2013 Audi S6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 56.0 times the median S6 year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 30 S6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 61% of all reports (34 of 56), far ahead of transmission at 8.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other S6 years?

S6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi S6 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	34	61%	new
Transmission	8	14%	▲ up
Fuel System	3	5%	▲ up
Electrical System	3	5%	— flat
Airbags	2	4%	▲ up
Suspension	2	4%	new
Speed Control	1	2%	▼ down
Steering	1	2%	new
Child Seat	1	2%	new
Seats	1	2%	new

Does the 2013 Audi S6 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Consequence

Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

Defect

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 the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Consequence

If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

13V450000Fuel SystemSeptember 23, 2013 · 3,594 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi S6 and S7 vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FAILED TURBOS CAUSING ENGINE TO RUN RICH AND STALL OUT AT ANY STOPS MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE AT LOW SPEEDS. MANY REPORTS OF MY2013-2016 AUDI S SERIES TURBOS FAILING/BLOWING OUT. TSB ISSUED FOR SUCH ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. AUDI OF AMERICA REPLACING WITH MY2017 TURBOS THAT HAVE ALL NEW PARTS NUMBERS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 17, 2018

“I was driving my Audi when I got transmission malfunction light on along with suspension fault and epc light and check engine light all together and the car wouldnât go faster than 20 mph. Causing someone to rear end me and them fleeing . So not only was my car hit because of this but I had no…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 4, 2026 · crash

“WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES ON MY 2013 AUDI S6 BOTH TURBO CHARGES FAILED AND AUDI IS NOW CHARGING ME $9,000 TO REPLACE BOTH TURBO CHARGES WHICH ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST 100,000 TO 125,000 MILES. THIS ISSUE OCCURED WHILE ON THE ROAD IDLING AT A LIGHT AND CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO BE ABLE TO START AND TO SHAKE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 8, 2021

“WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES ON MY 2013 AUDI S6 BOTH TURBO CHARGES FAILED AND AUDI IS NOW CHARGING ME $9,000 TO REPLACE BOTH TURBO CHARGES WHICH ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST 100,000 TO 125,000 MILES. THIS ISSUE OCCURED WHILE ON THE ROAD IDLING AT A LIGHT AND CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO BE ABLE TO START AND TO SHAKE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 8, 2021

“THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS FAULTY, IT EXHIBITS THE EXACT ISSUE THAT THE RECALLS SON OTHER A6 BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HAPPENS RANDOMLY”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 19, 2018

2013 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi S6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 30 S6 years. It is one of the S6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 S6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi S6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Audi S6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Audi S6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S6 years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2016. The cleanest record among S6 years belongs to 2024.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2013 compare to other S6 years?

What are the most common 2013 Audi S6 problems?

Does the 2013 Audi S6 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2013 Audi S6 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi S6 reliable?

What are the most common 2013 S6 problems?

Does the 2013 Audi S6 have recalls?

Is the 2013 Audi S6 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Audi S6 years should you avoid?

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