NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Audi A6 Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Audi A6 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 52 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Audi A6. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Audi A6 owner complaints

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi A6, describing incidents dated March 27, 2013 to November 19, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 18 complaints
Engine 16 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 8 complaints
Unknown or Other 8 complaints
Electrical System 7 complaints
Steering 7 complaints

Of the 52 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 52 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11700279 · Filed November 19, 2025
When the turn signal is activated to go RIGHT, the turn indicator flashes LEFT (both the arrow on the instrument panel and the exterior lights). Since the driver is not consciously looking at the dash, this causes an unexpected lane change and dangerous (and illegal) lane change. There are no…
ODI #11690179 · Filed September 28, 2025
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…
ODI #11624752 · Filed November 12, 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…

Read all 52 complaints

Passenger's Air Bag may Deploy Improperly

NHTSA #18V370000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice

Reported June 4, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 139,249 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 74D5 · Owners notified November 29, 2018 · Vehicles built April 4, 2011 – December 23, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Coolant Pump may Overheat or Short-Circuit

NHTSA #18V229000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System · NHTSA notice

Reported April 11, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 342,867 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 19N3/19N4 · Owners notified September 14, 2018 · Vehicles built April 4, 2011 – December 22, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Line May Leak Fuel

NHTSA #17V781000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported December 6, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 48,693 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20AR · Owners notified February 5, 2018 · Vehicles built March 28, 2011 – September 13, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Coolant Pump May Overheat and cause Fire

NHTSA #17V002000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System · NHTSA notice

Reported January 3, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 342,867 vehicles

Repair completion: 91.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 19M1 · Owners notified March 3, 2017 · Vehicles built April 4, 2011 – December 22, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Compartment Fuel Hose may Degrade and Leak

NHTSA #16V646000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported September 7, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 28,249 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.76% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 24BZ · Owners notified November 2, 2016 · Vehicles built March 28, 2011 – June 19, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Seat Occupant Detection System may Fail

NHTSA #15V823000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice

Reported December 8, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 21,074 vehicles

Repair completion: 91.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 74D1 · Owners notified February 5, 2016 · Vehicles built March 28, 2011 – March 25, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Audi A6 4 DR FWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional)

2013 Audi A6 4 DR AWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional)

52 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Audi A6.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11700279

Incident: November 19, 2025 · Filed: November 19, 2025

When the turn signal is activated to go RIGHT, the turn indicator flashes LEFT (both the arrow on the instrument panel and the exterior lights). Since the driver is not consciously looking at the dash, this causes an unexpected lane change and dangerous (and illegal) lane change. There are no warning lights that there is an error/problem. This is an intermittent but frequent problem and replicable. I have not taken the issue to the dealer but research suggests that the turn signal stalk must be replaced. Searching online, I see that other Audi A6, for various years, have this problem. I also recently learned that Hyundai vehicles were recalled for this same issue. Hopefully you can look into it to see. Thank you.

Air Bags; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11690179

Incident: December 31, 2024 · Filed: September 28, 2025

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.

Tires

ODI #11624752

Incident: November 24, 2023 · Filed: November 12, 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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11540695

Incident: July 28, 2023 · Filed: August 25, 2023

My sunroof exploded on the expressway and caused the glass to shatter both inside the vehicle sunroof vent and the exterior sunroof

Service Brakes; Engine; Lane Departure

ODI #11521861

Incident: May 6, 2023 · Filed: May 13, 2023

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

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11500302

Incident: December 29, 2022 · Filed: January 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Audi A6. The contact stated that after returning to the parked vehicle, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that the temperature gauge and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact performed a diagnostic on the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for the temperature gauge and fuel delivery system. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V781000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Steering; Electrical System; Unknown or Other

ODI #11447242

Incident: June 21, 2021 · Filed: January 12, 2022

Steering Rack Assist has a recall for my car because my steering locked up. Audi replaced the recall part two times. the first didnt work after the second time it works but now they cant reset the check engine lights, TPMS, Steering Fault do not drive it says, ECS Fualt, Stability Fault, Child Safety Lock Fault etc. Dealer told they did everything they could even flew in an Audi Engineer still cant reset anything and that they exceeded the cars value in man hours to figure out what is the issue. Now they tell me the car is drivable but my question is, is it safe for me to accept it like that and risk something happening while driving and the steering locking up or any other problems that may arise but I wouldn"t know because of the other alarms may override the current alarm that may pop up. My insurance said they wouldnt accept the car back in that condition because its a recall issue related and that Audi needs to address this but in just getting the run around. My car has been at the dealer for about 6 months trying to figure it out. Now they tell me "You brought your car because steering was locked up wasnt able to drive and now the car is drivable and the only thing we cant clear are the alarms that i mentioned above but it is drivable its just like an oil change alarm that you do the oil change but we just cant reset it so its kinda the same thing" they told me that and i was like okay. No is not the same i said, my question is is this even safe to accept and risk something happen and get into an accident because of the steering lock up. Now they wont even take my wife audi because has the same recall that needs to be replaced. the only way they replace it is till it happens. So they waiting for my wifes car to lock up while driving and not have control of car and crash especially if my kids are with her because she takes them to school. What do i do please help? I also requested the total estimate to see how much I owe and they will not send it to me.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11434309

Incident: September 24, 2021 · Filed: September 24, 2021

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

Engine

ODI #11390122

Incident: January 25, 2021 · Filed: January 27, 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.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11375555

Incident: October 17, 2020 · Filed: November 20, 2020

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.

Other Audi A6 model years

Check your 2013 Audi A6 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A6 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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