RoadVitals

2003 Audi S6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 3, 2011
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Audi S6, most frequently naming the fuel system category. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 89 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system2100.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
11V267000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

May 3, 2011
5,992 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 20L8/JYView on NHTSA.gov
04V133000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mar 18, 2004
172,866 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
The risk: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Audi S6. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle in the driveway, gasoline was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was then repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V267000 (Fuel System, Other); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the part was discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

NHTSA ID
11754771
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
Mileage
176,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 1, 2021

Pursuant to outstanding recall repair: Fuel tank leaks substantially when filled over 1/2 tank. Zimbrick Audi of Madison, WI confirms symptom, and confirms that fuel tank needs to be replaced pursuant to faulty rollover valve nipple. Audi of America is not currently offering a resolution as they claim replacement fuel tank is no longer available. The car has been unavailable to me for over a week. There is no resolution in sight.

NHTSA ID
11431407
Incident
Jul 1, 2021

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A0023742052680_4

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

A0021482021205_6

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; STRUCTURE

This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.

A0020362002047_1

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.

A0019252011732_1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions

A941791 2012749-

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.

SM 44-2017 EN

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi S6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025210—
2024010—
2023010—
2022440—
20210100—
2020260—
2019000—
2018410—
2017520—
2016192255.3
2015522—
2014203256.3
2013423254.3
2012000—
2011020—
2010120—
2009030—
2008220—
2007120—
2006000—
2005000—
2004010—
2003Viewing220—
2002720—
2001110—
2000011—
1999011—
1998111—
1997100—
1996110—
1995202152.6
1994021—
1993010—
1992010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.