DecodedCars2013 Audi S6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,398 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 21% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Audi S6 is a midsize car offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,398 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 27 highway), 21% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 5.2L 10-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 16 to 20
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 S6 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,398 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S6 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -21% | $4,100 | 440 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Audi S6.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi S6 (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · 26,093 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen 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.
- Risk
- Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · 139,249 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Sep 23, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V450000 · 3,594 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in late October 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this campaign is 20U6/L8.
Not every 2013 Audi S6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Audi S6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Audi S6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S6 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2024 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2021 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 10 | 0 |
| 2020 S6 | 22 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 2 |
| 2018 S6 | 18 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 4 |
| 2017 S6 | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2016 S6 | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2015 S6 | 20 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2014 S6 | 20 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 19 |
| 2011 S6 | 16 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →