2020 Audi S6

The 2020 Audi S6 is a performance sedan that blends luxury with spirited driving. It typically comes equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s sleek styling, comfortable interior, and agile handling. Common complaints often revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system, and potential reliability concerns associated with modern turbocharged engines and advanced technology.

Engine

2.9-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light. Turbocharger failure can lead to significant performance issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, oil consumption higher than normal, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing gaskets or seals where the leaks are originating from.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, coolant smell. Common areas are the water pump and thermostat housing.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coolant component causing the leak, followed by a coolant flush and refill.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or harsh shifts between gears, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update for the transmission control module (TCM). If the problem persists, a valve body replacement might be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software update) - $2,500+ (Valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delay when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse. Hesitation before the transmission engages.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. Inspection of the mechatronic unit within the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (Fluid and filter); $1,500+ (Mechatronic unit)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sagging on one or more corners, error message on the dashboard related to the air suspension, failure of the air compressor.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut, air compressor, or air line.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ per strut; $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezing, system crashing and rebooting, unresponsive touch controls.
  • Solution: Software update for the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system. If the problem persists, the MMI unit might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (MMI Unit)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Errors with parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, or other driver-assistance systems. False alarms or system failures.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor. Calibration of the system after sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor (depending on location and type)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining quickly, difficulty starting the car, warning messages about low battery voltage.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic draw, replace faulty module causing the draw, or replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not adjusting properly, error message related to the headlight system.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty headlight unit or the control module for the adaptive headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism. Replacement of the sunroof motor or the entire assembly if needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (Cleaning/Lubrication); $500 - $2,000+ (Motor/Assembly)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Audi S6 can be prone to some issues, especially related to its complex systems. The most concerning potential problems are turbocharger failures and air suspension malfunctions, which can be quite expensive to repair. Electrical gremlins with the infotainment system and sensors are also relatively common. While some issues might be minor and easily fixed with software updates, others can lead to significant repair bills. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.