2013 Audi A6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Audi A6 has a complaint index of 85, ranking it 4th worst out of 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Airbags and engine problems drive most reports, backed by 6 recalls covering airbags, fuel lines, and coolant pumps.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 85/100
- #4 of 21 A6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 52
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2013 Audi A6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags18 (35%)
- Engine16 (31%)
- Other9 (17%)
- Electrical System8 (15%)
- Fuel System8 (15%)
- Steering7 (13%)
- Structure & Body4 (8%)
- Brakes3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during frontal crashes, including one case at very low mileage.
- Unintended acceleration was reported multiple times, including a garage collision after repeated deceleration/acceleration issues.
- Smoke and a burning rubber smell came from the dashboard air vents while driving.
- Engine compartment smoke appeared along with an overheating warning light.
- Turbocharger surge was noticed when accelerating gently from a stop.
- Electronic steering seized or failed to respond, sometimes triggering a 'do not drive' warning message.
2013 Audi A6 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine342,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
- NHTSA 17V781000Dec 6, 2017Fuel System48,693 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
2013 Audi A6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Audi A6 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013 Audi A6 ranks 4th worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 85, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other A6 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A6?
- Airbags account for 35% of complaints and Engine issues for 31%, followed by Electrical System and Fuel System problems each at 15%.
- Does the 2013 Audi A6 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Audi A6, covering airbag seat sensors, fuel line leaks, coolant pump software, and fuel hose degradation.
- What year Audi A6 should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 as Avoid years for the A6, with 2019 having the highest complaint index at 100.
- How many complaints does the 2013 Audi A6 have?
- NHTSA lists 52 complaints for the 2013 Audi A6, including 2 crashes and 2 fires, with a median mileage at failure of 60,935.5 miles.