2002-2025 Audi S6 Problems: 7 Known Issues

2002-2025 Audi S6 Problems: 7 Known Issues | Au7o

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."

Campaign #25V90000019/12/2025

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."

Campaign #22V80600026/10/2022

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.

Campaign #22V86100021/11/2022

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.

Campaign #22V15500014/03/2022

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."

Campaign #21V60600005/08/2021

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S6 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 294+ owner reports, the 2002-2025 Audi S6 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure, 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV, 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S6 reliable?

The 2002-2025 Audi S6 has 7 known issues documented across 294+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure and 2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV and 2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7. 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 $600 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure, typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to 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 7 documented issues documented across 294+ owner reports.

What is the 2002-2004 Audi S6 ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure?

The ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic automatic transmission develops valve body issues causing harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and eventually limp mode. The electronic solenoids and valve body bore wear are the primary failure modes. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. 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 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 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup?

The S6 4.0T twin-turbo V8 develops carbon deposits on all eight intake valves. The twin-turbo layout and high heat make carbon accumulation aggressive, with symptoms appearing as early as 30,000 miles. Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: medium.

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. Repairs typically run $600-$1,200. 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. It… Severity: medium.

All 7 Known Issues

2020-2025 Audi S6 Rearview Camera Software Recall 25V900 / 90TV#

2007-2011 Audi S6 Takata Passenger-Airbag Recall 18V427 / 69R7#

ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic Transmission Valve Body Failure#

4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup#

4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves#

2013 Audi S6 Air-Suspension Compressor or Relay Fault - Diagnosis Required#

2013 Audi S6 Turbocharger Coolant-Pipe Seepage - Diagnosis Required#

Other Audi Models