Used car guide

2009 Audi S6: known problems and what to check

Too few Audi S6 cars first registered in 2009 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2009 Audi S6, and what to check before you buy one.

13on the UK register at the end of 2025
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
3known faults listed below

Known faults on the 2009 Audi S6

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Electrical gremlins

    All engines

    Electrical faults hit almost 40% of cars, and the engine ECU can fail, shown by warning lights or a sudden loss of power.

    At the viewing: Check every warning light goes out and test all the electrics.

    Source: What Car?: Audi A6 (2004-2011) reliability

  • Air conditioning faults

    All engines

    Around a quarter of cars have air con faults.

    At the viewing: Make sure it blows icy cold with no damp or musty smell.

    Source: What Car?: Audi A6 (2004-2011) reliability

  • Oil use (diesel)

    Diesel

    The diesels can use oil between services.

    At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.

    Source: What Car?: Audi A6 (2004-2011) reliability

What to check on a 2009 car

  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Looking at an Audi S6?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Audi S6 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021–Too few tests
2020174Tyres 22%
2019295Tyres 18%
2018–Too few tests
2017–Too few tests
2016–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests
2014–Too few tests
2013–Too few tests
2012–Too few tests
2010–Too few tests
2008–Too few tests
2007–Too few tests
2006100Lights and electrics 28%
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests

Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score