Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 1995 Audi S6 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2005.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Audi S6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Delivery
1359.1%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
418.2%
Switch
29.1%
Bumpers
14.5%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers
14.5%
Tank Assembly
14.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1998peak 3Nov 2005
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Audi S6
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE99065Opened 28 Oct 1999Closed 31 Mar 2000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL SUPPLY LINE LEAK
Recalls on the 1995 Audi S6
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2000097565 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, a fuel feed line connecting the fuel filter to the engine can prematurely age and shrink through exposure to high under hood temperature caused by the turbocharger. Such shrinkage could cause a clamp connection adjacent to the turbocharger to loose its clamping force resulting in fuel seepage. Correction: Dealers will replace the entire fuel feed line from the filter to the engine with a fuel line of shrinkage-proof material.
Recall 19971761,997 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS COULD ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE INJURY. CORRECTION: A GROUND WIRE WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 19960241,274 units in Canada
Electrical
THE IGNITION SWITCHES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS TURN SIGNALS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LAMPS, POWER WINDOWS AND AIR CONDITIONERS TO MALFUNCTION WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
NEW Hope, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHILE REFUELING WITH THE ENGINE OFF, GAS TANK CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #534888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 43,400 milesSchenectady, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DT: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 96V017000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HIM THAT RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE AND THEY WERE NO LONGER ASSISTING IN THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK (12/05/05) AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE LIGHTS, HORN, CLIMATE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS THE IGNITION KEY WAS MANUALLY/SLOWLY TURNED BACK UNTIL THE CLIMATE CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD COME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10142041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,070 milesChicago, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER GETS CAUGHT ON CURBS AND WHEEL STOPS IN PARKING LOTS. IT MAKES LITTLE OR NO NOISE AS I PULL IN, BUT WHEN I GO TO PULL OUT IT GETS CAUGHT AND THREATENS TO PULL OFF THE WHOLE LOWER BUMPER COVER. IVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER AUDI OWNERS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND IT CAN CAUSE ABOUT $2000 IN DAMAGE IF THE BUMPER COVER IS DAMAGED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR LATER MODEL YEARS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT MY MODEL YEAR IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL. I CURRENTLY HAVE MY CAR IN THE SHOP, THEY ARE RESECURING MY BUMPER AND RELATED BODY PARTS.# OF OCCURANCES LISTED BELOW IS APPROXIMATE.
NHTSA complaint #10093304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesFitchburg, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE METAL FUEL LINES UNDER CAR CORRODE DUE TO DESIGN OF RETAINING CLAMPS. THIS HAS CAUSED LEAKS IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CAR HAS HAD A FUEL LINE RECALL PERFORMED ALREADY BUT, IT WAS AT A DIFFERENT SECTION. THIS RUSTED SECTION IS NOT COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #10000342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS WON'T WORK. OTHER TIMES HEADDLIGHTS WERE ON AND VEHICLE WON'T START. SAME PROBLEMS AS IN RECALL FOR /IGNITION SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED. PLEASE ADD FURTHER COMMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #893383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS WON'T WORK. OTHER TIMES HEADDLIGHTS WERE ON AND VEHICLE WON'T START. SAME PROBLEMS AS IN RECALL FOR /IGNITION SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED. PLEASE ADD FURTHER COMMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #893383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED AUTHORIZATION TO COMPLY WITH CAMPAIGN # 00V068000. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS. CAMPAIGN # KY IS NOT IN THE DEALERS COMPUTER SYSTEM. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE THIS FUEL LINE REPAIRED SINCE 3/2000. THIS LINE IS FUEL LINE IS UNDER HIGH PRESSURE AND COULD COULD SPRAY ON A HOT TURBO CAUSING AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. I HAVE NOT RECIEVED ANY COOPERATION FROM VW OF AMERICA IN GETTING THIS LINE REPLACED. VOA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS DENY KNOWLEGE OF THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #737979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
CONSUMER IS HAVING SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 00V068000 CONCERNING FUEL LINES, AND VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #876207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON THIS DATE, 09-07-00, AT APPROXIMATELY 0730 HOURS, TEMP IN MID 40'S, MY WIFE STARTED OUR VEHICLE AND DETECTED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE AND SHUT OFF THE MOTOR. A CHECK UNDER THE HOOD INDICATED A LEAKING METAL BRAIDED FUEL LINE LOCATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD/TURBO-CHARGER. WE CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA AT THEIR 1-800 NUMBER AND INQUIRED AS TO WHAT COURSE OF ACTION WE SHOULD TAKE. THE MALE REPRESENTATIVE WE SPOKE TO WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART, HOWEVER, HE DID PROVIDE US WITH A REFERENCE # AND ADVISED US TO CONTACT A LOCAL AUDI DEALER. WE CONTACTED STAR MOTOR CO., A VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI DEALERSHIP, LOCATED IN CLARKSBURG, WV. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED THAT PLANS WERE BEING MADE FOR RECALL BUT, OWNER NOTIFICATIONS HAD NOT BEEN SENT. WE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS SAME DATE AND CONTACTED A LOCAL TOWING SERVICE TO TOW OUR VEHICLE TO STAR MOTOR CO., WHICH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES FROM OUR RESIDENCE. AT THIS TIME, IT IS UNDETERMINED IF AUDI IS GOING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR & TOW. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 00V068000 THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #730695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON THIS DATE, 09-07-00, AT APPROXIMATELY 0730 HOURS, TEMP IN MID 40'S, MY WIFE STARTED OUR VEHICLE AND DETECTED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE AND SHUT OFF THE MOTOR. A CHECK UNDER THE HOOD INDICATED A LEAKING METAL BRAIDED FUEL LINE LOCATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD/TURBO-CHARGER. WE CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA AT THEIR 1-800 NUMBER AND INQUIRED AS TO WHAT COURSE OF ACTION WE SHOULD TAKE. THE MALE REPRESENTATIVE WE SPOKE TO WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART, HOWEVER, HE DID PROVIDE US WITH A REFERENCE # AND ADVISED US TO CONTACT A LOCAL AUDI DEALER. WE CONTACTED STAR MOTOR CO., A VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI DEALERSHIP, LOCATED IN CLARKSBURG, WV. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED THAT PLANS WERE BEING MADE FOR RECALL BUT, OWNER NOTIFICATIONS HAD NOT BEEN SENT. WE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS SAME DATE AND CONTACTED A LOCAL TOWING SERVICE TO TOW OUR VEHICLE TO STAR MOTOR CO., WHICH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES FROM OUR RESIDENCE. AT THIS TIME, IT IS UNDETERMINED IF AUDI IS GOING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR & TOW. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 00V068000 THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #730695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flushing, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LINE WHICH GOES INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS LEAKING FUEL , AND CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, RECALL 00V068000 DEALT WITH SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #866058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
SMELL GAS WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER FEELS HES EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 00V068000.
NHTSA complaint #864888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #721624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nederland, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THIS FUEL LEAK IS NEXT TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND IS A FIRE HAZARD!
NHTSA complaint #720462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Canaan, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PE99065, FUEL LINE CRACKED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #858293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Putnam Valley, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
I HAD PREVIOUSLY NOTED AN INTERMITTENT FUEL SMELL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT CURSORY UNDERHOOD INSPECTION REVEALED NO VISIBLE LEAKS. MOST RECENT OCCURENCE (2/25/00) HAD SAME FUEL SMELL AND THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO DETECT WEEPAGE IN THE FLEXIBLE LINE (GOT A WET HAND FROM RUBBING FLEXIBLE LINE). FITTINGS ON THE FUEL FILTER WERE TIGHT. FUEL STAINING ON COMPONENTS BELOW THE FUEL LINE WAS ALSO NOTED. VEHICLE DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE TO DEALER (MOHEGAN LAKE MOTORS, YORKTOWN, NY, (914) 528-8076), FOR RESOLUTION ON 2/28/2000. PRESENTLY AWAITING THEIR REPORT AND REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #719430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
CAR IS UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT UNTIL 12-13-99. I FEEL THAT THIS DEFECT IN THE FUEL LINE IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AM NOW FACED WITH RENTING A CAR FOR THE NEXT 4 WEEKS UNLESS I CHOOSE TO DRIVE THE CAR KNOWING THAT THELEAK IS DRIPPING GAS ONTO A HOT TURBO CHARGER.
NHTSA complaint #714932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE FUEL LINE LEAK THAT MY CAR SUFFERS FROM IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 1992-1994 AUDI S4S AND 1995 AUDI S6S. THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL LINE LEAK IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SINCE IT TENDS TO DRIP OR SPRAY ON THE TURBO WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. FROM DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB (WWW.S-CARS.ORG) IT IS CLEAR THAT NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE AND HAVE HAD TO BATTLE AUDI TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT AUDI'S EXPENSE. THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT THIS IS A DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES IF NOT IDENTIFIED AND REPAIRED. GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED BY BOTH NEWER (1995) LOW MILEAGE CARS AS WELL AS OLDER (1992) HIGH MILEAGE CARS SUPPORTS THE ARGUMENT THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DESIGN FLAW, NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #714660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Litchfield, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LEAKS IN THE VACINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND TURBOCHARGER - POTENTIAL FOR FIRE
NHTSA complaint #714253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #713970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Monica, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE FUEL LINE ON MY AUDI S6 WAS CLEARLY LEAKING FUEL INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURENCE FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF AUDI. MY CAR HAPPENED TO BE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME AND THE PART WAS REPLACED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, HOWEVER, THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON FAILURE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF CAR AND THAT AUDI IS FAILING TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART WORTHY OF A RECALL. SOME OWNERS ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS SAFETY RELATED PART OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET. WHY A CAR MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE FOR A DEFECTIVE PART THAT RUNS THE RISK OF A FIRE IS BEYOND ME. I THINK THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CASE OF SOMETHING WHERE NHTSA SHOULD STEP IN BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BY A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #713292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carbondale, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
PRESTIGE IMPORTS WAS WONDERFUL! THEY GOT AUDI OF AMERICA TO PAY FOR TRANSPORTATION AND REPAIR OF MY CAR. ELK MOUNTAIN MOTORS ( MY LOCAL AUDI DEALER) LIED TO ME AND SAID IT WASN'T LEAKING. FUEL WAS SPRAYING ON THE FIREWALL, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AND TURBO - A CLEAR FIRE DANGER.
NHTSA complaint #712215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Hope, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHILE REFUELING WITH THE ENGINE OFF, GAS TANK CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #534888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.