2008 Audi S6: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Audi S6 has 2 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and seat belts. Owners most often flag catastrophic turbocharger failure (c7 4.0t v8) — caused by restrictive oil screens leading to oil starvation, turbo failure, and potential engine destruction. repair costs are extremely high ($9,000-$12,000 usd at a dealer). a manufacturer recall addressed the screen design. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

2
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Audi S6 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
1
seat belts
1

Recalls affecting the 2008 S6

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V427000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 17V032000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the …

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. For the C7 generation (approximately 2013-2018) with the twin-turbo 4.0L V8 (4.0T), the vehicle is widely praised for its potent performance, refined luxury, and high-speed cru

  • Catastrophic turbocharger failure (C7 4.0T V8) — Caused by restrictive oil screens leading to oil starvation, turbo failure, and potential engine destruction. Repair costs are extremely high ($9,000-$12,000 USD at a dealer). A manufacturer recall addressed the screen design. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Software and electronic issues (S6 e-tron) — Numerous software glitches requiring multiple service visits, though not necessarily impacting drivability. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Carbon buildup (C6 V10 models) — Leads to rough running and performance issues, particularly noted on 2007-2008 models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission shifting problems (C7 models, 2013-2016) — Jerky or delayed shifting, addressed via software updates. Requires regular DSG/S-Tronic fluid service. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electric power steering rack failures — High failure rates reported on newer Audi models, leading to expensive repairs. Frequency: recurrent (mentioned in context of newer Audis, not S6-specific).

Owner insights cover all generations of the S6.

Typical used price

Used S6 listings typically run $22,900–$36,922 across 2011 to 2025 model years.

Other S6 model years

2020 S62016 S62014 S6
Full Audi S6 owner reportCompare against another car