KnownCarProblems2013 Audi S6 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi S6, most often about the engine (81% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is the most complained-about S6 model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2013 Audi S6 problems
Engine
34 complaints · 81%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
Car suddenly had a "rough idle", I.e. Shaking 1-2inches back-and-forth while in idle, after driving for 20 minutes at normal conditions. Shutdown car. Attempted to restart car, but the engine would not turnover the first attempt. Tried again - engine started the second time. No check engine light appeared, so I…
There have been numerous recalls for my 2013 Audi S6 pertaining to the turbocharged engine. Most recently, over the last 2 weeks I noticed decreasing gas mileage and increasing turbo lag but the car still ran "normally" overall. Then, 1 day ago it made intermittent metallic sounds at startup but then still ran…
Transmission
8 complaints · 19%I put my car in reverse gear and then pressed slightly on the gas pedal. The car didn't move. I checked my hand brake and regular brake. Both were disengaged. So I pressed a little more and more. The engine began to growl like crazy and the car refused to even move. Then all of a sudden the car just launched itself. I…
Transmission coolant valve failure. Audi has issued tsb for several models related to same failure mode. Coolant sprays from coolant valve onto electrical connectors internal to transmission causing corrosion within the connectors. Two fault modes. 1. Vehicle fails to start as vehicle doesn't know transmission…
Electrical
3 complaints · 7%Transmission coolant valve failure. Audi has issued tsb for several models related to same failure mode. Coolant sprays from coolant valve onto electrical connectors internal to transmission causing corrosion within the connectors. Two fault modes. 1. Vehicle fails to start as vehicle doesn't know transmission…
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.
Fuel system
3 complaints · 7%Oem turbos fail due to oil starvation , caused by OEM oil strainer and pvc valve ( several revisions have been made since cars was produced ) also numerous others have had the same issues
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.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Audi S6 recalls
Engine: turbo/supercharger
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: occupant classification
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine stall - turbo failure
Summary
On march 29, 2021, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016my audi vehicle models a8, s6, s7, s8 & rs7 equipped with the 4.0l, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor to the engine stalling was the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints cited the turbocharger failure was a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply li
Engine stall - turbo failure
Summary
On march 29, 2021, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016my audi vehicle models a8, s6, s7, s8 & rs7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0l, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the major contributing factor to the engine stalling is the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints further allege the turbocharger failure is a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer
Questions about the 2013 Audi S6
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi S6?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (34 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); transmission (8 complaints); electrical (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S6 have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 23, 2022 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Audi S6?
- It is the most complained-about S6 model year since 2000, with 42 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Audi S6 years
- 2013