RS6/7 problems and warranty claims

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

I agree with pwdrskr. Are you aware that the part has been changed? I’ve not read of a single instance where the newly designed part has failed. Plus, there was a class action that is in the process of being settled.

A couple years ago they were replacing a faulty part with the exact same part. But that’s not the case anymore. When they put in a new part it is redesigned and not likely to fail.

Best of luck!

FWIW, I had the BSG installed on my 2021 two weeks ago. The part number is: 4N1903028B. I believe the price for the part is about $1,100. Of course, labor costs twice that.

[NoGarageQueen]

FWIW, I had the BSG installed on my 2021 two weeks ago. The part number is: 4N1903028B. I believe the price for the part is about $1,100. Of course, labor costs twice that.

I hope this gives you a permanent fix.

The entire BSG situation delayed my interest in getting the car as I couldn’t tolerate the possibility of being stranded. It was a deal breaker for me. Once I understood that issue had been resolved, (obviously) I chased a build and finally have the car. I’m very glad I persisted and am loving it! And I’ve taken two long trips that were “event-free”. I wouldn’t have embarked on those journeys if I thought the car might leave me on the roadside.

(I’m aware any car can have problems and fail, but this was so well documented there was no question there was a decent probability of failure, as verified by the recall…).

I’m very happy that owners of the cars affected are getting their issue resolved (either preemptively or not).

[Mazadi]

2021 RS7 with 22k miles on it. Have had:
Rear diff failure (not the leaking issue) and had to be replaced
Alternator failure/replacement
Gas tank recall
Coolant pump leak, which leaked into the engine and required a bunch of vacuum tubes to be replaced also

I love this car, but am debating whether I keep it beyond the warranty period. I usually keep my cars 5-6 year, but any one of these issues would be major money to fix.

[Benmh]

Just closing the loop on my comments from above. Confirmed it was the BSG - done at 30k KM on my 22 RS6. Also after putting it on a trickle charger overnight I was able to drive it home ~18 min through the city with all the unnecessary electrical equipment turned off (so if you are in a jam, that is possible, or at least it was for me). Didn’t chance it again to get to the dealer - had it towed it. FWIW with the suspension in the fully raised position you can drive right on/off the flatbed with no issues (it just cleared at the front).

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

2021 RS7 with 22k miles on it. Have had:
Rear diff failure (not the leaking issue) and had to be replaced
Alternator failure/replacement
Gas tank recall
Coolant pump leak, which leaked into the engine and required a bunch of vacuum tubes to be replaced also

I love this car, but am debating whether I keep it beyond the warranty period. I usually keep my cars 5-6 year, but any one of these issues would be major money to fix.

Mazadi,

I have a 2021 RS7 that's coming out of warranty. I too and concerned about run a way costs unlike previous 3.0T (A6 & Q7) models. That said, I've contacted both Audi and Fidelity to look into extended warranty programs.

IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THE CAR, this may be a good option for you. I am keeping mine and am getting an extended warranty. I have ZERO issue with my car, but want peace of mind.

[NoGarageQueen]

Just closing the loop on my comments from above. Confirmed it was the BSG - done at 30k KM on my 22 RS6. Also after putting it on a trickle charger overnight I was able to drive it home ~18 min through the city with all the unnecessary electrical equipment turned off (so if you are in a jam, that is possible, or at least it was for me). Didn’t chance it again to get to the dealer - had it towed it. FWIW with the suspension in the fully raised position you can drive right on/off the flatbed with no issues (it just cleared at the front).

Great info. Thanks! Glad you got it sorted with the least amount of inconvenience (relatively speaking).

[AFrancis]

2024 Audi RS7 Performance
So far with 6 months in
Door Actuator driver side. (replaced)
Passenger Side Speaker buzzing. (pending)
audi drive select automatic suspension lift fault (pending)

[klimo]

Just had the water pump and thermostat replaced under warranty at 48k miles. '21 RS6.

They said it's about a $5k job out of warranty and also very common, so keep a lookout when you're getting close to warranty expiration.

[johnpark287]

2023 RS6 Issues: My Experience

My 2023 RS6 (non-performance variant) with 27,000 km finally fell victim to the same issue others have mentioned. Up until now, the car showed zero symptoms. Then, one morning, I started it to head to work and was greeted with three warning messages (how lovely):
1. Starter system failure: Contact service
2. Electrical system failure: Contact service
3. Sport differential failure: Contact service

Concerned, I drove straight to my nearest Audi dealership (Audi Downtown Toronto), only to be told that no one could look at it until Wednesday (this was on a Friday). To add insult to injury, they didn’t have any loaner vehicles available unless I was willing to pay for one. Frustrated, I decided to skip Audi Downtown Toronto and drove to Audi Midtown instead. It’s about three times the size of Audi Downtown, and in my experience, the service there is 20 times better.

As I approached Audi Midtown—about 2 km away—I got another warning: Electrical system failure: Stop driving immediately. At this point, I was really holding my breath and praying the car would make it. Luckily, I reached the dealership, and just as I pulled into the service bay, the car shut off completely. Talk about timing!

The service advisor at Audi Midtown was incredibly kind. He informed me that there’s an active recall for this issue and that they’d need a few days to sort everything out.

For context, I picked up my RS6 back in October 2023. Now, one big question remains: Are 2024 models and beyond unaffected? Time will tell. My dad has a 2024 Q8, and so far, it’s been trouble-free (fingers crossed it stays that way). I also have a 2025 RS6 Performance on order, scheduled for delivery in March 2025. I’m really hoping Audi has resolved this issue once and for all.

From my research, I haven’t seen any reports of 2024 models having this problem yet, so here’s to hoping the fix is permanent.

[Nickos1]

2024 and 2025 are unaffected. It’s an all new part which replaced the defective one. I wouldn’t have bought my ‘25 if the issue still existed.

Ridiculous it ran across the first three model years though. A brand like Audi needs to be better than that. But at least it’s finally sorted now.

[jmswashere]

Just got the Starter/Alternator recall notice.

Have the same passenger side speaker buzzing in my 23 RS6:( haven’t gotten it fixed yet.

[johnpark287]

2024 and 2025 are unaffected. It’s an all new part which replaced the defective one. I wouldn’t have bought my ‘25 if the issue still existed.

Ridiculous it ran across the first three model years though. A brand like Audi needs to be better than that. But at least it’s finally sorted now.

Thanks for the confirmation Nickos1. That is reassuring. Can't believe Audi let this fly for 3 full years!

[jmswashere]

Someone with a 2024 A6, got the recall as well for the BSG. Will be interesting to see if it’s just certain ones produced early, or what.

[ecacbed]

Got the notice to replace the BSG on my 2021 RS6 serial last 4 8450. Scheduled easily at Audi Burlington, MA for December 23rd. Happy to be getting the new part.

[snohman]

FWIW - recently went in for my annual maintenance at the dealer and was told the radio preset resetting was finally being recognized and a fix was being worked on. not sure how that can take so long to remedy - minor issue in the grand scheme of the car but SO annoying

[the_otto_cycle]

Anyone else lose their matrix headlight programming when getting the BSG recall work done ?

I have not seen the matrix lights kick in since the service . Is there anyway to check if they are still enabled, over ODB or somewhere else ?

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[enzotcat]

Anyone else lose their matrix headlight programming when getting the BSG recall work done ?

I have not seen the matrix lights kick in since the service . Is there anyway to check if they are still enabled, over ODB or somewhere else ?

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

Are you talking about the laser lights? Assuming you are, you can go into the car settings in the MMI, look at the exterior lighting, and if they are still programmed you should see a slider for "laser lights". It's possible that while not deprogrammed, they could have been turned off.

[Corgiman30]

Anyone else lose their matrix headlight programming when getting the BSG recall work done ?

I have not seen the matrix lights kick in since the service . Is there anyway to check if they are still enabled, over ODB or somewhere else ?

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

I’ve not driven in conditions where they would activate after the recall but I still have my blue accent lights and maneuver assist so I’m assuming the headlights are ok. They were all programmed at the same time.

[the_otto_cycle]

I’ve not driven in conditions where they would activate after the recall but I still have my blue accent lights and maneuver assist so I’m assuming the headlights are ok. They were all programmed at the same time.

Blue laser and laser light is still active for me as well, which I had done at the same time as the matrix function. I already had maneuver assist from the factory.

I used to see matrix functionality come on all the time, it's fairly obvious watching the dancing high beams, but I have not seen it since the recall work, and I was hoping there was a way to verify ( outside of visual confirmation) that the function was still enabled .

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[the_otto_cycle]

Are you talking about the laser lights? Assuming you are, you can go into the car settings in the MMI, look at the exterior lighting, and if they are still programmed you should see a slider for "laser lights". It's possible that while not deprogrammed, they could have been turned off.

Laser light is still enabled. I am talking about the matrix functionality. It seems to be the only one lost post recall work .

There were 3 functions I had enabled:
the blue laser ( for looks ) - still enabled
Laser light - super bright long distance spot beam - still enabled
Matrix lights- smart high beams that don't blind oncoming or cars in front of you - don't seem to enabled

I was hoping there would be a way to confirm they were still enabled outside of visual confirmation

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[Corgiman30]

Laser light is still enabled. I am talking about the matrix functionality. It seems to be the only one lost post recall work .

There were 3 functions I had enabled:
the blue laser ( for looks ) - still enabled
Laser light - super bright long distance spot beam - still enabled
Matrix lights- smart high beams that don't blind oncoming or cars in front of you - don't seem to enabled

I was hoping there would be a way to confirm they were still enabled outside of visual confirmation

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

If you went through Sam he will reinstall the matrix lights if they were wiped out. I assume others will as well.

[Jon111]

I’ve not driven in conditions where they would activate after the recall but I still have my blue accent lights and maneuver assist so I’m assuming the headlights are ok. They were all programmed at the same time.

I have a '22 RS7 with the matrix lights activated. I had the BSG recall done a few weeks ago and just verified that the matrix lights are still working fine. You can tell when they turn on by looking at the auto headlights symbol (with the "A" in it). It will turn blue when they activate.

[VVG]

Anyone who mods their car needs to remember this:

In the US, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act prevents automakers from automatically voiding a warranty if a customer uses aftermarket parts. However, if the parts cause a mechanical issue, the manufacturer can hold the customer responsible and refuse to pay for repairs.

I think we tend to forget that but I have mentioned it in the past when I have had resistance regarding mods. Food for thought.....

Magnuson Moss is fine in theory, but if they deny the warranty claim, you will have to hire and attorney and fight it. That will take thousands of dollars and maybe several years of time.

[GoCougs1234]

Magnuson Moss is fine in theory, but if they deny the warranty claim, you will have to hire and attorney and fight it. That will take thousands of dollars and maybe several years of time.

Not only would such a lawsuit cost thousands $$$ and a take long time, being able to sue for legal fees (and being awarded legal fees if able) is not a sure thing, so on average best case (win) you're about net 0$ (warranty claim payout offset by legal fees) and worst case (loss) you're out $10k-25K+ in legal fees. Then of course there's the time invested and the drama of abiding by the court process (depositions, etc.) and not knowing the outcome for quite some time.

The act was meant for fleet operators, not the average Joe. Say FedEx buys 5,000 Chevy cab-only trucks (= have to be modified to fit FedEx's needs). FedEx can justify the lawsuit for warranty claim denial given the number of vehicles affected. Average Joe with his lone modified vehicle cannot justify it. Auto makers/dealers/warranty providers TOTALLY know this calculus because they deal with suing/getting sued all the time, so Average Joe is much more likely to be SOL.

[FBAnder]

Just adding some data points to this thread. My rear passenger side strut has failed again. The first one failed 2 months after delivery. Replacement lasted about 3.5 years. Strut AND bumpstop getting replaced this time around under warranty. Seems like an alignment will get done as part of the replacement as well.

Also had my 12V battery checked as the convenience key has been getting disabled after sitting for a couple days and received an "Electrical system low. Battery will be charged while driving" message the other day that cleared immediately. Dealer load tested and it passed but found the SoC was 50% so are charging it while parts are ordered for the strut replacement. They won't replace the battery under the supplemental warranty I have since it passed the load test. Letting it ride since we seem to be out of the woods very cold weather wise in the Midwest. I do have the new BSG (as of May 2024).

Also was told that the passenger front tpms battery is low but these are my winter wheels and will be off the car soon. Been using the tpms sensors on the winters for just under 4 years.

[Corgiman30]

Just adding some data points to this thread. My rear passenger side strut has failed again. The first one failed 2 months after delivery. Replacement lasted about 3.5 years. Strut AND bumpstop getting replaced this time around under warranty. Seems like an alignment will get done as part of the replacement as well.

Also had my 12V battery checked as the convenience key has been getting disabled after sitting for a couple days and received an "Electrical system low. Battery will be charged while driving" message the other day that cleared immediately. Dealer load tested and it passed but found the SoC was 50% so are charging it while parts are ordered for the strut replacement. They won't replace the battery under the supplemental warranty I have since it passed the load test. Letting it ride since we seem to be out of the woods very cold weather wise in the Midwest. I do have the new BSG (as of May 2024).

Also was told that the passenger front tpms battery is low but these are my winter wheels and will be off the car soon. Been using the tpms sensors on the winters for just under 4 years.

I went ahead and had my 12V battery changed at the three year service. It too passed, although barely, the load test. Never got any charging warnings although I do put it on a battery tender periodically. Even with the tender I don’t get much over 3 years from a battery and they always fail at inopportune times. I was hoping it would also fix my periodic keyless entry failure that can’t be diagnosed but no luck. Cost was $489 with installation and coding.

[FBAnder]

I went ahead and had my 12V battery changed at the three year service. It too passed, although barely, the load test. Never got any charging warnings although I do put it on a battery tender periodically. Even with the tender I don’t get much over 3 years from a battery and they always fail at inopportune times. I was hoping it would also fix my periodic keyless entry failure that can’t be diagnosed but no luck. Cost was $489 with installation and coding.

Dealer did end up replacing the 12V battery under the term protection warranty I had. Also replaced a TPMS sensor with a low battery under the tire/wheel protection warranty. Turns out the strut was not bad again but the bumpstop had come out of position and was hitting the top of the assembly...which damaged the bumpstop. Guessing it wasn't fully inserted when the strut was replaced the first time and eventually came loose. Dealer replaced the bumpstomp and no more noises. Factory warranty is up 3/3...just in the nick of time!

edit: the TPMS sensor was covered under factory warranty, not the tire and wheel package.

[S4V8]

Just had the water pump and thermostat replaced under warranty at 48k miles. '21 RS6.

They said it's about a $5k job out of warranty and also very common, so keep a lookout when you're getting close to warranty expiration.

My '21 RS6 with same mileage just had the same issue...and during that repair they located 2 other major issues.

1. Oil filter housing leak
2. Oil cooler leak

Both being repaired under warranty which expires in a few weeks however, since I have decided to keep the car, I have added another 3yrs / 50K km's of warranty for peace of mind.

1 repair on these cars is worth it alone. I've also had the following issues:

- rear hatch lock mechanism
- rear arm rest (cup holder issue)
- front passenger side air strut
- 2 alternator/starters
- water pump and thermostat

[NoGarageQueen]

Dealer did end up replacing the 12V battery under the term protection warranty I had. Also replaced a TPMS sensor with a low battery under the tire/wheel protection warranty. Turns out the strut was not bad again but the bumpstop had come out of position and was hitting the top of the assembly...which damaged the bumpstop. Guessing it wasn't fully inserted when the strut was replaced the first time and eventually came loose. Dealer replaced the bumpstomp and no more noises. Factory warranty is up 3/3...just in the nick of time!

edit: the TPMS sensor was covered under factory warranty, not the tire and wheel package.

My '21 RS6 with same mileage just had the same issue...and during that repair they located 2 other major issues.

1. Oil filter housing leak
2. Oil cooler leak

Both being repaired under warranty which expires in a few weeks however, since I have decided to keep the car, I have added another 3yrs / 50K km's of warranty for peace of mind.

1 repair on these cars is worth it alone. I've also had the following issues:

- rear hatch lock mechanism
- rear arm rest (cup holder issue)
- front passenger side air strut
- 2 alternator/starters
- water pump and thermostat

To both of you @FBAnder and @S4V8: would you mind sharing which supplement/extended warranty you chose? I’m not sure if “supplemental” refers to wheel/tire or if you mean a more general extended warranty, and whether it’s Audi or another provider (like Fidelity, for example).

[S4V8]

To both of you @FBAnder and @S4V8: would you mind sharing which supplement/extended warranty you chose? I’m not sure if “supplemental” refers to wheel/tire or if you mean a more general extended warranty, and whether it’s Audi or another provider (like Fidelity, for example).

I did some research, looked at 3rd party options and although they are cheaper (sometimes almost half the price for equivalent coverage) some even offer the option to go to your Indy for repairs vs having to go to the dealer which is nice but I ultimately chose to go with Audi.

The process with a 3rd party warranty claim requires some back and forth before it is approved, sounds to me like a PITA. I spoke to my Indy and he does work with a few 3rd party warranty companies through some customers, he hates it. Some don't pay him on time...some try to negotiate used parts vs new...they don't always take the shops recommendation.

With Audi, the process is no different than using your OEM 4yr/80K km warranty. This to me was worth a few bucks more, less hassle, back and forth etc.

I also have a good relationship with my local Audi dealer, so I know I'll be treated well. I always get a loaner and I know they will always use genuine Audi parts.

[FBAnder]

To both of you @FBAnder and @S4V8: would you mind sharing which supplement/extended warranty you chose? I’m not sure if “supplemental” refers to wheel/tire or if you mean a more general extended warranty, and whether it’s Audi or another provider (like Fidelity, for example).

Tire/wheel protection is part of audi pure protection - multi-coverage protection options (tire/wheel, dents, windshield chips, lost key) and the 12V battery is part of audi pure protection - term protection (consumables like batteries, steelie brake pads and rotors, wheel alignment etc). I purchased through Audi when I bought the car. Will end up at just about a wash on both the term protection and tire/wheel... assuming over the next 12 months I don't go through multiple tires or a wheel replacement.

Oh, I also purchased Audi Pure Protection Vehicle Service Protection platinum for 8 years / 80,000 miles which is basically an extension of the factory warranty for 4 years (based on my driving miles). Towing (up to $100) is included but READ the contract details...there is a different toll-free # to call with this plan for arranging towing. Audi roadside may still get you towed but charge you, in full, for it.

[NoGarageQueen]

@FBAnder thanks for that very detailed information. I’d also go with Audi based on your logic. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I’m not saying all third party warranties are “bad”, just that I wouldn’t want any hassle about getting all OEM parts if repair is needed. That alone is worth the price of admission.

I’m not sure how long I’ll have the RS6 in the garage but all indications point to keeping it longer than any recent vehicle (which seem to rotate about every 2 years or less).

[FBAnder]

@FBAnder thanks for that very detailed information. I’d also go with Audi based on your logic. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I’m not saying all third party warranties are “bad”, just that I wouldn’t want any hassle about getting all OEM parts if repair is needed. That alone is worth the price of admission.

I’m not sure how long I’ll have the RS6 in the garage but all indications point to keeping it longer than any recent vehicle (which seem to rotate about every 2 years or less).

NP. Just be advised there are different term lengths/mileages/coverage options available with ALL the packages (term protection for me was 4 years / 50k miles so ending with factory warranty tomorrow while tire/wheel is 5 years / 60,000 miles and as noted, vehicle service protection for 8 years / 80,000 miles...vehicle service protection also has different deductible options). So don't be afraid to ask about different configurations and even negotiate the price if something is not palatable as priced but you want it.

I actually have not decided if I am keeping the RS6 through the full 8 years. I will see what things look like at the conclusion of the tire/wheel warranty next March. The RS6 is a great car and after spending a week in a 2025 Q5 loaner and getting the RS6 back yesterday, I am not sure if I can go back to a car with no personality (sorry, Q5). On the other hand, I have not been fond of what Audi has been producing as of late and their pricing is getting a bit...extra for what feels like less. I get that is generally the case across the board, doesn't make it OK, though. Might just give up the fun cars and go back to a Toyota Corolla with a stick...something I can back into a parking bollard and not give a shit. Anyway, thanks for reading my Ted Talk.

[NoGarageQueen]

NP. Just be advised there are different term lengths/mileages/coverage options available with ALL the packages (term protection for me was 4 years / 50k miles so ending with factory warranty tomorrow while tire/wheel is 5 years / 60,000 miles and as noted, vehicle service protection for 8 years / 80,000 miles...vehicle service protection also has different deductible options). So don't be afraid to ask about different configurations and even negotiate the price if something is not palatable as priced but you want it.

I actually have not decided if I am keeping the RS6 through the full 8 years. I will see what things look like at the conclusion of the tire/wheel warranty next March. The RS6 is a great car and after spending a week in a 2025 Q5 loaner and getting the RS6 back yesterday, I am not sure if I can go back to a car with no personality (sorry, Q5). On the other hand, I have not been fond of what Audi has been producing as of late and their pricing is getting a bit...extra for what feels like less. I get that is generally the case across the board, doesn't make it OK, though. Might just give up the fun cars and go back to a Toyota Corolla with a stick...something I can back into a parking bollard and not give a shit. Anyway, thanks for reading my Ted Talk.

^thanks for the added info, and LOL!

[salraf]

quick question. Will be soon picking up a '24 rs7 with about 4k miles. Probably keep it for 3 yrs. I figured 3yr tire and wheel protection is worth it at ~2k. Finance dept is suggesting also getting pure term to include rotors as well. Dont know the cost of this yet. Suggestions?
Probably will drive about 7-8k miles/yr.

Thanks for the help

[FBAnder]

quick question. Will be soon picking up a '24 rs7 with about 4k miles. Probably keep it for 3 yrs. I figured 3yr tire and wheel protection is worth it at ~2k. Finance dept is suggesting also getting pure term to include rotors as well. Dont know the cost of this yet. Suggestions?
Probably will drive about 7-8k miles/yr.

Thanks for the help

Steel brakes are expensive from dealer. I got quoted just over $8,000 for new pads and rotors on all 4 corners. That was two years ago when they started suggesting brakes (I declined ). Since then I seem to get a different pad depth measurement every visit. Ultimately, the car will tell you when it's time for new brakes.