2013 Audi S6: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (69% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 wouldn't 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 driver to hold responsible for the damage”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2026
“Was just driving down the highway at normal speed and my car lost all power, every like came up on the dash and disabled my power steering causing me to almost crash. Took it to the shop mechanic tells me the turbos failed due to oil screen and it will cost me $8,000 Not sure why they failed I have amazing service records on my car. This needs to be a recall.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024
“the 2013 Audi 4.0T generation have a massive issue where the engine start leaking from the bottom of the crankcase where the block connects to it and to fix all these issues audi is asking a rebuild of the entire engine this issue is very common on the 2013 2014 2015 S6 S7 S8 with the 4.0T worldwide problem”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“All 2013 Audi S have a transmission issues where it cause the transmission to stop shifting or skips gears or clutch slips and Audi has not done anything about them This repair is expensive and millions of people experience this problem and Audi still won't fix it”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2023
“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 the vehicle violently.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2021
“While driving vehicle stalled on craig and clayton street had to get it towed was told was lack of oil to turbos and turbos blew”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a graco child safety seat, model number: 2013866, model type: turbo booster, manufactured date: september 5, 2019. The child safety seat was being utilized in a 2013 audi s6. The contact attempted to secure child in the safety seat, but was unsuccessful. The contact stated that there was a hook defect underneath the safety seat not allowing it to be secured inside of the vehicle. The contact was unable to secure the safety seat. The child was not inside the safety seat at the time of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. ## VIN failed ## graco child safety seat ##*dt*jb*dt”Owner report · Child Seat · Mar 2021
“While driving on the highway vehicle lost power. Upon exiting the highway, I noticed a rough idle. Next morning vehicle failed to start normally (push to start) on multiple occasions. Needed to press the gas pedal significantly. Brought to independent auto repair shop for diagnostics. Was told oil separator had failed and turbos had both failed. Repaired at my (significant) expense. Vehicle is completely stock. No engine modifications. 93 octane gas. All maintenance as per manual.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“The turbos on the s6 failed after only 50,000 miles. This makes the car have dangerously low power and nearly undriveable. This is an extremely common occurrence for audi 4.0tt models, and audi even issued a tsb regarding the issue to it's service centers. But to date, audi has not rectified the issue or made contact with those who are out of the warranty period. Blown turbos cause all sorts of issues, including potential engine damage, cylinder misfires, fuel pressure issues, and over-heating. On my particular vehicle, the turbos failed simply by starting the car after sitting in the garage for a few days, undriven. Cost to replace turbos and make repairs is $10,000 to $15,000.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“My turbochargers failed, which I understand is not uncommon with this engine. It was driving normally. I stopped for an errand and it restarted with great difficulty. I then drove some additional distance and it stalled in traffic. It stalled repeatedly whenever the rpm's fell below 2000. I ended up running a red light, to avoid slowing down, knowing it would stall. Fortunately, I was in an uncrowded area. It looks like audi has already issued a technical service bulletin regarding the propensity for turbo failure. I would like to see more than that happen.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact S6 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 S6 reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Audi S6. The most complained-about area is engine (69% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Audi S6 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Audi S6 have open recalls?
3 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.