🇩🇪 Deutsch
Audi · Mid-Size · 2012–2018

Audi S6 C7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Body Variants

The Audi S6 C7 is available as Limousine and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
2 Engines
view Limousine →
Avant
2 Engines
view Avant →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi S6 C7 is available with one engine variant at 420 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

S6 · Benziner· 420–450 PS Engine Change
2012 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2012 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Audi S6 (Benziner, 420–450 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CTGA (2012–2018, Be Careful) und CTGB (2012–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S6!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall 21H7: turbocharger oil strainer too fine

An excessively fine oil strainer in the turbocharger oil feed causes oil starvation and can lead to turbocharger failure and engine seizure. Audi recalled all affected vehicles in 2022 (production June 2012 to March 2017, recall code 21H7).

Symptoms: Power loss, engine stalling, turbocharger noise, engine seizure in extreme cases
Ad Ölsieb turbocharger Audi S6 C7 4.0 TFSIrecall 21H7 Sieb
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

Alternatives

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Giulia 952

Mittelklasse (2016–2024)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213

Mittelklasse (2016–2023)

Same Segment

Kia Optima JF

Mittelklasse (2015–2020)

Same Segment

Subaru Legacy BN

Mittelklasse (2015–2019)

Same Segment

Ford Mondeo CD391

Mittelklasse (2014–2022)

Same Segment

VW Passat B8

Mittelklasse (2014–2019)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S6 C7 (2012–2018) — 15 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi S6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S6 C7 have? +
The Audi S6 C7 has 15 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S6 C7? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CTGB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo).
Which Audi S6 C7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S6 C7 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 420 hp twin-turbo V8, honey-smooth and brutal at the same time. The last S6 with eight cylinders — PistonHeads calls it 'last chance to get a V8'. Used prices climbing since the C8 only offers a V6. Cold start sounds like a subtle thunderclap. Running costs are real, but so is the character.
Is the Audi S6 C7 worth buying used? +
The Audi S6 C7 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S6 C7? +
The Audi S6 C7 is available with engine variants from 420 to 519 hp. Petrol: CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), CTGB (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee