AudiA6/S62018Overview/audi/a6-s6/2018/base/

2018 Audi A6/S6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 A6/S6.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (AM-S7)

The 2018 Audi A6/S6 is a sophisticated passenger‑car that sits on the platform’s hallmark blend of comfort and performance, powered by a robust engine that requires a 5.0‑quart fill of 5W‑40 oil to maintain its refined operation; it achieves an EPA rating of 25 city/34 highway/28 combined miles per gallon while delivering a smooth automatic (AM‑S7) drive. With only two owner complaints—primarily concerning the electrical system, an “unknown or other” category, and the fuel/propulsion system—and no recalls, this model year reinforces the A6’s reputation for solid reliability, positioning it as a dependable choice within the series.

Model year201820172016201520142013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy25/34/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 079198405D. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tire sizeP255/40R19, P255/35R20OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter079198405D
Engine air filter4G0133843
Fuel filter4G0201317B
Spark plug06K905601M
Battery000915089BF alt 000915089G
Front wiper blades8F1955426B alt 4G1955425B
Thermostat079121119J alt 079198013
Cabin air filter4H0819439

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined25 / 34 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume98 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-40 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantUse Audi coolant part number G13TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity10.5
Engine CoolantUse Audi coolant part number G13TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity12.7
Engine CoolantUse Audi coolant part number G13TL-VW774J

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)30.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-6-2-5
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi

Battery & A/C

Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypePAG
Oil Capacity3.70-3.73 oz.

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum72.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi
Residual Pressure43 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum72.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi
Residual Pressure43 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum72.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
1148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180.0°148 ft. lbs
Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
1148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180.0°148 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

172.0 inch lbs.72 in
290 degrees; Diesel engines: NS90 degrees
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

133.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees; Diesel engines33 ft. lbs
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

136.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
290 degrees; Diesel engines90 degrees
125.0 ft. lbs.25 ft. lbs
290
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
136.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
290
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1110.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90110 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees. Replace.15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1110.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90110 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not re-use old bolts. · Long head bolts

1Tighten all bolts finger tight.
230.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees; Short head bolts (located in front of head)90 degrees
16.0 ft. lbs.6 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not re-use old bolts.

1Tighten all bolts finger tight.
230.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not re-use old bolts. · Long head bolts

1Tighten all bolts finger tight.
222.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
344.3 ft. lbs.44.3 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees; Short head bolts (located in rear of head)90 degrees
18.0 ft. lbs.8 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Turn 90 degrees90 degrees
3Turn 90 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Turn 90 degrees90 degrees
3Turn 90 degrees90 degrees
4Front of head small bolts9 ft. lbs
5Turn 90
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
144.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
290
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
144.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
290
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
144.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
290
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
112 ft. lbs.12 ft. lbs
218
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Gas engines · Cap bolts: Step 1: 48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Side bolts: Step 1: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees · Diesel engines

148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9048 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

133.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
290 degrees; Diesel engines90 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
236.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
3180
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
236.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
390

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 20,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 20,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire Repair Kit Sealant (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
Every 60,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2018 Audi A6/S6 dominate in one area — the electrical system,unknown or other,fuel/propulsion system, 1 of 2 reports (50%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 2 recall campaigns target the electrical system,unknown or other,fuel/propulsion system, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 1 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system,unknown or other,fuel/propulsion system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

0
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
263
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Air Bags1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V035000Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel RailReported 16/01/2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel. Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at…

18V370000Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant ClassificationReported 04/06/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 263 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_2074640_32026-06-26EngineThis bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000…
TSB_2074729_32026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2059335_72026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_12026-06-10EngineThis bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_62026-06-04Unknown Or OtherThis Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A6/S6. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 A6/S6 take?

5.0 qt of 5W-40 meeting Audi specification 502 00 or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 A6/S6 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A6/S6 get?

EPA figures are 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg.