NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi S6 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi S6 scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 6 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi S6 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its perfect crash-protection subscore and a five-star rollover rating anchor that result, though six recall campaigns and modest crash-avoidance tech keep it from a theoretical ceiling.
The 2020 Audi S6 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100 and a five-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi S6 ranks 31 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi S6?
The 2020 Audi S6 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This strong showing is predominantly driven by its crash-protection subscore of 70 out of 70, reflecting a perfect rollover rating. Standard features like forward collision warning and electronic stability control contribute to a crash-avoidance technology score of 7 out of 10, though the absence of lane departure warning limits this result. The defect record subscore of 14 out of 20 indicates the impact of six recall campaigns. These include two separate campaigns addressing the electrical system, a recall for the rear axle assembly, and additional actions for tires and the back-over camera. NHTSA has received only two consumer complaints for this vehicle, none of which allege crashes or injuries.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi S6 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi S6 carries no overall safety rating from NHTSA. The agency also published no frontal or side crash-test ratings for this model. Its rollover rating, however, stands at a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. NHTSA reported a 9 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. The absence of other ratings means those specific safety dimensions remain unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14779
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi S6 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2020 Audi S6. Components involved include the back-over prevention camera sensing system, two separate electrical system issues (one tied to the instrument panel fuel gauge and fuel-level sending unit), tires, and a rear suspension non-powered axle assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V900000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22V861000
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Reported 2022-11-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT22V155000
Risk: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Reported 2022-03-14
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
AIR BAGS21V159000
Risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.
Reported 2021-03-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi S6?
Two unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Audi S6. The most frequently cited component in those unverified reports is the Electrical System, followed by allegations touching the Power Train, Engine, and an Unknown or Other category. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in those reports.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi S6?
The 2020 Audi S6 carries a significant recall burden, with six separate campaigns issued by NHTSA. Prospective buyers must verify that all open recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle through a VIN check.
- The 2020 Audi S6 carries six NHTSA recall campaigns covering the back-over prevention camera, two distinct electrical system faults including a fuel-gauge sending unit issue, tires, and a rear axle assembly, making VIN-level recall verification essential for any used purchase.
- NHTSA assigned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance with a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test ratings were never conducted, leaving those dimensions unrated rather than rated poorly.
- The crash-avoidance subscore of 7 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning was not included as standard equipment on this model year, while forward collision warning and electronic stability control were both standard.
- Only two unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System appearing as the most cited component in those allegations, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi S6 places
The 2020 Audi S6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi S6 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi S6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi S6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi S6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi S6 earned 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi S6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi S6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi S6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi S6. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other S6 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14779), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S6 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 31 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.