2017 Audi S6 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 model year · 612+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 612+ owner reports, the 2017 Audi S6 has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure ($800-$2,500 repair) and Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks ($800-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup with 294 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $600 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

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172 owners

On the 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T, the twin-turbo 4.0T V8 in the S6 uses coolant lines routed to each turbocharger that are prone to cracking and leaking. The lines are difficult to access and failure can cause rapid coolant loss.

This issue also affects: Audi A8, Audi RS6, Audi RS7

Common Symptoms

Coolant loss
Overheating after spirited driving
Coolant smell from engine bay
Steam from turbo area
Low coolant warning
White smoke from exhaust

How to Fix

Replace turbo coolant lines with updated silicone or reinforced lines. Inspect all coolant connections in the turbo area.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 172+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeTurbo Coolant Line Kit (Genuine Audi #079121481E)
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Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,500

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Community Reported

High Confidence172 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

146 owners

On the 2013-2024 Audi S6, the S6 adaptive air suspension struts develop air leaks at the rubber bladders and valve blocks, causing the car to sag overnight or drop to one corner. Compressor overwork from compensating shortens its life.

Common Symptoms

Vehicle sagging overnight
Uneven ride height
Suspension warning light
Compressor running constantly
Rough ride quality
Nose diving under braking

How to Fix

Replace leaking air struts. Consider replacing compressor if it runs excessively. Aftermarket struts are available at lower cost.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 146+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeFront Air Strut Assembly (Arnott #AS-3262)
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Typical repair cost:$800 - $3,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence146 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

294 owners

On the 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T, 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.

This issue also affects: Audi A8, Audi RS6, Audi RS7

Common Symptoms

Rough idle
Misfires
Power loss
Hesitation at low RPM
Check engine light
Uneven cylinder performance

How to Fix

Walnut blast all eight intake runners. Dual-injection models (2019+) are less affected.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 294+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeCatch Can Kit for 4.0T (034Motorsport #034-101-1015)
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Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,400

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Community Reported

High Confidence294 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2013-2018 Audi S6 4.0T, 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.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Rough idle
Misfires at idle
Power loss
Poor fuel economy
Hesitation on acceleration

How to Fix

Confirm carbon buildup by scanning for misfire faults (commonly random/multiple or cylinder-specific misfires), reviewing fuel trims, and inspecting the intake valves with a borescope after removing the intake manifold or accessing the ports. The proper repair is an intake valve carbon cleaning, typically walnut shell blasting each intake port with the valves closed, then replacing intake manifold gaskets, injector seals/O-rings or any disturbed PCV-related seals as needed and clearing/adapting the ECU afterward. If buildup is severe or returns quickly, inspect the PCV/oil separator system and crankcase ventilation hoses for excessive oil carryover. Independent shops typically charge about $800-$1,500 for a full walnut blast service on the 4.0T, while dealer pricing can run roughly $1,500-$2,500 depending on labor and gasket/seal replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeBluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading engine codes and monitoring live data (BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool)
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UpgradeQuality synthetic oil and filter combo for engine maintenance (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Bundle)
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Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,200

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Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S6 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 612+ owner reports, the 2017-2017 Audi S6 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure, Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks, 4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S6 reliable?

The 2017-2017 Audi S6 has 4 known issues documented across 612+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure and Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks. 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 $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure, typically costs $800-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure?

The twin-turbo 4.0T V8 in the S6 uses coolant lines routed to each turbocharger that are prone to cracking and leaking. The lines are difficult to access and failure can cause rapid coolant loss. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2024 Audi S6 Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks?

The S6 adaptive air suspension struts develop air leaks at the rubber bladders and valve blocks, causing the car to sag overnight or drop to one corner. Compressor overwork from compensating shortens its life. Repairs typically run $800-$3,000. 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.

2017 Audi S6 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2013-2024 Audi S6: 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2013-2024 Audi S6: Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2013-2024 Audi S6: 4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2013-2018 Audi S6: 4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Audi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S6 problems?

Is the Audi S6 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S6 problems?

What is the 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T Turbo Coolant Line Failure?

What is the 2013-2024 Audi S6 Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leaks?

What is the 2013-2024 Audi S6 4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup?

What is the 2013-2018 Audi S6 4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?