2017 Audi S6 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: 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 fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 S6.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V370000 (manufacturer code 74D5).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
What could happen: 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 fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 S6.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V178000 (manufacturer code 21H7).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Unknown Or Other (1), Fuel system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
09/23/2022 · Unknown Or Other
I took the vehicle to west Covina Audi to get the recall repaired. Inv # 793279. They claimed the recall was repaired. I request photos of the work performed and old parts. I was told that since it was a recall they have to ship the parts to Audi. When i was notified that my car was done. I asked for pictures. they send me pictures of another car. I checke…
03/28/2022 · Engine
I'm NOT sure if this would have developed to an safety issue, I'll let your team decide. At my scheduled 50,000 mile dealer service (50,219 miles) I was informed that both motor mounts had failed and needed replacement. The service rep said that THEY found a fault code for one mount and a visual inspection confirmed that the other mount had also failed.…
04/23/2021 · Engine
TURBO POWER FEELS TO HAVE GRADUALLY DECLINED UPON APPROACHING 50K MILES. IT IS CAUSED BY CLOGGED TURBO OIL SCREENS. $3000+ REPAIR WITH NO HELP FROM AUDI BRAND AND DEALER FOR A WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY THE O2 SENSORS HAVE RANDOMLY THROW ERROR FOR RUNNING LEAN. REPLACED O2 SENSOR BUT ISSUE CAME BACK. HAVE ALREADY TESTED MAF SENSOR AND VETTED FOR VACU…
04/03/2021 · Engine
AUDI S6 4.0 TT, THE CAR I OWN ARE NOTORIOUS IN OIL SCREEN PROBLEMS. THEY STARVE THE TURBOS WITH NO OIL AND CAUSE FAILURE TO THEM. I AM ONE OF THE PERSON THAT HAS TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE.
06/10/2019 · Engine
OEM TURBOS FAIL ON AUDI 2013-2017 S6/S7/S8/RS6/RS7 DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY CLOGGED OEM OIL STRAINER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE FAILURE HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND AS IT GENERALLY HAPPENS WHILE WHILE DRIVING THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE WIDE-SPREAD BASED ON DISCUSSIONS AVAILABLE ON ONLINE FO…