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).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 1992 | 2 | 5 | 18 | |
| 1993 | 2 | 16 | 18 | |
| 1994 | 2 | 7 | 18 | |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 | – | |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 2000 | 1 | 143 | 18 | |
| 2001 | 1 | 87 | 18 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 22 | 18 | |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 | – | |
| 2004 | 1 | 29 | 18 | |
| 2005 | 2 | 43 | 16 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 30 | 16 | |
| 2007 | 2 | 13 | 16 | |
| 2008 | 2 | 4 | 16 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | 16 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 60 | 21 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 26 | 21 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 22 | 21 | |
| 2013 | 1 | 33 | 21 | |
| 2014 | 1 | 17 | 21 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | 21 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 7 | 24 | |
| 2019 | 1 | 2 | 24 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 16 | 23 | |
| 2021 | 4 | 2 | 23 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 24 |
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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.
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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).