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2013 Audi A6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Audi A6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 35.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

28 reports with mileage · 24 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

52 reports
59 miles · Jul 10, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

FOR CUPLE DAYS WHEN EVER I TURN ON THE AC I CAN SMELL LIKE SOMWTHING IS BURNING N TOOK IT DEALER THEY COUDNT FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON N RECENT I FOUND OUT ITS RECALL AND I HAVE 6 MONTH BABY I DONT FEEL SAFE TAKING HIM IN THAT CAR AND I TRY TAKING BACK TO AUDI DEALER IN FREMONT TO SELL THY WONT TAKE IT SAYING IT HAS RECAL N AL…

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FOR CUPLE DAYS WHEN EVER I TURN ON THE AC I CAN SMELL LIKE SOMWTHING IS BURNING N TOOK IT DEALER THEY COUDNT FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON N RECENT I FOUND OUT ITS RECALL AND I HAVE 6 MONTH BABY I DONT FEEL SAFE TAKING HIM IN THAT CAR AND I TRY TAKING BACK TO AUDI DEALER IN FREMONT TO SELL THY WONT TAKE IT SAYING IT HAS RECAL N ALL

NHTSA ODI #11110651

61,871 miles · Jul 2, 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE COULD BE SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (AUDI VALENCIA, 23923 CREEKSIDE RD, VALENCIA, CA 91355, (661) 735-1778) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE COULD BE SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (AUDI VALENCIA, 23923 CREEKSIDE RD, VALENCIA, CA 91355, (661) 735-1778) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,871. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11105119

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND PASSENGER AIRBAG CONSTANTLY BEEPS - THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT BEEPS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AS WELL AS IF THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. IT BEEPS WHEN I'M ON THE STREETS, HIGHWAY AS WELL AS TURNING IT'S A CONSTANT BEEPING SOUND AND IT LIGHTS UP WITH AN ORANGE COLOR.

NHTSA ODI #11101389

75,000 miles · May 12, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE 2013 AUDI A6 AWD "PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM MAY FAIL" I LOOKED UP MY VIN AND FOR MY CAR VIHICLE IS NOT LISTED BUT MINE JUST FAILED. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE AND GET LISTED PART OF THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11093454

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2018
Unknown Or OtherWheels

BETWEEN 35 AND 60 MPH I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS A BUZZING, HUMMING, WHISTLING, WHINING SOUND. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE CAR REPAIR SHOP, I WAS REFERRED TO TIRE SHOP. AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE TIRE SHOP, TIRE BALANCE AND AFTER BUYING ALL NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE FRONT W…

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BETWEEN 35 AND 60 MPH I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS A BUZZING, HUMMING, WHISTLING, WHINING SOUND. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE CAR REPAIR SHOP, I WAS REFERRED TO TIRE SHOP. AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE TIRE SHOP, TIRE BALANCE AND AFTER BUYING ALL NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I WENT HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT I MAY HAVE FAULTY WHEEL BEARING OR BEARINGS. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON AUDI YEARS 2009-2016 CARS.COM ' VEHICLES AFFECTED BY SERVICE BULLETIN: 2009 AUDI A4, 2010 AUDI A4, 2011 AUDI A4, 2012 AUDI A4, 2013 AUDI A4, 2014 AUDI A4, 2015 AUDI A4, 2016 AUDI A4 2009 AUDI A5, 2010 AUDI A5, 2011 AUDI A5, 2012 AUDI A5, 2013 AUDI A5, 2014 AUDI A5, 2015 AUDI A5, 2016 AUDI A5 2009 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 20AUDI Q510 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2011 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2012 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2013 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2014 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2015 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET, 2016 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET 2009 AUDI Q5, 2010 AUDI Q5, 2011 AUDI Q5, 2012 AUDI Q5, 2013 AUDI Q5, 2014 AUDI Q5, 2015 AUDI Q5, 2016 AUDI Q5 2012 AUDI A6, 2013 AUDI A6, 2014 AUDI A6, 2015 AUDI A6, 2016 AUDI A6 2012 AUDI A7, 2013 AUDI A7, 2014 AUDI A7, 2015 AUDI A7, 2016 AUDI A7 2011 AUDI A8, 2012 AUDI A8, 2013 AUDI A8, 2014 AUDI A8, 2015 AUDI A8, 2016 AUDI A8 THE PROBLEM: BETWEEN 35 AND 75 MPH, A NOISE CAN BE HEARD IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DESCRIBED AS A BUZZING, HUMMING, WHISTLING, WHINING, GRINDING, HOWLING, AND/OR DRONING. THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY WHEEL BEARING OR BEARINGS. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WHEEL BEARINGS. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY CAN REPLACE FOR A FEE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY ENOUGH VEHICLES AFFECTED, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THERE SHOULD NOT BE A FEE.

NHTSA ODI #11092762

85,000 miles · Apr 30, 2018
Air Bags

ADVISED THAT MY 2013 AUDI A6 REQUIRES PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS). THIS EXACT PART WAS RECALLED VIA RECALL #74D1. AUDI HAS ADVISED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE AUDI SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT AUDI NORTH AMERICAN ADVISED ME THAT THE PODS PART IN MY CAR IS THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER IN THE …

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ADVISED THAT MY 2013 AUDI A6 REQUIRES PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS). THIS EXACT PART WAS RECALLED VIA RECALL #74D1. AUDI HAS ADVISED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE AUDI SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT AUDI NORTH AMERICAN ADVISED ME THAT THE PODS PART IN MY CAR IS THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE RECALL HAD FOR HEATED AND COOLING SETS, WHILE MY VIN HAS ONLY HEATED SEATS. AS A RESULT, AUDI NORTH AMERICA IS NOT EXTENDING THE RECALL TO MY VEHICLE. THIS IS PREVENTING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FROM BEING OPERATIONAL. AGAIN, MAIN POINT IS THAT THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED, IS THE SAME PART NUMBER THAT IN MY VEHICLE THAT I AM BEING TOLD IS THE ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. THE DEALER TRIED TO "RESET" IT PODS SYSTEM, BUT IT IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY LATER. I EXPECT THAT AS THIS IS AN EXTREME IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE, AND BY LAW MANUFACTURERS MUST REMEDY FAULTY PART, THE AUDI NORTH AMERICAN NEEDS TO REMEDY. THESE ARE NOT TWO DIFFERENT VERSION OF THE PART, MINE IS THE SAME AS WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND REQUIRED BY THE NHTSA TO REPLACE. THE CAR WAS SERVICE BY AUDI IN FEBRUARY, BUT I HAVE BEEN IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM SEVERAL TIME OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WITH NO RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ODI #11091032

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2018
Steering

WHEN I PASSED A PUDDLE, THE WATER SPLASHED. THEN A WARNING CAME OUT AND ASK ME DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.AFTER THAT IT WAS TOWED TO AUDI, THEY SAID THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE STEERING RACK

NHTSA ODI #11090004

66,000 miles · Apr 17, 2018
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A6. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MISSION VIEJO AUDI, 28451 MARGUERITE PKWY, MISSION, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A6. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MISSION VIEJO AUDI, 28451 MARGUERITE PKWY, MISSION, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V823000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. *TT VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND PAID FOR BY OWNER IN APRIL 2018. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11088694

3 miles · Mar 18, 2018
Steering

I GOT A MESSAGE ON MY WASH IT SAID "STEERING DETECTIVE DO NOT DRIVE". MY STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD AND MOVES ON ITS OWN SOMETIMES. IT DOES IT INTERMITTENTLY IN ANY CONDITION OR DRIVING SPEED.

NHTSA ODI #11080077

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire

WHEN I WAS DRIVING, WE SMELLED BURNING OF RUBBER BUT THOUGHT THAT IT MUST BE FROM OUTSIDE. HOWEVER AFTER DRIVING OF ANOTHER 3-4 MILES, SUDDENLY SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM AIR VENT MAINLY ON DRIVER AND WINDSHIELD SIDE INSIDE OF CABIN. I STOPPED CAR AND TURNED OFF. I TOOK IT TO NEARBY GARAGE AND THEY CHECKED ANY LEAKAGE OF FLU…

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WHEN I WAS DRIVING, WE SMELLED BURNING OF RUBBER BUT THOUGHT THAT IT MUST BE FROM OUTSIDE. HOWEVER AFTER DRIVING OF ANOTHER 3-4 MILES, SUDDENLY SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM AIR VENT MAINLY ON DRIVER AND WINDSHIELD SIDE INSIDE OF CABIN. I STOPPED CAR AND TURNED OFF. I TOOK IT TO NEARBY GARAGE AND THEY CHECKED ANY LEAKAGE OF FLUID THAT CAN CAUSE BURNING BUT CAN'T FIND IT WHICH INDICATES THAT PROBLEM OF SHORT CIRCUIT AND MAY NEED TO RESEARCH MORE. IN THE NIGHT, WHEN I TRIED TO TURN CABIN LIGHTS ON, IT DIDN'T WORK WHICH NOW CLEARLY SHOWS THAT IT'S INCIDENT OF SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CAUSE INSIDE LIGHTS DOME, READING AND OTHER LIGHTS OFF. I WAS LUCKY THAT IT DIDN'T CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED DOWN MY CAR. HOWEVER THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I WILL APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER AND SEE IF I CAN GET PICTURES OR DOCUMENTATION ON THE DETAILS

NHTSA ODI #11033170

Official recalls

6

18V370000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jun 4, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

18V229000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Apr 11, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

17V781000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 6, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

17V002000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Jan 3, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

16V646000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 7, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

15V823000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 8, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.