Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Audi S6Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2020 Audi S6. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
2
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

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."

Back over preventionReported Dec 19, 2025NHTSA 25V900000

Electrical system

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.

Electrical systemReported Nov 21, 2022NHTSA 22V861000

Electrical system: fuel level float

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.

Electrical systemReported Mar 14, 2022NHTSA 22V155000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2025 – May 2025
  1. Electrical system2
  2. Power train1
  3. Engine1
  4. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each S6 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20082
20101
201342
201420
20155
201619
20175
20184
20202
20254
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

2 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 30, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11663980

Power train

1 report

Engine

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.9L 6-cyl turbo hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S6
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182822$3,600410
  • S6
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 28 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Audi S6 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14779
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 S6 questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi S6 have?

6 safety recalls 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.

What are the most common 2020 Audi S6 problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), power train (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Audi S6 get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Audi S6 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026