RoadVitals

2014 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.
20
Latest Jun 18, 2025
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.
3
Latest Mar 23, 2022
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.
2
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Audi S6, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 764 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

  • Engine1553.6%
  • Suspension310.7%
  • Fuel system310.7%
  • Powertrain (other)27.1%
  • Steering27.1%
  • Exterior lighting13.6%
  • Electrical13.6%
  • Driver assistance13.6%

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

3 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Mar 23, 2022
26,093 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
The risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 21H7View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Jun 4, 2018
139,249 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 74D5View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Sep 23, 2013
3,594 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 20U6/L8View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA22001ClosedEngineering Analysis

Engine Stall - Turbo Failure

Opened Apr 4, 2022
Closed May 26, 2023

On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor to the engine stalling was the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints cited the turbocharger failure was a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making servicing the component difficult. The oil strainer removes particles and carbon deposits from the oil before lubricating the turbochargers. Over time, if the debris is not removed from the oil strainer, it becomes clogged and prevents oil from flowing to the turbochargers. This causes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat resulting in turbine shaft failure due to thermal stress.On April 04, 2022, PE21-009 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA22-001) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect. Volkswagen filed recall 22V-178 to replace the 30?m mesh oil strainer with a 90?m mesh oil strainer in the subject vehicles. VW introduced the larger mesh oil strainer into production in March of 2017 effecting the 2017-2018MY vehicles.ODI reviewed information from VW for vehicles that had the larger mesh installed in production. The data received showed, since the new oil strainer size of 90?m went into production for the 2017-2018MY, there has not been any reported incidents of turbocharger failures due to oil starvation or other failures that could be related to the larger screen mesh. In view of the recall being conducted by VW and lack of any detrimental side effect to the turbocharger caused by the larger mesh, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.11502847,11506565,11494663,11488813,11486393,11480926,11479882,11476289,11466761 11464663,11463254,11460580,11460496,11458973,11458804,11457556,11454753,11452668 11452589,11452584,11452383,11452175,11452111,11451724,11451724,11450995,11450988 11449661,11447092,11443657,11442867,11440536,11440052,11439959,11438691,11436461 11435619,11433925,11433733,11432336,11431661,11431421,11429704,11429584,11428128 11426929,11424203,11423603,11423337,11422431,11421084,11420626,11420342,11419693 11418884,11418437,11418433,11418135,11417635,11417351,11416095,11414578,11414235 11414064,11413359,11413285,11413214,11407510,11407450,11406897,11406821,11406637 11406460,11406416,11406291,11406287,11406277,11406273,11406263,11406256,11406251 11406229,11406222,11406208,11406204,11406197,11406182,11406015,11404665,11404426 11404348,11403823,11403430,11403268,11402684,11399435,11397821,11396241,11394763 11391037

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
PE21009ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Engine Stall - Turbo Failure

Opened Mar 29, 2021
Closed May 27, 2022

On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the major contributing factor to the engine stalling is the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints further allege the turbocharger failure is a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making regular service difficult. The oil strainer removes dirty particles and carbon deposits from the oil before flowing to lubricate the Turbochargers. Overtime if the debris are not removed from the oil strainer, it clogs the strainer and prevents free flow of oil to the turbochargers and makes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat which causes the turbine shaft to break due to thermal stress. In VW's response to ODI's Information Request letter, VW provided approximately 611 warranty claims with unique VINs, 70 Field Reports and 45 Consumer complaints. These reports allege engine stalling due to turbocharger failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above. To date, NHTSA has received approximately 98 allegations of stall due to turbocharger failures. The total of 824 reports shown in the table above eliminates duplicate reports received by both ODI and the manufacturer.This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect of engine stalling due to turbocharger failureThe ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11452589, 11452584, 11452383, 11450995, 11450988, 11449661, 11447092, 11442867 11440536, 11440052, 11439959, 11438691, 11436461, 11435619, 11431661, 11429704 11429584, 11426929, 11424203, 11423603, 11423337, 11421084, 11420626, 11420342 11418884, 11418437, 11418433, 11417635, 11417351, 11416095, 11414235, 11413359 11413214, 11413285, 11413133, 11407510, 11407450, 11407289, 11406821, 11406416 11406291, 11406277, 11406273, 11406256, 11406251, 11406229, 11406222, 11406204 11406197, 11406182, 11404665, 11404426, 11404348, 11403430, 11403268, 11399435 11397821, 11396241, 11394763, 11391037, 11388662, 11387166, 11377446, 11363283 11354107, 11344193, 11342497, 11342360, 11340302, 11325065, 11324163, 11322168, 11321144, 11318477, 11306754, 11279429, 11268109, 11256706, 11252723, 11246579 11234853, 11234714, 11231582, 11231013, 11230589, 11229484, 11222281, 11218822 11218749, 11217604, 11209168, 11209142, 11197149, 11191243, 11175842, 11170776 11164032, 11152418.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGERLed to recall 22V178000

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 18, 2025

I was driving hit a puddle of water, then all the sudden my power steering went out. I took it in to get looked at, and I'm being told it will cost several thousand dollars to fix the power steering. In addition, this vehicle has air in the suspension, but it now makes sounds when it lifts and takes a longer period of time to lift than normal. Something is effected in my suspension, as well. My vehicle only has 67,689 miles on it, and it should not be having power steering problems from driving through a puddle of water. Lastly, after calling in to Audi, they did a search for the warranty, and Audi did add an extended warranty on the power steering of 125,000 miles or 10 years, which ever occurs first. This means they know about the power steering issue, and with my car being just over 10 years old, the power steering is not covered. I also know a friend who has a 2015 S6 Audi with just under 125,000 miles on it. It happened to him, as well. I will let him know he needs to report the issue, because there is a clear power steering or electrical problem. I have no power steering as of now, and to me, this is a safety issue. I believe something electrical got shorted out which is causing the power steering to be manual steering and problems with suspension when lifting. I'm mainly concerned with the power steering going out with under 70k miles and it takes a lot of effort to drive this. I shouldn't be driving the car right now, but I have not choice at the moment.

NHTSA ID
11667752
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
Filed Jul 3, 2023

2014 AUDI S6- Consumer states " I am writing to file a claim for a vehicle recall on my 2014 Audi S6. The date of the recall is March-20-2022. The NHTSA Campaign# is 22V-178. The Audi Recall# is 21H7. The specific defect that is being recalled is Turbo failure. In early 2021, I experienced multiple problems with my vehicle that were consistent with the recall, such as Rough Idling, Difficult to Start, and Stalls. It was fixed at a local Audi dealership in May-2021 (prior to the recall announcement). I was responsible for the repair expenses, which totaled $4198.29, for the Turbo and oil strainer replacement. When I became aware of the recall, I filed a claim with Audi to request reimbursement. Audi's recall website indicates that there are no recalls pending for my vehicle, but the Model Year/Model/Engine/Issue is consistent with the scope of the recall. In over 7 months after filing the claim, I have not heard back from Audi even after repeat inquiries. I would like NHTSA's help to get reimbursement from the OEM. Please contact me if any additional information is needed, such as a copy of the repair invoice. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID
11530106
Incident
May 10, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 10, 2023

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the persistent and premature failure of motor and transmission mounts on the 2014 Audi S6, manufactured and sold by [Automaker Company Name]. This issue has resulted in significant inconvenience and financial burden and, more importantly, poses profound safety implications for the passengers and drivers of affected vehicles. Background: I own a 2014 Audi S6 with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX]. Since purchasing the vehicle in 2018, I have experienced repeated failures of the motor and transmission mounts at alarmingly low mileage intervals. The motor mounts have been malfunctioning and requiring replacement approximately every 20,000 miles. This recurring issue has not only resulted in significant expenses but also raised serious concerns about the overall safety and reliability of the vehicle. Safety Implications: The failure of motor and transmission mounts has severe safety implications for the passengers and drivers of the affected vehicles. When these crucial components fail prematurely, they can cause sudden and unexpected movements and vibrations in the engine and transmission systems, compromising the vehicle's stability, control, and overall safety. This defect can potentially lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, both for the occupants of the Audi S6 and other road users. Financial and Non-Financial Consequences: The repeated failure of motor and transmission mounts has imposed significant financial and non-financial burdens on me as an owner. The cost of multiple replacements and repairs is high and unreasonable for a vehicle of this caliber. Moreover, the frequent breakdowns have caused significant inconvenience, as I have had to endure extended periods of vehicle downtime, repeated trips to the service center, and associated expenses for towing and alternative transportation. Request for Resolution: Considering the seriousness of this matter, I request that AUDI USA i INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID
11526318
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2022

Camshaft Actuator, Camshaft positioner, Camshaft sensors. No warning or dash lights, car abruptly stopped on Highway while traveling 65mph 15 hours after Audi replaced replaced both fuel pumps and oil screen recall fix. Inspection of entire vehicle was done at time of recall fix and fuel pumps replaced. This is the second time in 30k miles that the camshaft components failed without warning. This is a major job and very expensive. Why hasn't this issue been recalled?? This is a safety hazard and a public safety issue. This could have caused a fatal accident while I was driving my family the store.

NHTSA ID
11480926
Incident
Aug 21, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2022

Two months into owning the car, my turbo failed. Car was towed to dealership and are trying to charge me 11,000$. 2 weeks into owning vehicle. Noticed oil level at minimum. Call dealer and was advised to add oil. Never was told to come into service to have it checked. Upon further investigation, I had found out first week of august about recall. While and prior to purchasing. Dealership never informed me about any safety recalls. Previous owner had put on some aftermarket parts, which have nothing to do with faulty manufacture part. Oil strainer in turbo had failed and caused turbo failure. Dealer personnel have stated “There is nothing we can do for you. Your car is not eligible for a recall repair.” Whilst Audi of America had stated that it is a manufacturing fault and they should repair and inspect. My car has been at the dealership for over a month, has not been touched, nor inspected for this. Was told today 08/17/2022 to return the loaner they had given me and “pick up my car” which is not operational at all. Have tried to reach out to the dealership numerous times, and am not received any calls back until today 08/17/2022 to retrieve my car. I have been treated rudely, and have been lied to and misinformed by Audi of Naperville Illinois since the day I purchased. Was verbally told my car was certified with warranty, but now all of a sudden, there is no certification. Sales man Amin had sold me the car. Was told by numerous Audi dealerships this car should not have been on the market. General manager Michael Margas has not been willing to compromise or come with a solution. Only solution was to give me 18 thousand for my car to trade in and a 900$ payment a month on another car which is 300 dollars more than what I have. He had also tried to give me a 1000$ “good will” to repair the parts. Also was told car was serviced 2 weeks prior to purchasing. Last service was December of 2018. I have the service records printed, recall incomp..

NHTSA ID
11479882
Incident
Jul 12, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Audi S6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered due to aftermarket parts. No additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID
11471978
Incident
Jun 13, 2022
Mileage
78,000 mi
Driver assistanceSuspension
Filed Jun 7, 2022

While driving, received notification of a suspension fault. Was able to drive vehicle home, and found code for suspension C104600. Cleared code, and didn't see it return. Car sat a few days, and next time it was driven, received cascade of MIL warnings for suspension auto leveling failure, auto leveling headlights, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and auto braking. Console advised to keep speed below 35 MPH. Had to quickly exit the road as result. Limped vehicle home on side roads, found codes across multiple systems. Suspension would not raise, and all coda would immediately return upon clearing. Vehicle was evaluated by local shop, and diagnostics show failed suspension air compressor and relay.

NHTSA ID
11468065
Incident
May 16, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2022

The turbo failed while driving the car at normal speed trying to enter freeway. Luckily I was able to get the car to the side of the road safely. The vehicle has always been serviced by Audi on prescribed intervals. After researching, I found a TSB on the oil screens that feed the turbos. The dealer (Audi Miramar, San Diego) told me this is not/was not a required repair and quoted me $16k to replace the turbos and replace the faulty screen. I ended up taking the car to another authorized Audi repair center and got them repaired for $9k. Audi needs to address this before someone has an accident.

NHTSA ID
11458973
Incident
Aug 19, 2021

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB_2082846_1

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

TSB_2073282_1

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

TSB_2082617_1

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information when there are noises in the overrun ( e.g. whirring, howling) - vehicles with 0BC.

TSB_2028902_5

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM.

TSB_2074729_3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.

TSB_2059335_7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.

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
2014Viewing203256.3
2013423254.3
2012000
2011020
2010120
2009030
2008220
2007120
2006000
2005000
2004010
2003220
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.