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Audi S6 TDI quattro common faults.

2019–2020, saloon, diesel, 286 HP.

The fault list covers: DDVB, DMGA engine, AL552 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 6 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

critical1

2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6: the rear timing chain and the oil pump drive

critical

The timing chain of the longitudinal V6 diesel runs at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side, so replacing it means taking out the engine or the gearbox. That alone makes it expensive, but the mechanism is the point: the chains stretch and the hydraulic tensioners lose their pressure. The first and only early sign is a 2 to 3 second metallic rattle audible on a cold start. If that is ignored, the chain jumps or breaks, and the engine is badly damaged inside. The same chain kit also drives the oil pump: if that seizes, the engine is left without lubrication.

What to check

  • Start it cold, in a quiet place, with the bonnet open: the rattle is audible in the first 2 to 3 seconds
  • Stand at the gearbox side of the engine: the noise comes from there, not from the front
  • Ask whether the chain and the tensioner were replaced, and ask for the invoice (it involves removing the engine)
3 more steps in the write-up

expensive1

Air suspension: compressor, air spring, ride height sensor

expensive

The four groups of parts in the air suspension (compressor, valve block, ride height sensors, air springs) work together, and any weak link causes a fault message, an uneven ride height or a car that settles. The characteristic symptom: the car sits down on one corner overnight, levels itself for minutes in the morning, and the compressor runs long and loud. According to the reports the compressor lasts 80,000 to 100,000 km; and a leaking air spring takes the compressor with it, because it keeps trying to make up the loss.

What to check

  • Look at the car cold, after standing a long time: has it settled on any corner
  • After startup time how long it takes to level, and listen to the compressor
  • Cycle through the ride height settings in the onboard menu and check that all of them work
3 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Audi S6 TDI quattro

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall6 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 23 April 2021

A12/01220/21Safety recallEnvironment23 April 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021

The authority's notice

20V153000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLYELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY19 March 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator and cause an electrical short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the starter generator increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge. The recall began by May 22, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 27H2.

The authority's notice

A12/00504/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Alteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its carcass may suffer a sudden loss of pressure. This can lead to loss of traction and may affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00640/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The middle part of the rear seatback can be inadvertently unlatched by an unsecured load in the boot in the event of an accident. Consequently, the unsecured items may be projected into the interior of the car, causing injuries to the occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

INFO/00138/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The nuts on the eccentric bolt of the rear-axle spring-link control arm may break due to stress corrosion. As a result, the rear axle could move in the wrong direction, in an uncontrollable manner at high speeds.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

SR/03985/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The high-voltage battery’s cell modules could overheat during charging. This may lead to fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

DDVB

210 kW (286 HP) · diesel

AL552 · 8-speed automatic (longitudinal)

automatic · 8 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerZF

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
quattro
Body
saloon
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2967 cc
Power
210 kW (286 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2019–2020

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)

  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years
All C8 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms