Which Audi S4 model years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2010, 2011, and 2013 are rated Avoid. The 2010 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, driven by transmission and powertrain problems.

What is the most common problem with the Audi S4?

Across all model years covered (2010-2022), transmission and powertrain issues are the top complaint area, accounting for 91 of 187 total complaints, or 49 percent.

Are there recalls on the Audi S4?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns across the Audi S4 model years covered, including a fuel rail recall for 2011 and an airbag control unit software recall for 2013. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.

Is the 2013 Audi S4 known for steering problems?

Yes. Steering is the top problem area for the 2013 model year, making up 58 percent of its complaints (19 cases), with a median failure mileage of just 4,500.

What Audi S4 years have fewer reported problems?

2018 carries a Good verdict with a complaint index of 40 and only 7 complaints, the lowest complaint index among years with a listed verdict other than the very low-volume years like 2015, 2019, and 2022.

Audi S4 Best and Worst Years (2010–2022)

Among Audi S4 model years 2010-2022, 2010, 2011, and 2013 are rated Avoid based on NHTSA complaints and recalls. 2010 leads with 60 complaints and a complaint index of 100, driven mainly by transmission and powertrain issues affecting 42 owners.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013

Model years: 11; 2010–2022
NHTSA complaints: 187
Recall campaigns: 9
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

S4 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Audi S4 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	60	2	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	21	—
2011	Avoid	80	26	0	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	21	4★
2012	Caution	70	22	0	2	1	Transmission & Powertrain	21	4★
2013	Avoid	90	33	0	0	1	Steering	20.5	5★
2014	Caution	50	17	0	0	1	Steering	20.5	5★
2015	No verdict	0	1	0	0	1	Engine	20.5	5★
2018	Good	40	7	0	0	2	Engine	24	—
2019	No verdict	20	2	0	0	1	Brakes	24	—
2020	Caution	60	16	0	0	3	Electrical System	23	—
2021	No verdict	30	2	0	0	4	Electrical System	23	—
2022	No verdict	10	1	0	0	1	Electrical System	24	—

S4 years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Audi S4 Index 100 · 60 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2010 Audi S4 has the highest complaint volume in the lineup, with 60 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Transmission and powertrain problems dominate, making up 70 percent of complaints (42 cases) with a median failure mileage of 63,000. Engine complaints, largely tied to water pump failures, account for 27 percent (16 cases) with a median mileage of 11,000. Owners also reported electrical system issues and an electronic parking brake that disengaged on its own. No recalls were issued for this year, despite the high complaint count.

2010 transmission & powertrain problems →2010 engine problems →

2013 Audi S4 Index 90 · 33 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2013 Audi S4 ranks second worst with 33 complaints and a complaint index of 90. Steering issues lead the way at 58 percent (19 cases) with a very low median failure mileage of 4,500, including reports of the car weaving without steering input and a disconnected steering feel at highway speeds. Transmission and powertrain complaints made up 27 percent (9 cases), median mileage 38,000. One recall, campaign 14V667000, covered an airbag control unit software update for this model year.

2013 steering problems →

2011 Audi S4 Index 80 · 26 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2011 Audi S4 logged 26 complaints with a complaint index of 80, ranking third worst. Transmission and powertrain problems were the largest category at 85 percent (22 cases), with a median failure mileage of 61,897; owners described DSG transmission bucking at low speeds. Engine complaints followed at 23 percent (6 cases), median mileage 77,683, including reports of failed plastic thermostats. One recall, campaign 15V019000, addressed fuel rail and seal issues on the fuel injection system. One injury was reported for this model year.

2011 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Audi S4 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Transmission & Powertrain91 (49%)
Engine36 (19%)
Electrical System31 (17%)
Steering26 (14%)
Other17 (9%)
Brakes9 (5%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (5%)
Fuel System9 (5%)
Lane Departure2 (1%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Audi S4 model years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2010, 2011, and 2013 are rated Avoid. The 2010 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, driven by transmission and powertrain problems.
What is the most common problem with the Audi S4?: Across all model years covered (2010-2022), transmission and powertrain issues are the top complaint area, accounting for 91 of 187 total complaints, or 49 percent.
Are there recalls on the Audi S4?: NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns across the Audi S4 model years covered, including a fuel rail recall for 2011 and an airbag control unit software recall for 2013. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
Is the 2013 Audi S4 known for steering problems?: Yes. Steering is the top problem area for the 2013 model year, making up 58 percent of its complaints (19 cases), with a median failure mileage of just 4,500.
What Audi S4 years have fewer reported problems?: 2018 carries a Good verdict with a complaint index of 40 and only 7 complaints, the lowest complaint index among years with a listed verdict other than the very low-volume years like 2015, 2019, and 2022.