2004 Audi S4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Audi S4: 1 recall, 29 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V096000 · 2005 · 9,965 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp May decrease over a period of time.
Why it matters: This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2005.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Exterior lights (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Audi S4 has 29 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 28 S4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2009 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 2005 (43 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
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 2004 Audi S4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Audi S4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Audi S4 problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (12), transmission & drivetrain (5), exterior lights (3).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi S4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Audi S4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.