Most common 2013 Audi S6 problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S6 complaints by model year
Best S6 years: 2007, 2009, 2011. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2016, 1995. Compare all years →
2013 Audi S6 recalls (3)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2013 Audi S6:
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
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.
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
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.
What 2013 Audi S6 owners say
Engine & cooling all 34 →
The contact owns a 2013 Audi S6. The contact stated upon test driving the vehicle after an oil change, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the oil strainer was clogged and the turbine wheel was desegregated. The oil strainer and gasket, the PCV head gasket, and two turbochargers were replaced. Additionally, three consecutive oil changes were completed in order to flush the metal fragments from the turbocharger oil strainer. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) which he associated with the failure. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact submitted a claim for reimbursement as the vehicle had been repaired prior to the safety recall but the manufacturer denied the claim. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Turbocharged failed while driving in afternoon traffic, leaving car stranded at heavy traffic stoplight until tow could be arranged. Failure occurred while idling at the stop light. Failed turbochargers are available for inspection. Failure was initially diagnosed / confirmed by dealership (Audi Chantilly) but due to extreme cost of repair quoted by dealer, car was transported to an independent garage for the repair. Failed turbocharger was inspected at dealership using micro-camera for diagnosis of the problem. There were no warnings, check engine lights, strange noises, loss of power, etc..; failure was total and instantaneous. Additional information: This is a totally stock vehicle, no modifications or tuning performed. It has never been raced or abused. The 'launch mode' built into the car's design (for fast acceleration from stop) has never been used on this vehicle. …
Transmission & drivetrain
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
I noticed my car wouldn't engage in reverse when shifted so I took it in for a transmission flush and it was performed and 2 days later I got a light on dash saying transmission overheating . And the car completely lost power while on freeway and went from 60 to 20 miles per hour and will not shift past first gear . So I took it back in to dealer paid diagnostic fee and then was told my transmission was bad and had to be replaced and was quoted a price of 15683$
Electrical system
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 condition (neutral, park or otherwise). 2. If you can get it to start - vehicle is in limp mode service 2wks to replace failed valve and repair corroded electrical connectors within 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.
2013 Audi S6 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 17 / 27 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Audi S6 a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 S6 rates avoid: 7.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the S6 at the same age. It is one of the S6 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Audi S6?
The engine & cooling — 34 complaints, 81% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (8) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S6 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi S6, the most recent from March 23, 2022 (turbo/supercharger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi S6?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2009 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2016 and 1995. See the full Audi S6 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Audi S6 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.