What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2011–2018) S6?

S6 owners have made 1 complaint about the 2011–2018 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 6th out of 39 Audi generations in overall reliability, with plenty of transmission concerns.

Compare With Other S6 Generations

Common 2011-2018 Audi S6 Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation S6 owners have to deal with.

  1. Start-Stop Defects

    There are multiple problems with Audi's start-stop technology that outweigh the modest fuel efficiency gains. Owners complain that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times and cause the accelerat The …

    Continue reading article "Start-Stop Defects" A tachometer with the red arrow pointing at the 'ready' position

  2. Oil Starved Turbochargers

    The twin-turbochargers in Audi's 4.0L V8 engine can become starved of oil because of a clogged filter. This can cause strange acceleration noises, difficulty starting the engine, or sudden stalls.

    Continue reading article "Oil Starved Turbochargers" Gray RS 7 Sportback on a concrete dock near the water

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2011–2018) S6 Key Numbers

  1. 8 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1 complaint

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 6th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.

Recent 4th Generation (2011–2018) S6 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

What S6 Owners Say About This Generation

Oil Starved Turbochargers Cause Sudden Engine Stalls

Vehicle was in motion when it started shaking roughly. The car stalled and wouldn't turn back on. I had it towed home and was able to diagnose seized turbo compressors. Replaced the turbos which fixed the problem but at an enormous cost.

2013 S6 Owner in WA

Oil Starved Turbochargers Cause Sudden Engine Stalls

The turbos on the car both broke at the intermediate shaft before 75,000 miles. The car was cruising on the freeway, and the moment I slowed down to take the exit, the car lost power and shut down. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the exit with little to no room to pull over.

2013 S6 Owner in MO