This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Audi S6 engine problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Audi S6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Audi S6 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Audi S6 exhibits a pattern of premature turbocharger failure tied to oil screen design. The oil screen feeding the turbos clogs and restricts oil flow, causing bearing failure and compressor blade damage. Owners with as few as 64,000 miles have experienced complete turbo seizure. One owner's borescope inspection at 91,828 miles revealed oil leaking from the compressor seal and blade scraping, tracing the problem to a heavily deformed, plugged oil screen buried in the engine valley.
Audi issued a recall (Campaign 22V178000) for 2013-2016 models that includes oil screen replacement and covers the oil separator to 100,000 miles. However, owners report the warranty does not cover turbo damage caused by screen clogging, leaving repair costs of $9,000–$16,000 or more on the owner. One failure even caused enough engine damage to generate a $48,000 repair estimate.
Turbo failures happen without warning during highway driving, causing sudden power loss or complete shutdown. Owners also report motor and transmission mounts wearing out every 20,000 miles, and camshaft sensor and actuator components failing abruptly without dashboard warning lights, including one incident 15 hours after Audi's recall service.
Same Audi S6 engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger oil screen clogging and turbo failure
The oil screen feeding the turbos clogs prematurely due to faulty design, restricting oil supply to the turbochargers and causing bearing failure, blade damage, and complete turbo seizure. Owners report the original oil screen becomes deformed and heavily blocked. Audi has since revised the screen design for 2016+ models and issued a recall for 2013-2016, but the extended warranty covers only the oil separator component to 100,000 miles, not preventative replacement or turbo damage.
When: Reported between 64,000 and 91,828 miles; can occur early with full oil change intervals, even when cut to 5,000-mile intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown or loss of power during highway driving; Shuddering or power loss while cruising; Oil visible in turbo intake via borescope inspection; Compressor blade scraping inside turbo housing; Car enters limp mode; Vehicle fails to start
Codes mentioned: Engine Control Light (CEL) - may not illuminate for oil screen clogging, EPC light
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement costs range from $9,000 to $16,000+ per owner reports; one dealer quoted $48,000 for turbo failure that damaged the entire engine. Oil screen replacement/revision is part of recall repair, but turbo damage is not covered under the extended warranty if caused by screen clogging.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued NHTSA Campaign 22V178000 (recall for 2013-2016 models covering oil screen and oil separator); extended warranty covers oil separator to 100,000 miles only; multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledge the issue; Audi has stated aftermarket parts can void coverage; dealerships initially refuse coverage and quote full retail repair costs; Audi of America has admitted manufacturing fault in some cases but dealerships have been inconsistent in honoring it.
Engine and transmission mount premature wear and failure
Motor and transmission mounts fail repeatedly at very low mileage intervals. Owner reports mounts required replacement every 20,000 miles since purchase in 2018.
When: Approximately every 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive vibration from engine and transmission; Unexpected engine and transmission movement; Reduced vehicle stability and control
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacement cycles reported; specific repair costs not stated by this owner but described as 'high and unreasonable for a vehicle of this caliber'
Camshaft actuator, positioner, and sensor failure without warning
Camshaft-related engine components fail abruptly without dashboard warning lights, causing complete engine shutdown while driving. Reported twice within 30,000 miles on the same vehicle.
When: Once at unknown mileage; second failure 15 hours after Audi's recall service at approximately 30,000-mile intervals
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights on dashboard prior to failure; Abrupt engine shutdown while driving at highway speed (65 mph); Complete loss of vehicle power
Repairs/costs cited: Described as 'major job and very expensive'; specific repair costs not provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for this issue despite two failures within 30,000 miles; Audi performed inspection during oil screen recall service but did not identify or address the camshaft component issue
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The turbo charger bearings broke and destroyed the entire engine. The car only has 64,000 miles on it, I have since heard of many other people having this problem. The estimated repair bill from the Audi dealer was $48,000, yes that's not a typo, $48,000 is way more than the car is even worth. We still owe $30,000 on a car that is essentially worthless without a running engine and is too…
Turbo failure - car stalled while slowing on a major road. Audi is aware of the issue and the dangers of the failure, but has not issued a recall, even though they have issued multiple technical service bulletins regarding the issue and admitting to faulty parts causing the failure. It is only a matter of time before someone is injured or worse due to losing control of the vehicles acceleration…
Camshaft Actuator, Camshaft positioner, Camshaft sensors. No warning or dash lights, car abruptly stopped on Highway while traveling 65mph 15 hours after Audi replaced replaced both fuel pumps and oil screen recall fix. Inspection of entire vehicle was done at time of recall fix and fuel pumps replaced. This is the second time in 30k miles that the camshaft components failed without warning. This…
Two months into owning the car, my turbo failed. Car was towed to dealership and are trying to charge me 11,000$. 2 weeks into owning vehicle. Noticed oil level at minimum. Call dealer and was advised to add oil. Never was told to come into service to have it checked. Upon further investigation, I had found out first week of august about recall. While and prior to purchasing. Dealership never…
EPC light and Engine light keep coming on and causing the car to go into limp mode while driving on highway at 55+ mph. This has happened three times. Each time I have taken the car back to Audi Marietta Jim Ellis. Each time I have paid thousands of dollars to remedy the problem. But other issues with the car engine keep arising. I have replaced the entire suspension at 60k miles... and Air…
The contact owns a 2014 Audi S6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered due to aftermarket parts. No additional…
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the persistent and premature failure of motor and transmission mounts on the 2014 Audi S6, manufactured and sold by [Automaker Company Name]. This issue has resulted in significant inconvenience and financial burden and, more importantly, poses profound safety implications for the passengers and drivers of affected vehicles. Background: I own a…
During a 500 mile road trip from ia to mo I experienced the first symptom. I was about 5 hours into the trip, cruise was set at about 70mph. All of the sudden a 'shudder' went through the car, like the car completely lost all power for a moment. Gets your attention in a hurry! I checked all the gauges, and there were no errors and everything appeared in order. We were about 15-20 minutes from…
My specific year model 2014 as well as all 4.0tt models 2013-2014 have a well known issue in which, by faulty design, the oil supply to the turbos is restricted therefor causing the turbos to fail. The flawed design is in relation to the oil screen that clogs and starves the turbos of oil and causing failure. Audi has since began installing a revised version of this screen to alleviate these…
Too fine of an oil screen, causing turbo failure due to starvation of oil to the turbos. Now I need a very very costly repair. Several $1000's.
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Audi S6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Audi S6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 74,967 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Audi/S6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.