2021 Audi S6

The 2021 Audi S6 is a performance sedan known for its blend of luxury and sportiness. It came standard with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the S6 for its comfortable interior, sleek design, and impressive acceleration. Conversely, some have reported issues with the infotainment system, electronic glitches, and higher maintenance costs associated with a performance vehicle.

Engine

2.9L Twin-Turbo V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light illumination. Can be caused by oil starvation to the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s) and investigation of the oil supply system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Often occurs around the valve cover gaskets or timing chain cover.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, delay in engagement, particularly when cold, or hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (flush) to $6,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, ride height warning lights, compressor failure, inability to adjust ride height.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the air suspension system, which includes checking the air struts, compressor, valve block, and sensors. Replacement of faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut or compressor replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the MMI (Multi Media Interface) unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $2,000+ (MMI replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty readings from parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, or other driver-assistance systems. Warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the specific sensor, replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor depending on location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car struggling to start or not starting, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Test the battery and charging system to determine if the battery is bad, or if something is draining it when the car is off. Look for faulty modules or relays that could be keeping systems online and draining the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (battery replacement) to $1,000+ (finding and fixing drain source)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof jamming, making noises, leaking, or failing to close properly.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubrication of the sunroof tracks. Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, not getting hot enough, or getting too hot.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Audi S6, while a desirable performance sedan, can present owners with a range of issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not universal, can be costly to repair. Electrical glitches within the infotainment system and other sensors are also reported with some frequency. Suspension issues can also add to the cost of ownership. The severity of these potential problems ranges from minor inconveniences to significant financial burdens, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.