Audi RS6 C7 Reliability: The $15,000 Used Wagon with a $10,000 Repair Bill

The Audi RS6 C7 Avant is the holy grail of performance wagons. 560hp, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and enough cargo space for a family vacation. It’s the car that makes BMW M5 Touring buyers cry.

But on the used market, it’s a financial trap. You can buy a $120,000 RS6 for $35,000. Why? Because the turbo oil screen clogs, the PCV fails, and the air suspension leaks.

This guide breaks down exactly what fails on the RS6 C7, distinguishing between the early C7 (2014-2015) and the improved C7.5 (2016-2018).

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1. The RS6 C7 vs C7.5: Two Different Animals

You must understand the difference between the pre-facelift and facelift models.

RS6 C7 (2014-2015)

• Engine: EA824 4.0T V8 (560hp)
• Risk Level: HIGH
• Why: Early oil screen design, higher turbo failure incidence, early PCV components.
• Recall Coverage: 2014-2017 RS7 is covered by TSB 2044640 (RS6 Avant was not sold in US, but same engine).
• Verdict: Buyable, but only with recall completion verified.

RS6 C7.5 (2016-2018)

• Engine: Updated EA824 4.0T V8 (605hp in Performance model)
• Risk Level: MODERATE
• Why: Revised oiling system, updated PCV, better build quality.
• Verdict: The smart buy. Still has carbon buildup and air suspension risk, but lower turbo failure rate.

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2. Common Failures & Costs

A. Turbo Oil Screen (The Existential Risk)

The RS6 shares the same turbo oil screen flaw as all 4.0T engines. See our Audi 4.0T V8 Pillar Page for the full technical breakdown.

• Symptom: Screeching noise, loss of power, check engine light.
• Test: Listen for a high-pitched screech on acceleration. If present, walk away.
• Cost: $8,000 - $10,000 for turbo replacement (many owners upgrade to RS7 turbos with screen delete).

[!WARNING] Critical: If the oil screen recall (TSB 2044640) has not been completed, the car is a ticking time bomb. Verify recall completion before purchase.

B. PCV / Oil Separator Failure

The PCV system in the valley fails, causing whistling noises and idle instability.

• Symptom: Whistling noise from the engine bay, strong vacuum at oil cap, idle fluctuation.
• Test: Remove the oil cap while idling. If the idle changes dramatically or you hear loud hissing, the PCV is failing.
• Cost: $1,000 - $2,000.

C. Air Suspension Leaks

The RS6 uses air suspension with adaptive damping. The air springs dry rot and leak.

• Symptom: Car sagging on one corner, “Suspension Fault” warning.
• Risk: The rubber air bags dry rot and leak, especially in cold climates.
• Cost: $1,200 - $2,000 per corner (OEM). Arnott aftermarket struts are $800/corner.

D. Ceramic Brake Rotors

The RS6 Performance model comes with optional carbon-ceramic brakes. They are expensive to replace.

• Symptom: Pulsation, noise, cracking.
• Cost: $8,000 - $12,000 for a full set (OEM ceramic). Many owners convert to steel rotors ($2,000).

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3. The “Bargain” Trap

Scenario: You see a 2015 Audi RS6 Avant with 70k miles for $35,000. It looks clean.

Reality: It likely needs:

1. Oil screen recall verification (if not done: $10,000)
2. PCV replacement ($1,500)
3. Carbon cleaning ($1,000)
4. Air suspension struts (2 corners: $3,000)

Total Immediate Cost: $5,500 (or $15,500 if turbo oil screen has not been addressed).

You have effectively doubled the price of the car in the first month.

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4. Maintenance Budget

Owning an RS6 C7 is not like owning an A6. It is a supercar-level maintenance schedule.

• Oil Changes: Every 5,000 miles (Mandatory). Audi’s 10,000-mile interval will clog the oil screen.
• Tires: Rear tires last 10,000-15,000 miles due to 560hp torque. Expect $1,800/set.
• Brakes: Large rotors. Expect $2,000/axle (steel) or $10,000 (ceramic).

Annual Expectation: $4,000 - $6,000 in non-routine repairs.

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5. Should You Buy One?

YES, IF:

1. You are looking at a 2016+ C7.5 model.
2. You can afford a $5,000/year maintenance budget.
3. You have a trusted Audi specialist nearby.
4. You get oil screen recall verification and clean PCV inspection.

NO, IF:

1. You are stretching your budget to buy the car.
2. You rely on the dealer for service.
3. You need 100% reliable transportation.
4. You cannot afford a potential $10,000 turbo replacement.

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6. The 100,000-Mile Ownership Cost

Here is a realistic budget for owning an RS6 C7 from 50,000 to 150,000 miles:

Mileage	Expected Repairs	Cost
50k - 60k	Carbon cleaning, ignition coils	$1,400
60k - 70k	PCV replacement, oil screen service	$2,500
70k - 80k	Air suspension struts (2 corners)	$3,000
80k - 100k	Differential bushings, HPFP	$1,800
100k - 120k	Transmission service, brakes	$3,000
120k - 150k	Injectors, misc leaks	$2,500

Total (50k - 150k miles): $14,200

Annual Average: $1,420/year (excluding routine oil changes and tires).

[!CAUTION] If the oil screen recall is NOT done and turbos fail, add $8,000 - $10,000 to the total.

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7. Verdict

The Audi RS6 C7 Avant is a performance bargain if you know what you’re doing. It offers 560hp, a glorious exhaust note, and the practicality of a wagon for the price of a used Camry.

But it requires a “supercar” budget to keep running. If you go in with open eyes and a full wallet, it’s a rewarding experience. If you treat it like a Toyota, it will bankrupt you.

Related Guides:

• The 4.0T V8 Engine Pillar Page
• Audi RS7 Common Problems
• Audi S8 D4 Engine Issues
• Audi S6/S7 4.0T Problems
• Turbo Failure Guide
• Oil Screen Recall
• PCV Failure
• Carbon Buildup
• Air Suspension Failure
• BMW M5 F10 Comparison
• Mercedes E63 AMG Comparison