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severe Owners of the 2013 Audi A6 have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 A6 | 17 |
| 2010 A6 | 10 |
| 2011 A6 | 12 |
| 2012 A6 | 10 |
| 2013 A6 (this page) | 18 |
| 2014 A6 | 6 |
| 2015 A6 | 3 |
| 2016 A6 | 7 |
| 2017 A6 | 6 |
Of the 18 airbags complaints filed for the 2013 Audi A6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Airbags accounts for 35% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Among the 11 model years of Audi A6 in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 1999-2012 A4 Avant, 2003-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 A5 Coupe, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 1999-2021A6, 1999-2011A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 1999-2021 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2021 e-tron quattro, 2015-2021 Q3, 2009-2021 Q5, 2007-2021 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4, 2004-2009 S4 Cabr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Brake-related vibration and pulsation has several causes that depend on driving style and resulting brake disc temperature, as well as environmental conditions. Both the intensity of the wear of the brake system and the type of wear depend on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The wear of the brake discs is determined by the frequency and intensity of the brake operations. Dirt build-up, exposure to sand, long standing times, and road salt or similar, can also promote wear as well as cause scoring marks on the brake discs. The driving style of the driver also influences the wear of the brake system. An overly-aggressive driving style, which results in frequent sharp braking, can lead t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission warning light briefly comes on
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gearbox warning light briefly comes on. Fault code P0606 stored in TCM
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners consistently report PODS system failures that trigger the airbag warning light and disable the passenger airbag—often at 65,000–75,000 miles or earlier. The core complaint is that Audi recalls 74D1, 74D5, 15V823000, and 18V370000 were issued for PODS defects, yet numerous owners say their VINs were excluded from these recalls even though their vehicles contain the exact same defective part number.
When repairs are pursued, costs run $1,389 or higher. Worse, dealer fixes frequently fail. One owner had the PODS module replaced under recall, only to have the sensor become hypersensitive—failing for lighter passengers unless they removed their coat—and Audi deemed this "within manufacturer standards." Another owner's reset lasted one day before the system failed again.
A separate but critical report describes a frontal crash at 115 miles where multiple airbags did not deploy, causing head injury and unconsciousness; Audi declined to test the accelerometers and offered contradictory explanations.
Parts shortages compound the problem: several owners report waiting months for repair components, and some are told parts are not available at all. One owner cannot use the front passenger seat at all due to the safety concern. The consistent pattern is that Audi provides recall notices but excludes many affected vehicles from repairs, leaving owners with disabled safety systems and diminished vehicle value.
Same Audi A6 airbags reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
PODS control module or internal connector fails, preventing proper occupant detection. Stress/wear on the connector or body-sensing mat causes loss of function. In some cases, the same part number appears to be defective across multiple recall campaigns, yet some VINs were not included in recall lists.
When: 66,000–73,000 miles; failures reported months to years after vehicle purchase; some recurred after initial dealer attempted repairs or resets
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag monitoring light illuminated; Passenger airbag 'OFF' indicator stays on even with occupant in seat; Passenger airbag sensor disengages periodically when seat is occupied; Sensor malfunction tied to passenger weight or clothing (one owner reported sensor only worked for heavier passenger without long coat)
Codes mentioned: 74D5, 74D1, 15V823000, 18V370000
Repairs/costs cited: PODS module replacement quoted at $1,389.81 by one dealer; another required removal of front passenger seat to install new seat sensor. Some owners paid out-of-pocket for repairs; others reported parts unavailable for extended periods (five months cited).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaigns 74D5, 74D1, 15V823000, and 18V370000 issued for PODS failures. However, multiple owners reported their VINs were not listed in the recall database despite having the exact same defective part number as recalled vehicles. Audi refused repair cost assistance when VIN was not on recall list. One owner reported that after PODS module replacement under recall, the sensor became hypersensitive and malfunctioned, and Audi deemed this 'within manufacturer standards.' Parts shortages prevented timely repairs even for owners whose vehicles were identified in later recall campaigns.
In a frontal crash, multiple airbags failed to deploy. Owner sustained head injury and loss of consciousness. Audi offered conflicting explanations and refused to test the front accelerometers to verify sensor function.
When: New vehicle at 115 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple airbags did not deploy during frontal crash; Head struck windshield causing injury and temporary unconsciousness
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered. Owner requested accelerometer testing; Audi declined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi provided two inconsistent explanations: (1) airbags did not deploy because safety belt was not engaged, and (2) impact angle was outside the deployment threshold. No investigation or sensor testing performed.
Airbag warning light illuminates and remains on. In some cases, constant audible beeping occurs from passenger seat airbag and seat belt warning system, indicated by orange warning light.
When: Mileage and timing variable; one case at 70,000 miles; some ongoing for months after recall notice received
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light stays illuminated; Constant beeping from passenger seat area while stationary or in motion; Orange warning light displayed
Codes mentioned: 18V370000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended seat sensor replacement; no repair completed due to parts unavailability or owner concern about further sensor malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V370000 issued; however, Audi provided no solution for ongoing failures and no expected repair date. One owner reported waiting four months with no assistance.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Takata recall - my Audi dealership still does not have the parts to repair this defect. It's been five months. This is unacceptable.
Takata recall. While stationary, & still in park, with an adult in the front passenger seat, the airbag monitoring light comes on to alert me that the passenger seat airbag is "off". Safety recall notice recd. July 2018. I have not been able to use the front passenger seat since then due to safety reasons. Audi usa still tells me today, 4 months later, that they have no solution for this issue, &…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Audi a6. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit for months. Audi chandler (7460 w orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 470-7367) inspected the vehicle and provided a diagnostic invoice with a cost estimate, but had not specified a part name and part number. The dealer made no mention of any recalls issued for…
I was entering my garage and the car kept accelerating. I slammed into any front wall doing lots of damage to the structures in and out as well as to my body. My car was totaled. My first accident ever and the scariest moment of my life. I have had prior acceleration/deceleration issues with this car. On at least 6 occasions, I was going downhill approaching a stop sign and the car seemed to…
Air bag light is on and pods system fails to detect a passenger. Dealer did not fix this problem. No parts available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a6. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag sensor periodically disengaged and the air bag warning indicator dimmed when the passenger seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to Audi shrewsbury (780 boston turnpike, shrewsbury, ma 01545, phone number: (888) 699-9619) where it was diagnosed that the front passenger seat needed to be removed to install a…
I was tiring to trade my Audi a6 2013 in on another vehicle. I learned from a dealer that there was a recall #74d1 pods system on my Audi. To my knowledge I have not received a notice from the manufacturer nor has there been a fix offered or available. No accident has happened to me, my podsystem seems to work fine for now, however the value of my vehicle is much lower and I' m unable to trade…
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…
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 35,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.