NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints for the 2018 Audi S6. Most complaints involve steering (2) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“First off let me start by saying the vehicle has 45k miles on it. There were no fault codes or system errors prior to the issue that developed. I was driving to a meeting in heavy rain, no issues or suspicion of issues arising. I parked the car, returned about 2 hours later started the car to find 6 warnings on the dash (tpms fault, acc disabled, steering disabled, air ride control disabled esc disabled and a few more. Notably was the steering, it had a red light and the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The vehicle couldnt be driven. After having the computer scanned the issue was the electronic steering rack. See codes below. This is very unfortunate and strange that it came out of nowhere especially to fail this way. The vehicle is available for inspection until the part is replaced. VIN: [XXX] License Plate: Mileage: 73992km-45976mi Repair Order: Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 4G0-909-144.clb Control Module Part Number: 4G0 909 144 T HW: 4G0 909 144 Q Component and/or Version: RCevo H55 0202 Software Coding: 101001010001 Work Shop Code: WSC 02391 785 00200 ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPS 106007 (AU57) ROD: EV_RCEPS_106.rod VCID: 3A381898BDFF7D41CD-806E 4…”
“I OWN A 2018 AUDI S6 WHICH I BEGAN DRIVING IN MARCH 2018. SINCE THEN THE WINDSHIELD HAS SHATTERED THREE TIMES, DUE TO ONLY MINOR IMPACTS OF ROCKS OR ROAD DEBRIS EACH TIME. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 36 YEARS IN SEVEN DIFFERENT AUTOMOBILES AND I HAVE NEVER HAD TO HAVE A WINDSHIELD REPLACED. I ALSO DO MUCH LESS HIGHWAY DRIVING THAN I HAVE IN THE PAST. THE FACT THAT THE WINDSHIELD ON MY AUDI HAS SHATTERED THREE TIMES IN THREE YEARS CANNOT POSSIBLY BE JUST BAD LUCK. FORTUNATELY, EACH TIME THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED IT WAS NOT IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. IF THE WINDSHIELD HAD SHATTERED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER IT COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS THE WINDSHIELD ON THIS PARTICULAR AUDI MODEL SEEMS TO BE QUITE FRAGILE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN A 2009 AUDI A5 FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO SUCH ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA WITH MY CONCERNS, BUT THEY DO NOT SEEM INTERESTED.”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S6 Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 480 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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 steering (2), electrical system (1), visibility/wiper (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Audi S6 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Audi S6 5 out of 5 stars overall.