2013 Audi S6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Audi S6 ranks worst of all 17 model years for this generation, with 42 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Engine problems, mostly turbocharger failures, drove 83% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles. Three recalls cover the engine oil strainer, airbag seat sensors, and a fuel line leak.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 17 S6 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 42
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 Audi S6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine35 (83%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (19%)
- Electrical System3 (7%)
- Fuel System3 (7%)
- Airbags2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
- Other1 (2%)
- Steering1 (2%)
- Structure & Body1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Turbochargers fail from oil starvation, sometimes leaving the car running rich and stalling at low speeds.
- Engine goes into limp mode or shuts off unexpectedly on the highway, occasionally with an EPC warning light.
- Rough idle with the engine shaking, followed by a failed first attempt to restart.
- Transmission coolant valve leaks onto internal electrical connectors, causing the car to fail to start or shift oddly.
- Passenger airbag sensor triggers a fault intermittently, similar to a condition covered by recalls on related models.
- Reverse gear sometimes refuses to engage, then suddenly launches the car forward without warning.
2013 Audi S6 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
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.
Risk: 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.
- 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 13V450000Sep 23, 2013Fuel System3,594 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Audi S6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 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 S6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Audi S6 reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks it worst of 17 model years for this car, with a complaint index of 100 and 42 complaints, most tied to turbocharger failures around 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2013 Audi S6 have engine recalls?
- Yes. Recall 22V178000 covers 2013-2017 models where the turbocharger oil supply strainer can block and wear the bearings from lack of lubrication.
- What is the most common problem on the 2013 Audi S6?
- Engine issues make up 83% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 60,000 miles, mostly related to turbocharger oil starvation.
- Are there other recalls besides the engine one?
- Yes, two more: campaign 18V370000 for seat frame stress that can affect the airbag system, and campaign 13V450000 for a fuel line that may leak on 4.0L engines.
- How does the 2013 S6 compare to other S6 years?
- It has the highest complaint index of all years listed, at 100, while years like 2011 and 2009 show complaint indexes of 6 and 0.