This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi S6 powertrain problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 7 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Audi S6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are leaks from the transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information when event memory entries cannot be deleted (Mode$0A error) on gearboxes: DL501, DL382/DL382E and DQ500.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I noticed my car wouldn’t engage in reverse when shifted so I took it in for a transmission flush and it was performed and 2 days later I got a light on dash saying transmission overheating . And the car completely lost power while on freeway and went from 60 to 20 miles per hour and will not shift past first gear . So I took it back in to dealer paid diagnostic fee and then was told my…
Transmission coolant valve failure. Audi has issued tsb for several models related to same failure mode. Coolant sprays from coolant valve onto electrical connectors internal to transmission causing corrosion within the connectors. Two fault modes. 1. Vehicle fails to start as vehicle doesn't know transmission condition (neutral, park or otherwise). 2. If you can get it to start -…
I put my car in reverse gear and then pressed slightly on the gas pedal. The car didn't move. I checked my hand brake and regular brake. Both were disengaged. So I pressed a little more and more. The engine began to growl like crazy and the car refused to even move. Then all of a sudden the car just launched itself. I nearly hit another car. It was very scary. I switched the car off and then…
All 2013 Audi S have a transmission issues where it cause the transmission to stop shifting or skips gears or clutch slips and Audi has not done anything about them This repair is expensive and millions of people experience this problem and Audi still won’t fix it
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Audi S6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Audi S6?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 43,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Audi/S6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.