RS6/7 problems and warranty claims

[tinmanwpk]

Just me but I wouldn’t tune car and also would not add lowering module and give certain dealerships the chance to void warranty on air suspension or fuel sensor cut off thing.

I'm going to order DRC so I should be OK. I would not tune a car until it is out of warranty, so that gives me plenty of time to sort that one out. Thanks for your response.

[airborne ranger]

2021 RS6, original owner, just broke 21k miles. come and go electrical issues since day 2, Nothing too concerning, mainly MMI freezing on first "choose driver" screen, lane departure, audisense, road signs inop - which always go away with shutting car off, opening door/closing door and restarting. Told dealership at all 3 of the services and they could not verify any of the aforementioned issues. last night I got the “Vehicle Starting System: Malfunction! Please Contact Service”. with the triangle exclamation point on my console toolbar.. This also greyed out the eco start/stop button ability to shut off- which told me this is what it was pertaining too. car drove fine and did not shut off at lights. also note: this time shutting car off, opening door, closing door and restarting did not make it go away. but this morning it was gone and vehicle drove great as usual.

[Nashty]

Just started the RS6 up after having left it for 6 days while away on a while business trip, and was greeted with a low coolant warning. Checked the reservoir, and it is bone dry.

Had the car in for its 20k service 3 weeks ago and they mentioned nothing related to the coolant system; I drove it about 250 miles after with no warning lights - temps never went above 230F even when driving relatively hard (live in NE Florida for reference). Don’t know enough on the subject, but think I would’ve seen some overheating if the levels were low and it was just the reservoir sensor that was bad.

Nonetheless I have no clue how the reservoir would magically empty while sitting in a garage for nearly a week. No leaks underneath the car; so unless it’s pooling up somewhere higher internally, I’m at a loss.

Had a service appt scheduled tomorrow AM to check alignment anyways, so will just tack this on to the (recently) growing list of nuisances. Think I’ll have to call them out to my house; service manual says not to drive if it’s completely empty, and to not add coolant yourself as you could add air into the system. Will post an update once I’m told what’s going on.

[Nashty]

Just started the RS6 up after having left it for 6 days while away on a while business trip, and was greeted with a low coolant warning. Checked the reservoir, and it is bone dry.

Had the car in for its 20k service 3 weeks ago and they mentioned nothing related to the coolant system; I drove it about 250 miles after with no warning lights - temps never went above 230F even when driving relatively hard (live in NE Florida for reference). Don’t know enough on the subject, but think I would’ve seen some overheating if the levels were low and it was just the reservoir sensor that was bad.

Nonetheless I have no clue how the reservoir would magically empty while sitting in a garage for nearly a week. No leaks underneath the car; so unless it’s pooling up somewhere higher internally, I’m at a loss.

Had a service appt scheduled tomorrow AM to check alignment anyways, so will just tack this on to the (recently) growing list of nuisances. Think I’ll have to call them out to my house; service manual says not to drive if it’s completely empty, and to not add coolant yourself as you could add air into the system. Will post an update once I’m told what’s going on.

Picked the car up earlier this afternoon. Dealer claims they "forgot to top off the coolant" on the 20k service visit three weeks ago. I'm guessing the sensor was bad for the ~250 miles I drove before the car sat for a week? They couldn't tell me with certainty. No leaks detected - completed a pressure test followed by a 65 mile road test to confirm (not sure why that was needed but not going to make a fuss about it). For reference, here's what the reservoir looked like when I started it up the first time after it sat for a week. Something seems a little fishy, but maybe that's just the cynic in me.
68506750735--592B084B-6278-491C-AD6A-E3EF70086C9C.jpg

[carguyshu]

Coolant doesn’t just magically disappear on its own and it’s something that should ever need topped off. There is a leak somewhere. That leak could be external or internal but coolant doesn’t just magically disappear.

[GR8VTen]

Just got the dreaded Electrical System Malfunction + Sport Differential Fault + Vehicle Starting System, another alternator bit the dust! 18mo, 12,500 miles. Seems like this particular failure is getting to recall level status.

I managed to get it to the dealer without needing a tow, they'll take a look Monday, I'm not going to be surprised if it takes them a week before taking a look and a couple months to wait for the part... looking online all Audi parts sites are sold out of the specific alternator part.

This is what I've experienced with this lemon of a model, by far the most issues of any car I've owned, and only after 18 months:

- Various misfires, drive system error - Air intake boot misshapen by heat and pulled off turbo inlet, replaced - 5 days without car
- CEL, EVAP pump needed to be replaced - 8 days without car
- Central locking failure - rear right door actuator, car won't actually lock - Will be fixed when in for alternator
- Adaptive headlight malfunction - can't diagnose
- Rear seat belt retractor recall
- Fuel tank sensor recall - TBD
- Electrical system malfunction - Alternator failure, replacement - unknown days/weeks without car

I can't wait for what is in store in the years ahead, this car will be sold 1 day before the warranty expires.

[FBAnder]

Just got the dreaded Electrical System Malfunction + Sport Differential Fault + Vehicle Starting System, another alternator bit the dust! 18mo, 12,500 miles. Seems like this particular failure is getting to recall level status.

I managed to get it to the dealer without needing a tow, they'll take a look Monday, I'm not going to be surprised if it takes them a week before taking a look and a couple months to wait for the part... looking online all Audi parts sites are sold out of the specific alternator part.

This is what I've experienced with this lemon of a model, by far the most issues of any car I've owned, and only after 18 months:

- Various misfires, drive system error - Air intake boot misshapen by heat and pulled off turbo inlet, replaced - 5 days without car
- CEL, EVAP pump needed to be replaced - 8 days without car
- Central locking failure - rear right door actuator, car won't actually lock - Will be fixed when in for alternator
- Adaptive headlight malfunction - can't diagnose
- Fuel tank sensor recall - TBD
- Electrical system malfunction - Alternator failure, replacement - unknown days/weeks without car

I can't wait for what is in store in the years ahead, this car will be sold 1 day before the warranty expires.

Oooof thats quite a list of horse dung. Do you happen to know your build date?

[Nsd991]

I’m starting to drive mine more just so I get whatever fails fixed under warranty. I as well will upgrade/trade before warranty expires if having issues. I hope it’s bulletproof and if so this car will be a keeper.

[GR8VTen]

Oooof thats quite a list of horse dung. Do you happen to know your build date?

I bought it in March '21, so I'm guessing it was built in December '20. The alternator issue seems to affect any vintage, fuel sensor later ones, central locking any...

[GR8VTen]

I’m starting to drive mine more just so I get whatever fails fixed under warranty. I as well will upgrade/trade before warranty expires if having issues. I hope it’s bulletproof and if so this car will be a keeper.

There's no such thing as a bulletproof Audi... I had a C7 RS7 that had relatively few issues other than a screeching oil separator and a faulty fuel flap lock, then of course 1 week after the warranty expired it broke a $30 valve spring which cost me $8,500 to get fixed at an indie (engine/trans drop to access the valve head), Audi wanted north of $15,000. The shear cost to replace/reprogram modules/parts plus labor often ends up being significant percentage of the cars value once they're past their warranty period... it's just not worth holding on to nostalgia.

[Nsd991]

There's no such thing as a bulletproof Audi... I had a C7 RS7 that had relatively few issues other than a screeching oil separator and a faulty fuel flap lock, then of course 1 week after the warranty expired it broke a $30 valve spring which cost me $8,500 to get fixed at an indie (engine/trans drop to access the valve head), Audi wanted north of $15,000. The shear cost to replace/reprogram modules/parts plus labor often ends up being significant percentage of the cars value once they're past their warranty period... it's just not worth holding on to nostalgia.

Noted, thanks. Just not sure what other car ticks all the boxes like this one. Honestly other than my 458 I’ve never kept a car beyond warranty period.

[PsYkHoTiK]

There's no such thing as a bulletproof Audi... I had a C7 RS7 that had relatively few issues other than a screeching oil separator and a faulty fuel flap lock, then of course 1 week after the warranty expired it broke a $30 valve spring which cost me $8,500 to get fixed at an indie (engine/trans drop to access the valve head), Audi wanted north of $15,000. The shear cost to replace/reprogram modules/parts plus labor often ends up being significant percentage of the cars value once they're past their warranty period... it's just not worth holding on to nostalgia.

Was that the one that Achtuning did, by chance? And yikes!

[carguyshu]

Noted, thanks. Just not sure what other car ticks all the boxes like this one. Honestly other than my 458 I’ve never kept a car beyond warranty period.

Ct5 blackwing

[Nsd991]

Just me but I wouldn’t tune car and also would not add lowering module and give certain dealerships the chance to void warranty on air suspension or fuel sensor cut off thing.

Wow, manual transmission. Sounds like fun.

https://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/ct5-v-blackwing/

[GR8VTen]

Was that the one that Achtuning did, by chance? And yikes!

Yes, it was... they do amazing work!

[carguyshu]

Wow, manual transmission. Sounds like fun.



https://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/ct5-v-blackwing/

I got one this summer along with a RS6. The blackwing is substantially more fun & substantially more track capable. The RS6 is more spacious & more comfortable. The blackwing would be the most comfortable car I’ve ever owned if not for the RS6 though. The rs6 is just on a different level in that department. The blackwing is actually faster around VIR than a v10 R8, which is bonkers. It should prove to be very reliable as well using a longtime proven driveline. It is one car I will never sell as it is the end of an era.

[tinmanwpk]

Exactly why I will keep my manual 2014 CTS-V wagon.

[tinmanwpk]

Apologies - double post.

[Eurofunction]

Exactly why I will keep my manual 2014 CTS-V wagon.

If they made the new CT5 Blackwing in a wagon I would have cancelled my rs6 order months ago.

[sharknado555]

I have 46000km on my rs7, picked up November 11,2020 as a 2021 model year. Im losing juice, have to frequently connect to the charger. I put the car back to stock but kept the miltek exhaust on. seems to be a generator issue with the 48volt system told to me by the dealer. crazy how sensitive these cars are, not gonna tune it again in case I have to bring it back to the dealer again for more pressing stuff.

[TFarrell]

just got my car back from the electrical system malfunction. took 7 weeks and didnt get a loaner the whole time. hope she dont break down again, i want to do more go fast bits lol

[monugs]

Will be calling to schedule a service visit this week. MMI has turned off a few times while driving, and I now have an annoying wind whistle coming from both the driver and passenger side window seals. I also plan on asking them to top off the oil, as I'm getting close to the min fill level at ~5000mi. I know these engines are notorious oil guzzlers.

I will probably have the stock suspension lowered 15-20mm. Still on the fence there, especially headed into winter.

[foomzr]

Currently have a loaner due to the MMI possibly failing. Dealer is waiting to hear back from Audi for next steps.

[GR8VTen]

Just got the dreaded Electrical System Malfunction + Sport Differential Fault + Vehicle Starting System, another alternator bit the dust! 18mo, 12,500 miles. Seems like this particular failure is getting to recall level status.

I managed to get it to the dealer without needing a tow, they'll take a look Monday, I'm not going to be surprised if it takes them a week before taking a look and a couple months to wait for the part... looking online all Audi parts sites are sold out of the specific alternator part.

This is what I've experienced with this lemon of a model, by far the most issues of any car I've owned, and only after 18 months:

- Various misfires, drive system error - Air intake boot misshapen by heat and pulled off turbo inlet, replaced - 5 days without car
- CEL, EVAP pump needed to be replaced - 8 days without car
- Central locking failure - rear right door actuator, car won't actually lock - Will be fixed when in for alternator
- Adaptive headlight malfunction - can't diagnose
- Rear seat belt retractor recall
- Fuel tank sensor recall - TBD
- Electrical system malfunction - Alternator failure, replacement - unknown days/weeks without car

I can't wait for what is in store in the years ahead, this car will be sold 1 day before the warranty expires.

I got my car back today with the Alternator replacement, and rear door lock replacement - total days in shop for this failure was 25 days.

Total days this RS7 has been in shop since I purchased it 18 months ago is 69 days without the car - that's 12% of ownership! This seems very wrong to me for something that cost $160,000 incl tax, not the value for money nor premium experience for something in this price range I was expecting.

[spinitboy]

July 2021 RS6 Vorsprung - 5100 miles in UK/europe. Issues so far:
- Dash rattle on air vent near drivers door - fixed under warranty. Dealer said known issue and needed some foam padding added.
- All Pre-sense safety sensors go offline during very heavy wet weather. Clears once car drys or you stop and turn off and on again. Very annoying as its Autumn nearing winter here in the UK so guaranteed lots of rain! Dealer said it couldn't find any fault even though I showed pictures. Did an "upgrade" of software, but didn't help. Will take it back when I can be bothered as its a pain.
- Auto handbrake doesn't apply when parking car most of the time. Seems to do it randomly when it feels like it. Might be user error but its just odd.
- MMI crashed like 4-5 times so far, but a reset works.
- Map update failed, but then did it again and it worked.
- Front Brake squeak. Dealer said this is known on first 5000 miles and can't do anything. Audi won't replace pads or discs under warranty for this. Should go away once worn in a bit. Seems to be better once i've put a jet washer over the calipers and its not as bad now as it was.

Generally its supremely comfortable - did a 2000 mile trip in europe over the summer and it didn't miss a beat. MPG is awful, but expected and can't complain. The crazy amount of tech i think is actually a downside as it takes away some of the driving pleasure and a lot of it is quite buggy. Would i recommend - YES, if not just for the ride, sound and power. Just make sure you get it PPFd too - i'm glad I did as there were a few door hits during my road trip which just got absorbed by the PPF thankfully.

[trackvaulter01]

I don’t think the presence sensors are designed to work in inclement weather like that. Snow specifically because they get covered so quickly. The brake squeak is common to Audi/Porsche cars and apparently (although embarrassing) isn’t an issue. Porsche even put out a memo on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo

[PsYkHoTiK]

Relatively minor compared to other folks on the thread.

Just had the rear wiper motor replaced on my 22 RS6 by my local dealer.

Rear wiper would stall twice in one return sweep. Dealer had to order the motor (wiring was good) to replace it under warranty.

[rusq5]

Will be calling to schedule a service visit this week. MMI has turned off a few times while driving, and I now have an annoying wind whistle coming from both the driver and passenger side window seals. I also plan on asking them to top off the oil, as I'm getting close to the min fill level at ~5000mi. I know these engines are notorious oil guzzlers.

I will probably have the stock suspension lowered 15-20mm. Still on the fence there, especially headed into winter.

I have this same issue, glad to hear its not just me.

[two+2]

Here is an odd one.

My rear passenger side window will open all the way DOWN when we pull the window lever UP to close it. It only happens if we pull the lever past the click so it auto-closes, and as if it senses an obstruction when it reaches the top it then slides back down all the way. However, when we pull lever to close the window (not past the click) the window will close all the way up.

I will also note that the latest IOS release 16.1.1 seems to be less glitchy with the MMI carplay.

[spetsnaz27]

Here is an odd one.

My rear passenger side window will open all the way DOWN when we pull the window lever UP to close it. It only happens if we pull the lever past the click so it auto-closes, and as if it senses an obstruction when it reaches the top it then slides back down all the way. However, when we pull lever to close the window (not past the click) the window will close all the way up.

I will also note that the latest IOS release 16.1.1 seems to be less glitchy with the MMI carplay.

I’ve had this happen on my older B7 and B8 models. Always thought it was just a bug since it would happen some times and not others.


Sent from secret KGB Bunker

[VelocityRS6]

The alternators on these cars are not your typical alternator as this is what starts your car from the 48v mild hybrid. When you have the stop/start feature, it’s the alternator that gets the engine going again and not the starter.

My ‘21 RS6 is on the shop for a new rear hatch latch motor as the original one failed and doesn’t latch all the way.

[DeputyDog95]

2021 Model:

Rear Diff was leaking and had to be replaced.
Some sort of sensor in the front driver and passenger doors had to be replaced as they were kicking off a "central locking error" on the dash on a regular basis.
Driver's door had to be opened up to fix a rattle.
Typical random dash errors that seem to take care of themselves after a couple of key cycles.
I did have some issues w the rear cam, but that was supposedly corrected with the recent recall software update.

Not sure what I'll do when this car goes out of warranty. If I keep it, I think I"ll definitely get an extended warranty as I assume the problems will get worse as these cars age. More so than a Toyota anyway and will certainly be more expensive :)

[duky]

I think I have the same issue with my rear hatch. It refused to close and also refused to open. Very strange issue. It's at the shop and taking forever because service manager stated they replaced latch and it didn't improve so they are reaching out to Audi Technical

[Nsd991]

I think I have the same issue with my rear hatch. It refused to close and also refused to open. Very strange issue. It's at the shop and taking forever because service manager stated they replaced latch and it didn't improve so they are reaching out to Audi Technical

My rear latch was replaced due to the same issue

[S4V8]

My turn...35K km's, 2021 car and got the dreaded trio "Electrical System: Malfunction", "Sport Differential: Malfunction" and "Start/Stop: Malfunction".

Check engine light on, warning light goes red and steering along with the other power elements starts to fade and all happened while I was driving the car home. Thankfully I made it to my driveway and off to the dealer it went on a flat bed. Will report back on how it plays out.

No tune on my car so I suspect it will all be covered under warranty as it is likely the alternator issue that others have suffered.

[SkiNantucket]

My turn...35K km's, 2021 car and got the dreaded trio "Electrical System: Malfunction", "Sport Differential: Malfunction" and "Start/Stop: Malfunction".

Check engine light on, warning light goes red and steering along with the other power elements starts to fade and all happened while I was driving the car home. Thankfully I made it to my driveway and off to the dealer it went on a flat bed. Will report back on how it plays out.

No tune on my car so I suspect it will all be covered under warranty as it is likely the alternator issue that others have suffered.

Sorry to hear that. Curious as to how long you are quoted for the part? I was down and out for 3 months. Hope you aren’t close to that

[S4V8]

Sorry to hear that. Curious as to how long you are quoted for the part? I was down and out for 3 months. Hope you aren’t close to that

I received an update earlier this week that the alternator was indeed the issue and that they found one at a dealer in the U.S. (I am in Canada). 1.5 week wait time for it to arrive and installed.

I have heard of the 3mth wait for some. Hopefully these "new and improved" alternators don't crap out in another 35K km's.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

I received an update earlier this week that the alternator was indeed the issue and that they found one at a dealer in the U.S. (I am in Canada). 1.5 week wait time for it to arrive and installed.

I have heard of the 3mth wait for some. Hopefully these "new and improved" alternators don't crap out in another 35K km's.

They will last about 45k km so it's just outside warranty.

I've heard of someone recently being told they needed to have their 48v battery replaced too. If one has been flagged, and Audi stands firm on the alternator and mild-hybrid being drivetrain, that's an expensive repair.

[OneFastBMW]

Does anyone know if these vehicles have a “standard” 12v alternator in addition to the 48v starter/generator? I believe they do have a separate 12v starter (only used for cold starts, not start/stop operations).

EDIT:
I found the answer to my own question.

For anyone interested, the 12v battery is only charged by the 48v system. A 48 to 12 volt DC-DC converter is installed just above the 12v battery. Even though the 48v system is only used for the start/stop system in these cars through the starter/generator (not the AC or suspension like some other Audi’s), if the starter/generator goes down this is whole car is out of commission. Without it there is no way to charge the 12v battery and nearly every system in the car runs on the 12v system.

[spomm]

Just got the car back for the 2nd time (1st was at 14k/1yr, 2nd at 25k/2yrs) for the brakes losing vacuum overnight and the car having a stiff brake pedal when starting. They replaced some hose again that gets dirty they say which results in some check valve not closing properly.

Asked the service advisor if there was any test they can do on the alternator while it’s there in case the failure mode has the alternator degrade over time prior to it breaking and they can tell. They said no, it typically just breaks. Sure enough, 40 miles after I pick it up. I hear a pop then get the electrical system, sport diff, and auto start failure error. Decided to chance it and made it 8 miles to the dealer in case anyone else is in a similar situation and wanted a data point. Mine is MY21 picked up 11/2020.


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