Audi S6 Power Steering Problems Signal Sensor Failure

Had nearly the same problem with my 2020 Audi S4. After experiencing similar symptoms with the steering column and electronic stability system, I took it to a workshop with moderate experience in VAG vehicles. The steering wheel vibration and increased steering effort were clear indicators of a sensor issue. The workshop confirmed the steering angle sensor needed recoding after running diagnostics. The traction control warning is actually common with this fault, as the steering angle sensor data feeds into multiple vehicle control systems. The fix involved recalibrating and coding the steering angle sensor, which took about 2 hours total. Cost me 195 Euro for the complete service. After the repair, both the steering feel and traction control system returned to normal operation. Could you share: Current mileage on your S6? When did the symptoms first appear? Have you had any recent wheel alignment work done? Are there any other warning lights on the dashboard? This information would help determine if your case matches what I experienced or if there might be additional alignment problems to address. Make sure to have proper diagnostics done, as similar symptoms can sometimes point to different underlying issues in the steering system.

Thanks for your detailed response. My S6 has 160038 KM on the odometer, with the last service completed just last month. The steering column issues started about two weeks ago, shortly after a particularly cold morning. No recent wheel alignment work has been done, and the only warning light is the traction control indicator that comes on intermittently. The sensor replacement cost you mentioned is lower than I expected. I know these automotive sensors can get quite expensive when they need complete replacement rather than just recalibration. I will get it checked soon, as I understand these electronic stability issues can become more serious if left unaddressed. The shop will need to verify if its just the steering angle sensor or if there are other sensor failures in the system. The symptoms match almost exactly what you described though, so hoping its a straightforward fix.

Good to see those details about your S6. The symptoms appearing after a cold morning is actually quite telling, temperature changes can sometimes trigger sensor failures in these models. Since your mileage is significantly higher than when I had my sensor issue, I would suggest having them check the entire steering sensor array, not just the steering angle sensor. When my electronic stability system started acting up, the workshop found that cold weather had affected the sensor calibration. The fact that you are seeing identical symptoms, including the intermittent traction control light, strongly points toward a similar sensor failure pattern. The sensor replacement costs can indeed vary, but my case only needed recoding rather than full replacement. Given your higher mileage, you might be looking at a complete sensor replacement, which could push the cost to around 400-500 Euro. The diagnostic process should be similar though, my workshop used their VAG-specific diagnostic tool to pinpoint the exact sensor failure location. Worth noting that if the wheel alignment hasnt been checked in a while, it might be worth doing that too. Alignment problems can put extra stress on steering components and sensors, potentially leading to premature sensor failure. The complete check would also rule out any other steering system issues that might be developing.

The cold weather correlation is definitely interesting and matches what I have been researching. Your experience with sensor failure symptoms really helps confirm my suspicions about the steering angle sensor being the culprit. The traction control warning behavior seems to be a common thread in these cases. I will schedule a diagnostic appointment this week. Since the symptoms developed quite suddenly after that cold morning, and given my higher mileage, I am mentally prepared for the possibility of needing a complete sensor replacement rather than just recalibration. The 400-500 Euro cost estimate helps set realistic expectations. You make a good point about checking the alignment too. Even though I have not noticed any obvious alignment problems, it makes sense to have everything inspected while they are working on the steering system. Better to catch any potential issues early, especially considering how these sensor failures can cascade into bigger problems if left unchecked. Will update once I get the official diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your experience, it has been really helpful in understanding what I might be dealing with.