6 appears to be a very safe vehicle, provided the airbag recall has been completed.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Audi S6 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2018 Audi S6

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Audi S6:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Occupant Classification System Malfunction
Recall 19V847000 indicates the PODS module may malfunction, preventing proper front passenger airbag deployment, increasing injury risk.
High Occasional N/A miles
Windshield Shattering From Minor Impacts
One complaint details three instances of the windshield shattering due to minor impacts, suggesting potential durability issues.
Medium Rare 0-45000 miles
Electrical System/Battery Failure Leading To Multiple Warnings
A dead battery shortly after purchase caused the vehicle not to start and triggered warnings for steering, dynamic stability, and adaptive suspension.
Medium Rare 0-1000 miles
Excessive Brake Dust Affecting Stopping Distance
One complaint noted excessive brake dust on wheels and rotors, which was reported to affect stopping distance.
Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Audi S6:

Steering 25% of complaints

One complaint reported a 'STEERING SYSTEM FAULT' warning after a battery issue.

Electrical System 25% of complaints

One complaint involved a dead battery causing the vehicle not to start and triggering multiple system warnings.

Visibility/Wiper 25% of complaints

One complaint detailed repeated windshield shattering from minor impacts.

Service Brakes 25% of complaints

One complaint mentioned excessive brake dust affecting stopping distance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Audi S6

Is the 2018 Audi S6 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Audi S6 is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star overall safety rating and 5 stars in all individual crash tests. There are only 4 total complaints, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. However, there is one critical recall for the airbag system that must be addressed.

What are common problems for the 2018 Audi S6?

With only 4 total complaints, there aren't 'common' problems in a statistical sense. However, the reported issues include a dead battery causing multiple system warnings (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING), repeated windshield shattering (VISIBILITY/WIPER), and excessive brake dust affecting stopping distance (SERVICE BRAKES). Each of these components accounts for 25% of the total complaints.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Audi S6?

Yes, there is one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V847000) for the 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION' system. A malfunction in the PODS module could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

How did the 2018 Audi S6 perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Audi S6 performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, as well as 5 stars for Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the airbag recall on the 2018 Audi S6?

Yes, the airbag recall (19V847000) is a significant safety concern as it directly impacts occupant protection in a crash. It is crucial to ensure that this recall has been completed by an authorized Audi dealership to mitigate the risk of improper airbag deployment.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: The 2018 Audi S6 is a highly-rated safe vehicle with minimal complaints; ensure the airbag recall has been completed and be aware of isolated reports concerning windshield durability and electrical system glitches.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Audi S6

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Audi S6. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.