2020 Audi S6 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Audi S6, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical250.0%
- Engine125.0%
- Powertrain (other)125.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2020 Audi S6, the vehicle suddenly lost power and completely shut off in the middle of the road without warning. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. I was unable to accelerate or steer out of the way, which created a major crash risk for myself and other drivers. I had to have the vehicle towed to Audi of Riverside for diagnosis and repair. The dealership confirmed the issue was related to Recall 22V861 (Gateway Control Module). I was never notified by Audi of this open safety recall prior to the incident. The problem was immediately confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle has been in the shop since September 2024 — now over eight months — with no ETA on parts from Audi and no resolution. During this time, Audi has not provided a loaner vehicle or rental support. I’ve continued to pay my monthly car note for a car I cannot use and have spent hundreds of dollars per month on Uber and alternate transportation to get to work. Audi issued a $3,000 goodwill check, but that does not begin to cover my actual out-of-pocket costs. I also previously requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. This is a serious safety defect that caused a dangerous on-road failure, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely or adequate remedy. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is still not repaired or returned to me. I’m requesting immediate investigation and enforcement regarding this unresolved recall and the unreasonable delay in resolution.
My 2020 Audi S6 has been undriveable since September 27, 2024 due to a backordered recall part (Gateway Control Module). Audi has failed to provide a repair timeframe, making my car unusable for over five months. Audi has refused to provide a loaner vehicle despite the long delay. As of March 2025, there is no estimated time of arrival for the part, and Audi has not provided any alternative resolution. This recall renders the car inoperable, posing a serious financial and safety concern.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2020 Audi S6, the vehicle suddenly lost power and completely shut off in the middle of the road without warning. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. I was unable to accelerate or steer out of the way, which created a major crash risk for myself and other drivers. I had to have the vehicle towed to Audi of Riverside for diagnosis and repair. The dealership confirmed the issue was related to Recall 22V861 (Gateway Control Module). I was never notified by Audi of this open safety recall prior to the incident. The problem was immediately confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle has been in the shop since September 2024 — now over eight months — with no ETA on parts from Audi and no resolution. During this time, Audi has not provided a loaner vehicle or rental support. I’ve continued to pay my monthly car note for a car I cannot use and have spent hundreds of dollars per month on Uber and alternate transportation to get to work. Audi issued a $3,000 goodwill check, but that does not begin to cover my actual out-of-pocket costs. I also previously requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. This is a serious safety defect that caused a dangerous on-road failure, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely or adequate remedy. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is still not repaired or returned to me. I’m requesting immediate investigation and enforcement regarding this unresolved recall and the unreasonable delay in resolution.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2020 Audi S6, the vehicle suddenly lost power and completely shut off in the middle of the road without warning. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. I was unable to accelerate or steer out of the way, which created a major crash risk for myself and other drivers. I had to have the vehicle towed to Audi of Riverside for diagnosis and repair. The dealership confirmed the issue was related to Recall 22V861 (Gateway Control Module). I was never notified by Audi of this open safety recall prior to the incident. The problem was immediately confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle has been in the shop since September 2024 — now over eight months — with no ETA on parts from Audi and no resolution. During this time, Audi has not provided a loaner vehicle or rental support. I’ve continued to pay my monthly car note for a car I cannot use and have spent hundreds of dollars per month on Uber and alternate transportation to get to work. Audi issued a $3,000 goodwill check, but that does not begin to cover my actual out-of-pocket costs. I also previously requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. This is a serious safety defect that caused a dangerous on-road failure, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely or adequate remedy. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is still not repaired or returned to me. I’m requesting immediate investigation and enforcement regarding this unresolved recall and the unreasonable delay in resolution.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .