2018 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi RS6 has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Turbocharger Oil Strainer Failure (4.0T V8) - CRITICAL ($1,500-$12,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $800 to $12,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2013-2020 Audi RS6 4.0T V8, the 4.0T twin-turbo V8 in RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 (2013-2020) has a CRITICAL design defect in the turbo oil strainer/screen. The oil strainer uses a mesh filter that's too narrow and gets blocked with oil and carbon deposits, starving the turbochargers of oil and causing complete turbo failure. This affects BOTH turbos and requires $8,000-$12,000 replacement. One dealership technician reported seeing 20+ failures in one year in a single region. Audi issued TSB extending coverage to 2017 models, but refuses warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles despite it being a DESIGN FLAW. RS246.com forums are full of turbo failure cases. This is the most serious and expensive reliability issue with the 4.0T engine.
PREVENTIVE FIX: Replace turbo oil strainers with updated parts ($1,500-$2,500) BEFORE failure. Some specialists offer strainer upgrade service. If turbos have FAILED: Replace both turbos ($8,000-$12,000 installed). Check TSB eligibility with Audi dealer—some 2013-2017 cars covered. PREVENTION: Change oil every 5,000 miles (NOT 10,000) with high-quality synthetic. Monitor for ANY boost loss and address immediately. Consider extended warranty if buying used 4.0T car.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2013-2023 Audi RS6 4.0T V8, the 4.0T twin-turbo V8 in RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 suffers from severe carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection. The high-performance nature and twin-turbo setup means carbon accumulates faster than in lower-output engines. Over 60,000 miles, carbon restricts airflow causing rough idle, misfires, and power loss. The V8 configuration requires removing both intake manifolds, making walnut blasting more expensive ($1,200-$2,000) than 4-cylinder engines. RS6.com forums recommend cleaning every 60,000 miles as preventive maintenance. Failure to clean can cause valve damage requiring expensive cylinder head work on the $120,000+ RS models.
WALNUT BLASTING: Remove both intake manifolds and blast walnut shells through all intake ports ($1,200-$2,000 for V8). Repeat every 60,000 miles. PREVENTION: Install catch can ($500-$800 for twin-turbo setup). Add Liqui Moly Intake Valve Cleaner to every oil change. Change oil every 5,000 miles. Drive car hard regularly.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2013-2023 Audi RS6 4.0T V8, the RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 with 4.0T V8 engines experience premature motor mount failures due to the engine's high torque output (600+ lb-ft). Motor mounts wear out between 40,000-80,000 miles, causing excessive engine movement, vibrations, and clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration. The high-performance nature of RS models accelerates mount wear compared to base models. Failed mounts cause driveline stress and can damage other components. RS246.com forums report this as a common issue on high-mileage RS models. Replacement costs $800-$1,500 for all mounts.
Replace failed motor mounts with OEM or upgraded mounts ($800-$1,500 for all mounts). Upgraded aftermarket mounts (034 Motorsport, ECS) offer better durability for high-torque engines ($400-$600 per mount). If you drive aggressively or track the car, consider upgrading to performance mounts preventively. Monitor for vibrations and clunking—early replacement prevents driveline damage.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
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.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 Audi RS6 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Turbocharger Oil Strainer Failure (4.0T V8) - CRITICAL, Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.0T V8), Premature Motor Mount Failure (4.0T V8). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2018-2018 Audi RS6 has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Turbocharger Oil Strainer Failure (4.0T V8) - CRITICAL. 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.
Repair costs for known Audi RS6 issues range from $800 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Turbocharger Oil Strainer Failure (4.0T V8) - CRITICAL, typically costs $1,500-$12,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 4.0T twin-turbo V8 in RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 (2013-2020) has a CRITICAL design defect in the turbo oil strainer/screen. The oil strainer uses a mesh filter that's too narrow and gets blocked with oil and carbon deposits, starving the turbochargers of oil and causing complete tur… Repairs typically run $1,500-$12,000. Severity: high.
The 4.0T twin-turbo V8 in RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 suffers from severe carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection. The high-performance nature and twin-turbo setup means carbon accumulates faster than in lower-output engines. Over 60,000 miles, carbon restricts airflow ca… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,000. Severity: medium.
The RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 with 4.0T V8 engines experience premature motor mount failures due to the engine's high torque output (600+ lb-ft). Motor mounts wear out between 40,000-80,000 miles, causing excessive engine movement, vibrations, and clunking noises during acceleration or… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: low.
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.
