NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi S6 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi S6 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 10 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi S6 achieves an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it within the Exceptional band. This high score is predominantly attributed to robust performance in both crash protection and avoidance technology assessments. However, the vehicle’s defect record, specifically the presence of 10 active recall campaigns for this model year, indicates an area requiring improvement.
The 2021 Audi S6 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi S6 ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi S6?
The 2021 Audi S6 achieved a 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with the agency assessing a 9 percent risk. This strong performance in rollover protection is the only NCAP crash-test data point published for the model year; NHTSA did not rate the 2021 S6 for frontal or side impact. This results in a perfect 70 out of 70 for the crash protection component of its Safety Index. The vehicle also scores a full 10 out of 10 for its avoidance technology, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the model line. While these scores contribute to an Exceptional Safety Index of 90 out of 100, the 2021 S6 exhibits a notable volume of recall activity. Ten separate campaigns address issues ranging from the camera-based back-over system and the instrument cluster to hydraulic brake fluid integrity and the electrical system. This recall record yields a defect sub-score of 10 out of a possible 20, which is the primary factor preventing a higher overall Safety Index. This marks a one-point decline from the 2020 model year's Safety Index of 91. Despite these recalls, NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2021 Audi S6.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi S6 perform in crash tests?
Rollover prevention stands as the 2021 Audi S6's only published crash-test strength. The S6 achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in NHTSA's rollover evaluations, with a 9 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15599
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi S6 have any recalls?
Yes. Ten recall campaigns cover the 2021 S6. Components involved include the back-over prevention sensing camera, the instrument cluster and panel, hydraulic brake fluid, the broader electrical system, and a back-over prevention display function. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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 SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V201000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Reported 2025-03-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID23V601000
Risk: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Reported 2023-08-25
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
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
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
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 2021 Audi S6?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2021 Audi S6. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in consumer reports submitted to the agency. There are no top components flagged and no recent complaint on file. All NHTSA complaint data represents unverified consumer allegations.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi S6?
Potential owners of a 2021 Audi S6 must verify recall compliance for any vehicle under consideration. The model has been subject to 10 recall campaigns, a notable figure for its year. Ensuring all necessary remedies have been performed at a dealership is the primary safety concern for this specific vehicle.
- The 2021 S6 Safety Index dropped one point to 90 from the 2020 model year's 91, with the defect-record sub-score of 10 out of 20 being the only component below maximum and the primary driver of that movement.
- NHTSA issued 10 recall campaigns against the 2021 S6, covering the back-over prevention camera, instrument cluster, hydraulic brake fluid, and electrical system - a notably broad range of safety-relevant components for a single model year.
- NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2021 S6; the only NCAP result on record is a 5-star rollover rating with a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip outcome on the dynamic test.
- Zero consumer complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2021 S6, meaning no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in agency records - an unusually clean complaint profile for a vehicle carrying 10 recall campaigns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi S6 places
The 2021 Audi S6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi S6 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi S6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi S6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2021 Audi S6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi S6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi S6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi S6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15599), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S6 2021.
- 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 34 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.