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Audi · Luxury · 2013–2018

Audi RS6 C7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Ratings

Stay Away! 10 weaknesses
Be Careful 10 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!DRC Suspension: Damper and Central Valve Failure

The RS6 C7's Dynamic Ride Control suspension is maintenance-intensive. Dampers and the central valve fail from around 80,000–120,000 km. Replacement costs €2,000–4,200 at Audi — many owners switch to a coilover kit.

Symptoms: Uneven ride height, noticeably softer damping at individual corners, 'Suspension Fault' message, excessive body roll during fast direction changes
from 100,000 km
Ad DRC Zentralventil RS6 4Gshock absorber DRC Audi RS6 C74G0616039 air strut RS6
 High
!Adaptive Air Suspension: Compressor and Level Sensor Failure

The optional air suspension (AAS) on the A6/RS6 C7 is prone to compressor failures and faulty level sensors. Recalibration with specialist tooling is mandatory after any repair.

Symptoms: 'Air Suspension: System Fault' message, warning chime, vehicle sags at one or more corners, follow-on warnings for adaptive lighting and cruise control
from 90,000 km
Ad AAS supercharger A6 C7level sensor air suspension 4Gair strut rear RS6 4G0616002
 High
●Engine mounts wear early

Engine mounts on the S6 C7 frequently need replacing as early as 50,000 km. The 4.0 TFSI V8 is heavy and places severe stress on the mounts. A typical pointer when buying used.

Symptoms: Vibrations in the cabin, rumbling on acceleration, perceptible vibration on load changes
from 50,000 km
Ad engine mount Audi S6 C7 4G 4.0 TFSIMotorhalter A6 4G V8
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
95 complaints · 2012–2018
Engine
67 ⚠ 1
Powertrain
13 ⚠ 1
Fuel System
9 ⚠ 1
Electrical
8
Suspension
7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (67 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (13 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (9 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS6 C7 (2013–2018) — 20 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Other.

What to watch out for with the Audi RS6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi RS6 C7 have? +
The Audi RS6 C7 has 20 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS6 C7? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CWUB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — stay away!
Which Audi RS6 C7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS6 C7 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The C7 defines the class: 560 hp twin-turbo V8 in a wagon, AWD, air suspension. Against the E63 AMG S, the more balanced character — less drift, more traction. Instagram-worthy and still substantial. The C7 Performance with 605 hp is the sweet spot of the entire RS6 history.
Is the Audi RS6 C7 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi RS6 C7 — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS6 C7? +
The Audi RS6 C7 is available with engine variants from 560 to 605 hp. Petrol: CWUB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CRDB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee