Audi A6 · model year

2013 Audi A6

79 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 6 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
79
Recalls
6

The verdict

The 2013 Audi A6 posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

35th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
6
recall campaigns

The 2013AudiA6 carries 79 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2013 A6 is air bags with 17 filings, followed by engine (15) and unknown or other (8). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2013 A6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

79
Complaints
5
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2013 Audi A6

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

79 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS17
ENGINE15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
STEERING7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
SEATS3
POWER TRAIN2
SERVICE BRAKES2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
EQUIPMENT1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
WHEELS1
SEAT BELTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1

Recalls (6)

18V22900011/04/2018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

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

15V82300008/12/2015

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

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

16V64600007/09/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

17V78100006/12/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

18V37000004/06/2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

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 Occ

17V00200003/01/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

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 wi

Recent Complaints

20251119EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 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.

20250928ENGINE

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.

20250928FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20250928AIR BAGS

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.

20241112TIRES

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.

Mileage: 115,000

20230825UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My sunroof exploded on the expressway and caused the glass to shatter both inside the vehicle sunroof vent and the exterior sunroof

20230513ENGINE

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

20230513SERVICE BRAKES

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

20230513LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

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

20230105FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 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.

Mileage: 122,000

20220112STEERING

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 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 th

20220112UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 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 th

20220112ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 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 th

20210924UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20210127ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 115,000

20201120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20201120ENGINE

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.

20201120FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20201119ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 .

20201119ENGINE

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 .

Compare 2013AudiA6 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 Audi A6 have?
The 2013 Audi A6 has 79 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 Audi A6?
The 2013 Audi A6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 Audi A6?
Yes, the 2013 Audi A6 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A6?
The most-complained component for the 2013 Audi A6 is AIR BAGS with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2013 Audi A6 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 Audi A6 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2013 Audi A6; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.