MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Audi S6

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

6Recalls
2Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI S6

The Audi S6 is a performance-tuned executive sedan slotting into the competitive luxury sport segment, sitting above the standard A6 and aimed at drivers who want genuine performance credentials alongside premium refinement. Targeting affluent buyers who commute in comfort but want to feel the road on weekends, the S6 competes directly with the BMW 5 Series M Sport and Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG. For model years 2020 through 2025, MotorCaliber examined its federal safety record in detail.

VERDICT

The 2020 Audi S6 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Audi S6 as one of the more accomplished executive sport sedans on the market, praising its blend of composed everyday refinement and strong straight-line performance. Most professional assessments highlight its premium interior quality and driver-focused character as standout attributes, while occasionally noting that its pricing positions it against formidable German rivals that offer similarly complete packages.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 8.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14779

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 2Power Train 1Engine 1Unknown Or Other 1

Other S6 years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14779), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi S6 2020. Class rank 31 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure