2003 Audi S6 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other S6 years
Not enough data 11th of 27 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Audi S6. That ranks 11th out of 27 S6 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints, 50%). There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Audi S6
Audi S6 C8 in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2003 Audi S6 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel/propulsion System1
Fuel System, Other1 · ~176,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System150%———
Fuel System, Other150%176,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2021, with 1 complaints
2021: 1202112026: 120261

n = 2 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2003 Audi S6 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, other:storage:tank assemblyMay 3, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V267000 · 5,992 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 audi a6, model year 2002-2003 s6 and model year 2003 rs6 vehicles equipped with 4.2l engines and manufactured from june 19, 2001, through june 8, 2004. The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple may lead to cracking of the nipple. If this happens, a fuel leak may result.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Electrical systemMar 18, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V133000 · 172,866 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.

Risk: A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.

Fix: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2003 Audi S6. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle in the driveway, gasoline was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was then repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V267000 (Fuel System, Other); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the…

Fuel System, Other · received Aug 4, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11754771

Pursuant to outstanding recall repair: Fuel tank leaks substantially when filled over 1/2 tank. Zimbrick Audi of Madison, WI confirms symptom, and confirms that fuel tank needs to be replaced pursuant to faulty rollover valve nipple. Audi of America is not currently offering a resolution as they…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 1, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11431407

Other Audi S6 years

← 2002 S6 · 2004 S6 →

See all Audi S6 problems by year, every Audi model, or the Audi VIN decoder.

Similar Audi models

Embed this 2003 Audi S6 badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi S6?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, other problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Audi S6?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 Audi S6 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S6 model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.