2013 Audi RS6: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi RS6 first registered in 2013: we looked at the 140 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 140 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2013 Audi RS6 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2013 Audi RS6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres14% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension13% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes11% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks2% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults on the 2013 Audi RS6
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Multitronic and S tronic automatic
Automatic gearbox failure (high mileage)
Both the Multitronic and S tronic automatics can fail on high-mileage cars, and a replacement is a four-figure job.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and on the open road, and check for slipping, jerks or hesitation.
- Diesel
Oil use (diesel)
The diesels can use a lot of oil. A low level can also point to poor maintenance.
At the viewing: Check the dipstick shows full.
- Built 2012 to Aug 2014
Brake recall (built 2012 to Aug 2014)
Oil could get into the braking system on cars built from 2012 to August 2014, reducing braking. There was a recall.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.
- All engines
Fuel gauge and parking brake glitches
The fuel gauge can read empty with a full tank, and the electronic parking brake can refuse to release. A software update fixes both.
At the viewing: Check the fuel gauge and that the parking brake releases cleanly.
- All engines
Water in the rear lights
Water can get into the rear light units, and new ones are expensive.
At the viewing: Look for condensation inside the rear lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Audi RS6
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi RS6?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi RS6 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 406 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 1,011 | Tyres 14% |
| 2020 | 1,875 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 324 | Tyres 19% |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | 255 | Brakes 19% |
| 2008 | 540 | Suspension 21% |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
| 2004 | 158 | Brakes 32% |
| 2003 | 272 | Brakes 31% |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi RS6 cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score