This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Audi S6 engine problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Audi S6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2016 Audi S6 consistently report total turbocharger failure caused by oil starvation from a clogged, non-serviceable oil screen inside the engine. The failure happens without warning—often at highway speeds, on merge ramps, or in city traffic—and kills the engine instantly. One owner lost power while merging into busy interstate traffic and had to coast across two lanes with no power steering. Another stalled in an intersection. A third stalled on a city street approaching a red light, blocking traffic.
The turbo failure destroys both turbines and compressor wheels. One owner's dealership quoted $12,732.74 for labor and replacement parts; another got estimates of $11,000–$12,000. The dealership that serviced the vehicle in complaint #1 stated this is a common failure with the 4.0 V8, performed multiple times per month per Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2044640/9.
Audi issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign 22V178000) and extended turbo warranty, but dealers deny coverage on modified vehicles despite the oil screen design being Audi's responsibility. Owners also report post-repair issues: one developed a coolant leak requiring 4 oz daily top-ups and dangerous engine surge on deceleration—unresolved by the dealership even after reporting it.
Failure typically occurs between 47,000 and 85,000 miles, often in A8, S4, S6, and S7 models with the same 4.0 V8.
Same Audi S6 engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Oil Screen Clogging and Turbocharger Failure
The non-serviceable oil screen interior the engine becomes clogged, starving both turbochargers of oil supply. This causes turbocharger bearing failure, with destruction of turbine and compressor wheels, compressor housing, and exhaust manifolds. The failure results in sudden total loss of engine power and uncontrolled stalling at speed, often in traffic or merging lanes.
When: Typically 47,000 to 85,000 miles; one failure reported at 47K, another at 90 minutes after leaving highway
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of boost and power reduction; Loss of throttle response when accelerating; Engine stall without warning at any speed, including highway and city traffic; Loss of power steering and braking assistance during stall; Difficulty restarting; multiple start attempts required; Engine hesitation and choking before complete shutdown; Post-failure: coolant loss (4 oz daily in one case), engine surge on deceleration; Post-failure: multiple warning lights triggered (EPC, check engine, traction control, airbag, TPMS, limited slip differential)
Codes mentioned: Turbocharger failure confirmed by dealer diagnosis, Oil screen clogging confirmed by inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement turbocharged and oil screen revision requires approximately 20 hours labor to tear down engine to access non-serviceable oil screen. Quoted repair costs range $11,000–$12,732.74 for both turbo replacement and labor. Audi TSB 2044640/9 (revised three times over three years to replace with upgraded screen, Rev G) documents the fix. Dealerships report performing this repair multiple times per month on 4.0 V8 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi TSB 2044640/9 (Rev G) addresses oil screen replacement. NHTSA Campaign 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued as recall. Audi extended warranty on turbochargers mentioned by owners. However, warranty denial documented when vehicle identified as tuned or modified; dealer refusal to perform warranty or recall repairs reported in multiple cases.
Post-Turbo-Failure Coolant Loss and Engine Surge
After turbocharger failure and replacement, owners report ongoing coolant loss requiring daily top-ups and dangerous engine surge on deceleration. Cause unclear to owners: possibly turbo fragment contamination or cooling system damage from the original failure.
When: Post-repair, reported after turbo replacement returned to owner
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent coolant loss (one owner adding 4 oz daily); Engine surge 1–2 feet forward after complete stop at traffic lights; Coolant loss and surge persists weeks after turbo repair
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership acknowledged but did not resolve coolant loss or surge after turbo repair, despite owner reporting it on vehicle return.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Turbo failure at 60,000 miles stationary would not start
I was driving my car and it stalled out in the middle of an intersection which was totally unsafe and it would barely start. I was able to limp it to safety but it would not run or idle correctly. I had it towed to the local Audi dealership and they diagnosed the issue as being the turbos. The turbos failed and need to be replaced. The obvious known issue with the oil screen starving the turbos…
The contact owns a 2016 Audi S6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the repair had been previously completed by an independent mechanic, a year prior to receiving the recall letter. The contact filed paperwork to be reimbursed after receiving the recall letter. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, and the dealer…
The Passenger Side Turbo failed. Yes it’s available for inspection. I was driving and I felt a pop, like a backfire from under the hood. The car lost power instantly and was any under power anymore on the road. It could have been a lot worse if I was on a busy highway but luckily was on a street with do one behind me. It was confirmed it was the turbo failure and the turbo has been inspected. No…
Turbocharger(s) failure due to oil filter screen clogging with contaminants at 47000 miles causing turbocharger bearing failure destroying the turbine and compressor wheels along with compressor housing and exhaust manifolds. Possible engine damage. The vehicle operated while driving on highway. Sudden loss of power at highway speeds while failure occurred inducing loss of engine throttle…
On 09apr2021 I was driving on my way to pick up my dogs from daycare. During my ride the car seemed hesitant with power. When I arrived at the daycare and parked the car essentially seemed like it was choking and at one point completely shut off on it's own. After I picked up my dog I tried starting the car and it took 3 attempts for it to start. On the way home I had to try and keep the car in…
Oil screen interior of engine (non-serviceable) clogged which prevented turbo chargers from receiving oil. Both turbo chargers failed which causes engine to stall. Was driving at 25 MPH on two lane city street. Engine died, power was lost, and steered vehicle to avoid collision with brick mailbox. Brought vehicle to a stop in roadway (no shoulder) but was blocking traffic. Car would not…
I was accelerating with traffic while on an on ramp and merging into busy traffic on the interstate, when suddenly I lost power and my car began to decelerate at a rapid pace. There was no throttle when the gas pedal was being pressed. Seconds after that I lost power to the car. Luckily, I was able to put my hazards and coast through 2 lanes of traffic to the shoulder. During which time, I had no…
Power significantly reduced. Clear loss of boost. Eventual complete engine stall. I was fortunate to have been pulling into a parking spot when the engine cut off uncommanded. The car had to be towed to a repair shop. It was later determined the turbos had failed due to a loss of oil supply. The oil supply is cut off due to the singular turbo oil screen being clogged. Regular oil changes are…
Both my turbos failed on my car on christmas day in 2019. I was coming home from dropping off my daughter 90 minutes away. After leaving the highway and starting to move once the light turned green, my car decided to completely stall. I was able to pull over the to shoulder as I was coming to a stop as I was on a one lane road. My car was towed and it was determined that my car had both turbos…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Audi S6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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 10 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 57,549 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/2016/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.