2013 Audi S6: common problems and reliability
· C7One of the worst S6 years.
One of the Audi S6 years to avoid. All S6 years
42 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 S6?The 2013 Audi S6 has 42 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag turbocharger failure, often both turbos, sometimes at 25k-60k miles.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Audi S6 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S6 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the S6?
Across the 15 S6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 42 (2013). With 42 complaints, the 2013 S6 sits above the model's median of 4.
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 S6
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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 13V450000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Campaign 22V178000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the C7 S6
Owners of the C7 S6 describe it as a fast, luxurious, and discreet performance sedan that is genuinely thrilling when it is working, with praise centered on the 4.0 twin-turbo V8's power delivery, the chassis and sport differential, the diamond-stitched seats, and the car's understated "body builder in a tailored tuxedo" character.
- Very frequentTurbocharger failure, often both turbos, sometimes at 25k-60k miles
- Very frequentThermostat failure
- Very frequentOil separator / PCV failure
- RecurrentTurbo coolant line and O-ring leaks
- RecurrentWater pump failure
Owner insights for the C7 S6. Read the full C7 owner report.
Typical used price
Used S6 listings typically run $19,298–$37,790.
Other S6 model years
Compare every S6 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S6 against its rivals
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