NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Loss of electrical power while cruising on the interstate at 65 mph. There was a series of warning messages, YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction", "electric system malfunction". Then RED colored warning message "Electric system: Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point, engine was running but was no longer connected to the transmission, Power steering failed. All I could do was coast to the shoulder and stop. Car would not restart. Appeared to be a complete electrical failure, e.g., could not raise or lower windows.”
“The rear camera on the car repeatedly does not work. The car has been to the dealership for replacement parts several times with the problem recurring. The rear camera does not work most days. In addition, the other cameras have failed repeatedly resulting in safety systems such as automatic collision sensors working and not-working randomly when driving the vehicle.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 6 Avant Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,400 | 514 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), visibility/wiper (1), forward collision avoidance (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).