Thinking about buying a used Audi S6 (2011–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,600–$5,500
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Audi S6 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
013.0 TDI B-bank Timing Chain Tensioner and Sprocket Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $3,500–$22,000 to fix
The B-bank (right cylinder bank) timing chain tensioner loses hydraulic pressure or the plastic chain guide wears through on the CDUD and CKVB 3.0 TDI V6. The chain can jump teeth or snap, bending valves and causing catastrophic engine damage. The failure occurs without warning and is more pronounced on high-mileage examples that have not had regular oil changes with specified low-SAPS oil. Audi issued a TSB and extended warranty in some markets but this is not universally covered.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or chattering noise from the right front of the engine on cold start that fades as oil pressure builds
Engine management warning light with P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019 camshaft correlation codes
Rough running or misfires after the chain jumps teeth
Sudden complete engine failure if the chain snaps
Oil consumption above 0.5 L per 1,000 km as an early indicator of wear
What to check
Cold-start the engine and listen for chain rattle from the front/right of the engine in the first 5-10 seconds before oil pressure builds. Pull oil filler cap and inspect for metal swarf. Request full service history showing correct oil specification (VW 507.00). Check for any Audi extended warranty or goodwill repair history on this specific fault.
Where to look: Right (B-bank) side of the V6 engine, front timing cover area
Ask the seller
“Has the timing chain ever been inspected or replaced, and do you have documentation of oil changes using VW 507.00 specification oil?”
“Has the car ever shown a cold-start rattle or any camshaft correlation fault codes, even if cleared?”
022.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI Intake Valve Carbon Deposit Buildup
MinorCommonEngine $900–$2,000 to fix
All TFSI petrol engines in the A6 use gasoline direct injection (GDI), where fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber rather than the intake port. This means fuel never washes the intake valves, and oil vapor from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system coats the valve stems and backs with hard carbon deposits over time. By 60,000-100,000 km the deposits restrict airflow enough to cause rough idle, misfires, and reduced power. The only effective remedy is walnut shell blasting of the intake ports, which requires intake manifold removal.
Symptoms to notice
Rough idle that is most pronounced when the engine is cold and improves as it warms up
Hesitation and stumble during light throttle acceleration in lower RPM range
Slightly reduced power and fuel economy compared to a known good example
Occasional misfires logged as P030X codes without any ignition or injector fault found
Carbon deposits visible through the intake ports on borescope inspection
What to check
Ask for service records showing when (if ever) the intake valves were walnut blasted. Vehicles using the PCV system that has been serviced regularly show slower buildup. Request a borescope inspection of the intake valves through the intake ports after removing the air cleaner assembly — heavy deposits appear as grey/black walnut-shell-shaped buildup around the valve head. If a workshop inspection is possible: Compare cylinder balance data from a scan tool; imbalanced cylinders often indicate restricted valves.
Where to look: Intake valves inside the cylinder head, accessible via the intake ports after manifold removal
Ask the seller
“Have the intake valves ever been walnut blasted or carbon cleaned, and at what mileage?”
“Has the car ever exhibited a rough idle or hesitation at light throttle that was attributed to the engine?”
TransmissionCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
7 more documented faults on the Audi S6
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Audi S6, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Audi S6 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi S6?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Audi S6, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Audi S6?
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Most single repairs on the Audi S6 fall between $1,600–$5,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Audi S6?
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Yes. A Audi S6 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.