Audi S6 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi S6, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 569 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 1997 Audi S6
Too few Audi S6 cars first registered in 1997 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Audi S6 as a whole.
What to check on a 1997 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122010200920082007200620032002200120001997199619951994
What usually goes wrong with an Audi S6?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2012–2018 · Multitronic and S tronic automatic
Automatic gearbox failure (high mileage)
Both the Multitronic and S tronic automatics can fail on high-mileage cars, and a replacement is a four-figure job.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and on the open road, and check for slipping, jerks or hesitation.
- Cars registered 2019–2025 · All engines
Electrical and infotainment faults
It came last of 24 executive cars in What Car?'s survey: 44% had a fault, about two-thirds electrical or infotainment (phones not connecting, flickering screens), and nearly half took over a week to fix.
At the viewing: Connect your phone, use the screens, and check every electrical item.
- Cars registered 2006–2010 · All engines
Electrical gremlins
Electrical faults hit almost 40% of cars, and the engine ECU can fail, shown by warning lights or a sudden loss of power.
At the viewing: Check every warning light goes out and test all the electrics.
- Cars registered 2006–2010 · All engines
Air conditioning faults
Around a quarter of cars have air con faults.
At the viewing: Make sure it blows icy cold with no damp or musty smell.
- Cars registered 2012–2014 · Built 2012 to Aug 2014
Brake recall (built 2012 to Aug 2014)
Oil could get into the braking system on cars built from 2012 to August 2014, reducing braking. There was a recall.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.
- Cars registered 2006–2018 · Diesel
Oil use (diesel)
The diesels can use oil between services.
At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.
- Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines
Fuel gauge and parking brake glitches
The fuel gauge can read empty with a full tank, and the electronic parking brake can refuse to release. A software update fixes both.
At the viewing: Check the fuel gauge and that the parking brake releases cleanly.
- Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines
Water in the rear lights
Water can get into the rear light units, and new ones are expensive.
At the viewing: Look for condensation inside the rear lights.
- Cars registered 2019–2025 · All engines
Rattles and trim buzzes
Rattling parcel shelves and buzzing trim are reported.
At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen.
Audi S6 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi S6
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- What has been fixed under warranty, and has the software been updated?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi S6?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score