NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Audi S6 Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Audi S6 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 42 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 S6. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2013 Audi S6 owner complaints

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi S6, describing incidents dated March 1, 2013 to January 4, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 34 complaints
  • Power Train 8 complaints
  • Electrical System 3 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
  • Air Bags 2 complaints
  • Suspension 2 complaints

Of the 42 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11715436 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11645758 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11619889 · Filed

    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…

Read all 42 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Audi S6 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer

NHTSA #22V178000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Turbo/Supercharger · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 26,093 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.05% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 21H7 · Owners notified August 4, 2022 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.nhtsa.gov.

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 June 25, 2012 – December 18, 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.

Fuel Line Leak

NHTSA #13V450000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2013 · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 3,594 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20U6/L8 · Owners notified October 21, 2013 · Vehicles built June 25, 2012 – September 6, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Other Audi S6 model years

Check your 2013 Audi S6 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi S6 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check an Audi VIN