Is the 2016 Audi S6 reliable?

The 2016 Audi S6 has 30 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Audi S6?

Top problems: ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Audi S6?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Audi S6?

The 2016 Audi S6 gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Audi S6?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Audi S6 is approximately $1,853/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Audi S6

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Audi S6 has 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.8x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is engine problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: 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.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

14 complaints

47%

• 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.
• TURBO FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES STATIONARY WOULD NOT START
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Audi S6

Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 45K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION04/06/2018

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Audi S6

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Audi S6

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,853

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1853

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi S6 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2016 S6, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 30 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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 A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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 PROFOUN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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 A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)