- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2013 Audi A6 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2013 Audi A6 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (18) and the engine & cooling (16). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in June 2018 for the occupant classification. For comparison, the 2012 has 60 and the 2014 has 41.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical A6 year, for its age
#149 most complained-about 2013 vehicle
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2013 Audi A6 problems
Share of all 52 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2013 Audi A6 recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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52 complaints about the 2013 Audi A6
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
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...
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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.
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.
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.
My sunroof exploded on the expressway and caused the glass to shatter both inside the vehicle sunroof vent and the exterior sunroof
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
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...
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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 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...
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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.
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
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.
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.
My car was stationary and oil is leaking from the engine my fuel system is messing up. Also I'm having electrical problems cylinder 1 misfire open ground or short to ground circuit .
I own a 2013 audi a6 around 77k miles. I got the cel and brought it to the dealer. There is an internal transmission coolant value that is part of the cooling system and obviously, that component also helps keep the transmission temperature in check. The issue with this defective part is the valve malfunctions causing coolant to penetrate the transmission control module and from there into the wiring harness. When this happens, it is a catastrophic malfunction of those components and a potential fire hazard. Water and electrical do not mix well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger side air bag warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (audi stratham located at 58 portsmouth ave, stratham, nh 03885) who diagnosed that the passenger occupant detection system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the nhtsa campaign number: 18v370000 (air bag) for the same failure but the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 73,000.
On 3/6/2020, audi norwell, ma diagnosed my 2013 audi a6 with a passenger occupant detection system (pods) malfunction and alerted of a pods system problem by illumination of the airbag monitoring light and by the status of the passenger airbag off indicator light. I was quoted $1,389.81 To replace/repair, but asked if there is a recall on this 'airbag' related issue, since it has been well publicized on these audi models. Upon looking up my vin# in the recall database, we discovered the vin# for this vehicle was...
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not listed as an impacted vehicle. However, it is a 100% match to saftey recall codes: 74d5 or 74d1 (see below). I filed a recall case with audi manufacturing on 4/21/2020, but they responded back on 4/24/2020 that there was nothing they could do if the vin# is not on the list. Thus filing my complaint with nhtsa. Recall code: 74d5 subject: passenger occupant detection system (pods) affected vehicles: 2013 a6 description: the passenger occupant detection system (pods) can malfunction due to stress/wear factors affecting an internal connector or contact resistance increase at body-sensing mat in the seat. In this situation, a front passenger seat occupant risks injury in a crash because a malfunctioning pods may not make the correct airbag deployment decision for the type of occupant seated there. Recall code: 74d1 subject: passenger occupant detection system (pods) affected vehicles: 2013 audi a6 description: in affected vehicles with climate control seats (heated/cooled), the passenger occupant detection system (pods) control module can malfunction due to stress/wear factors affecting an internal connector and/or a body-sensing mat in the seat. Should a malfunction occur, vehicle occupants will be alerted of a pods system problem by illumination of the airbag monitoring light and by the status of the passenger airbag off indicator light.
Strong gasoline odor inside the car while being driven and while parked inside my garage resulting from fuel pump leak. Odor is worse when fuel tank is full.
Issues with electrical cables more than once, also fuel exhaust issue and cooling system. Vehicle stationary and or driving under 50 miles.
2013 Audi a6. Consumer writes in regards to power steering failure. *Ld *tr
In late december 2017 out of nowhere, my car began to display the warning, 'turn off engine and check coolant level' (photo attached) ; this was very alarming as I take very good care of my car and have had all of the required maintenance done at the dealership. I immediately called and had an appointment scheduled at the dealer. Just a few days later on january 5, 2018 I took my car in for service and was told that the water/coolant pump needed to be replaced (attached). Unfortunately, I felt that the cost was...
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too much at the dealer and I took my car to a reputable mechanic in the area who replaced the water/coolant pump. To my surprise in september 2018, audi announced a recall for the water/coolant pump. To my understanding, this means that they are liable for any damaged pump. With that being said, I would assume that any issues related to the pump should also be covered under that recall. As noted on my service memo from the audi dealership when I had my car inspected for the warning 'if not replaced, the engine's cooling system will not be operating efficiently and at the proper temperature resulting in catastrophic engine damage.' In february 2018, a little over a month after having my car's water/coolant pump repaired, the car started to idle when I tried to pull out of my drive way. Not even a block away and the check engine light flashed on and off and the car cut off while driving and stopped in the middle of the street. I was so scared, but relieved that I was not hit by another car. I waited a few minutes and was able to get it back to my home where I immediately had it towed to my mechanic who told me I needed to replace the engine. I didn't have him do the repairs, but I then had it towed to the audi dealer who told me the same thing, to replace the engine.
Takata recall - my audi dealership still does not have the parts to repair this defect. It's been five months. This is unacceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a6. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi shrewsbury (780 boston turnpike, shrewsbury, ma 01545, (508) 581-5800) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall. While stationary, & still in park, with an adult in the front passenger seat, the airbag monitoring light comes on to alert me that the passenger seat airbag is "off". Safety recall notice recd. July 2018. I have not been able to use the front passenger seat since then due to safety reasons. Audi usa still tells me today, 4 months later, that they have no solution for this issue, & no expected date to fix this problem.
Vacuum pump oil leak (06j145100g). 76K mi, found via multi point inspection on 10/25/18 (audi of honolulu). Vehicle prod date: 07/2012, engine code: caeb, transmission: 0bk, quattro awd. The vacuum pump, located at the rear of the engine is leaking motor oil. Either the internal seals of the pump or gasket is faulty. Motor oil is leaking onto the exhaust, transmission, firewall insulation, engine belly pan, transmission mounts/crossmember, transmission belly pan, and lower rear of engine. Under moderate...
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braking, white smoke would appear from under the hood (pressure forcing the oil through the pump seals, which then leaked onto the exhaust.) Braking power is sometimes diminished due to lack of vacuum power to brake booster (air leak). After shutting off engine (after normal driving), a burnt smell would appear (whole carport would smell). Est cost of parts + labor, $1k(audi of honolulu). Vehicle is less than 10 years old and out of warranty. I'm highly concerned of a potential fire hazard and reduced braking ability.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi a6. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit for months. Audi chandler (7460 w orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 470-7367) inspected the vehicle and provided a diagnostic invoice with a cost estimate, but had not specified a part name and part number. The dealer made no mention of any recalls issued for this year, make, and model vehicle pertaining to the air bags. The vehicle was later included in nhtsa campaign number: 18v370000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle began shaking, driving very rough and check engine light came and epc lights came on the dash. Car was not drivable. This happened less than two months after I had the water pump replaced for leakage and failure (which has now been recalled). I believe the two are connected, but audi charged me a to replace the engine. I feel that the engine failure was a direct link to the issue with the pump.
Start smelling gasoline and every day was worse. I bring the a6 for the recall but I just realize that audi did the 20ar but I remember prior to this recall the car had the 24bz . I tried to call them and my vim soes noy show for this recall . The a6 is with audi livermore they want me to pay to unmount the gas tank to procedure with a diagnostic. I just know that my car is leaking gas and no response that why tgis happend the car or the tank hasn't received a damaged at all so how this happend . Other option...
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that audi want is charge 3500 for fix and they pay the 20% wich its not right . Why this audi a6 2013 3.0 Doesn't match like the other a6 for the recall repair u can look video and photos on this link https://www.Dropbox.Com/sh/sbq6uf4l11hi6bo/aadhnwhal8xkvqpldvhmlj8ua?Dl=0
Audi A6: every year compared
All A6 years2013 Audi A6 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi A6 | 52 | 6 | D | |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 576 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 188 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 111 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Lincoln MKZ | 109 | 13 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Volvo S60 | 86 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 | 0 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Audi Q5 | 92 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A8 | 50 | 6 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2013 Audi A6
Does the 2013 Audi A6 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Audi A6: occupant classification (June 2018); cooling system (April 2018); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (December 2017); cooling system (January 2017) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A6?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (18), engine & cooling (16), fuel system (8).
How many complaints has the 2013 Audi A6 had?
52 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 13, 2013 and the latest on November 19, 2025. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2013 Audi A6 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A6 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A6 years have the most complaints?
1999 (217), 2000 (148), 1998 (130). See every Audi A6 year compared.
What should I do if my 2013 Audi A6 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data