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2013 Audi A6: common problems and reliability
· 2011-2018An average A6 year.
52 owner complaints, most about air bags. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 A6?The 2013 Audi A6 has 52 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag secondary air injection (sai) ports clogging with carbon (codes p0491/p0492): requires specialized cleaning (pressure washing via freeze plugs or engine removal), not a simple diy job.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Audi A6 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A6 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the A6?
Across the 30 A6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2023) to 231 (1999). With 52 complaints, the 2013 A6 sits about the same as the model's median of 54.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 A6
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 18V370000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Campaign 17V002000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Campaign 18V229000Volkswagen 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 17V781000Volkswagen 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.
Show 2 more recalls
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 16V646000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 15V823000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 2011-2018 A6
Owners of the 2011-2018 A6 (C7 generation) are generally positive about the driving experience, comfort, and styling, calling it "the best car I've ever owned" and noting it is "fast, super comfortable, and looked good." However, sentiment is sharply divided by mileage and maintenance history.
- RecurrentSecondary Air Injection (SAI) ports clogging with carbon (codes P0491/P0492)
Requires specialized cleaning (pressure washing via freeze plugs or engine removal), not a simple DIY job.
- RecurrentWater pump failure (3.0T)
Often replaced preventatively; can leak vacuum and trigger check engine light.
- RecurrentThermostat failure (3.0T)
Often replaced alongside water pump.
- RecurrentPCV valve failure (3.0T)
Located under the supercharger; replacement is a moderate DIY job.
- RecurrentTiming chain issues (3.0T)
Described as the "biggest headache"; replacement is expensive and typically farmed out.
Owner insights for the 2011-2018 A6. Read the full 2011-2018 owner report.
Other A6 model years
Compare every A6 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A6 against its rivals
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