2013 Audi A6: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (28% of complaints); the 2011 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“It was recently began to leak fuel from the top of the engine close to the windshield. Then the whole cabin specially in the front where the steering wheel began to have bad vibration during reversed, and idle, also when the ac is on. Then theres the airbag for the passenger, the light is on, it used to say '"off" then when the seat is used it will shut off. Now it just stays on. Last is the ac compressor seems to be rattling like a bolt is loose. All the recalls have been happening with my audi and still my VIN is not included.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Audi A6 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Solus Majesty, Tire Size: 245/45/VR18, DOT Number: 127W2YCJ9. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken for maintenance and the independent mechanic observed that the driver's and passenger's side front tires tread was separating from the tire. The contact stated that all four tires had been replaced 3 months prior. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that the rear tires were also showing signs of tread separation. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 115,000. The tire failure mileage was 5,000.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2023
“My sunroof exploded on the expressway and caused the glass to shatter both inside the vehicle sunroof vent and the exterior sunroof”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“I had my coolant system repaired before I found out there was a recall now my thermostat went bad. My brakes need to be replaced too much and my screw for my radio and system display stopped working every time you change fees it pops”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2023
“I start getting coolant leak and it was at Audi dealership. Nothing was done just today get biger leak and took to shop and they say my water pump is broken. I think this is part of Audi A6 2013 water oump problems. Need to fix it”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2021
“Over heating caused by thermostat sticking. This problem was common on the 2.0 audi a6 which was recall. The car overheats every time I drive. Also, I had a spark plug end ip in the cylinder causing damage to the inner wall of the engine.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2021
“Car is leaking & burning oil and is having electrical problems open short to ground I only had the car 2 months the fuel system is malfunctioning my engine light & my epic light is on smoke is coming coming from the engine & the engine is shaking roughly & these are some of the recalls but there saying the recalls have already been taking car of but seems like the problem is reoccurring. I was idled in a parking lot when this problem started. I feel like this is a safety issue and my car could possibly catch fire.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2020
“My car was stationary and oil is leaking from the engine my fuel system is messing up. Also I'm having electrical problems cylinder 1 misfire open ground or short to ground circuit .”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2020
“I own a 2013 audi a6 around 77k miles. I got the cel and brought it to the dealer. There is an internal transmission coolant value that is part of the cooling system and obviously, that component also helps keep the transmission temperature in check. The issue with this defective part is the valve malfunctions causing coolant to penetrate the transmission control module and from there into the wiring harness. When this happens, it is a catastrophic malfunction of those components and a potential fire hazard. Water and electrical do not mix well.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger side air bag warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (audi stratham located at 58 portsmouth ave, stratham, nh 03885) who diagnosed that the passenger occupant detection system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA campaign number: 18v370000 (air bag) for the same failure but the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 73,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact A6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Audi A6 reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Audi A6. The most complained-about area is air bags (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Audi A6 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,634 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Audi A6 have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.