NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
This page covers 10 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi S6.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2021 Audi S6 has 10 recalls, the most serious being a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control, and a gateway control module that can shut down after liquid spills in the rear seat, suddenly cutting engine power.
On the safety equipment side, the passenger airbag score line may not have been cut correctly, meaning the airbag can fail to deploy properly in a crash and may send plastic fragments into the cabin. A separate recall covers rear seatbelt retractors that may not properly secure a child restraint system in a crash.
Several electrical and display issues round out the list. A software error can prevent the instrument panel from showing critical information like the speedometer or warning lights. The rearview camera can also fail to display an image when reversing, reducing visibility behind the vehicle. The fuel level sender can stick and show an inaccurate reading, potentially causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. There is also a brake fluid reservoir cap that may be incorrectly labeled, which can lead to the wrong fluid being added and reduced braking performance. Finally, rear axle misalignment on certain vehicles can cause uneven or accelerated tire wear over time.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
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What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel module may cause the dashboard display to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid reservoir cap may be labeled incorrectly, potentially leading to the wrong type of brake fluid being used.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and replace it if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid spilled in the rear seat can seep into and disable the gateway control module, which manages vehicle electrical systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the gateway control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel level sender can stick, causing the instrument cluster to display an inaccurate fuel level reading.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag's score line may not have been manufactured correctly, potentially affecting proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line and repair it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.