Safety ratings
2021 Audi RS 6 Avant SW AWD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANELCampaign 25V201000 · 31/03/2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
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.
Fix: 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERACampaign 25V900000 · 19/12/2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- STEERING1
- POWER TRAIN1
- VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
Read individual complaints (4 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 11/13/2023· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Loss of electrical power while cruising on the interstate at 65 mph. There was a series of warning messages, YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction", "electric system malfunction". Then RED colored warning message "Electric system: Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." At this point, engine was running but was no longer connected to the transmission, Power steering failed. All I could do was coast to the shoulder and stop. Car would not restart. Appeared to be a complete electrical failure, e.g., could not raise or lower windows.
- 07/06/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The last few times I've started my car, the instrument cluster takes multiple minutes before it turns on, while the yellow check engine and red warning lights flash repeatedly.
- 01/17/2025· VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The rear camera on the car repeatedly does not work. The car has been to the dealership for replacement parts several times with the problem recurring. The rear camera does not work most days. In addition, the other cameras have failed repeatedly resulting in safety systems such as automatic collision sensors working and not-working randomly when driving the vehicle.
- 01/04/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The generator cut off and the car coasted to a stop. The generator on these vehicles is failing on almost every single one.