2013 Audi S6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 14 S6 years
The 2013 Audi S6 ranks worst of 14 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 42 complaints, 83% engine-related. NHTSA lists 3 recalls, including a turbocharger oil strainer issue and a fuel line leak risk.
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 27 hwy
Top 2013 Audi S6 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Turbochargers fail from oil starvation, often tied to a clogged oil strainer, at a median mileage of 60,000.
- Engine develops a rough idle with shaking after warming up, and sometimes fails to turn over on the first restart attempt.
- Turbo failure can trigger limp mode or stalling at highway speed, with an EPC warning and the car unable to restart.
- Transmission coolant valve leaks onto internal electrical connectors, causing corrosion that can prevent the vehicle from starting or reading its gear position.
- Transmission malfunction can appear alongside suspension and check engine warnings, limiting the car to about 20 mph.
- Passenger airbag sensor triggers a fault similar to a known issue on the A6 but is not covered by that recall.
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?
- Among the 14 Audi S6 model years tracked, 2013 has the highest complaint index at 100 and ranks worst, so it's rated Avoid relative to other S6 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Audi S6?
- Engine problems dominate, accounting for 83% of complaints (35 of 42), mostly turbocharger failures reported around a median of 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2013 Audi S6 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi S6: a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can block and wear bearings, a seat back structure issue affecting airbags, and a fuel line that may leak on 4.0L engines.
- How does the 2013 Audi S6 compare to other years?
- 2013 has a complaint index of 100, the highest of any S6 year in the data, ahead of 2014 (92) and 2016 (85), both also rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Audi S6?
- The 2013 Audi S6 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,000.