MotorDeets

Audi S4 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S4 from 1990 to 2022: 588 owner complaints and 42 recalls across 28 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (143), 2001 (87), 2010 (60). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2022).

Audi S4
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical149
Transmission & drivetrain104
Exterior lights65
Brakes (hydraulic)48
Tires48
Engine & cooling43
Steering36
Airbags33

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199010–
199110–
19922518
199321618
19942718
199521–
199610–
2000114318
200118718
200212218
200311–
200412918
200524316
200623016
200721316
20082416
20092016
201006021
201112621
201212221
201313321
201411721
20151121
20182724
20191224
202031623
20214223
20221124

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Audi S4.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Audi S4?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (143), 2001 (87), 2010 (60).

How many recalls has the Audi S4 had?

Across 1990–2022, NHTSA lists 42 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).