Audi S4 Best and Worst Years (2005–2022)
Audi S4 model years 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2013 rank worst based on NHTSA complaints, with 2010 topping the list at a complaint index of 100. No S4 year earns a Best rating; 2014 and 2018 are rated Good with the lowest complaint indexes at 47 and 40.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 16
- 2005–2022
- NHTSA complaints
- 277
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- 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.
Audi S4 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 93 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 16 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 53 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 16 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 60 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 15.5 | — |
| 2008 | No verdict | 27 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 15.5 | — |
| 2009 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 15.5 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 60 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Caution | 67 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 80 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 47 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2015 | No verdict | 7 | 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 | 73 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 23 | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 23 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 13 | 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 S4 has the highest complaint index in the lineup, 100, and ranks worst overall despite having zero recalls. Transmission & Powertrain problems accounted for 70% of complaints, at a median 63,000 miles. Owners also reported water pump failures under normal driving conditions, often before 10,000 miles, with one complaint noting a near loss of steering during the failure. Electronic parking brake disengagement while parked was also reported.
2010 transmission & powertrain problems →2010 engine problems →
2005 Audi S4 Index 93 · 43 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2005 S4 posted a complaint index of 93, ranking second-worst of all years. Electrical System issues made up 86% of its complaints, with owners describing headlight condensation that impaired night visibility and, in one case, a total power loss (steering and brakes) traced to a fuse. Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 56,000. NHTSA also lists two airbag recalls for this year covering inflator and frontal airbag replacement.
2011 Audi S4 Index 87 · 26 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2011 S4 carries a complaint index of 87, ranking third-worst. Transmission & Powertrain complaints made up 85% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 61,897, including reports of the DSG transmission bucking at low speeds and a 'gearbox malfunction' warning with loss of throttle response. Owners also described a plastic thermostat failure causing overheating. A fuel system recall covering fuel rail seal replacement applies to this year.
2013 Audi S4 Index 80 · 33 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2013 S4 has a complaint index of 80, ranking fourth-worst. Steering complaints dominated at 58% of the total, with a low median failure mileage of 4,500, including reports of unexplained side-to-side weaving and a disconnected 'slip and connect' steering feel at highway speeds. Owners also reported radiator damage from road debris due to grille design. NHTSA lists one airbag recall for this year covering control unit software updates.
Most common Audi S4 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Transmission & Powertrain95 (34%)
- Electrical System92 (33%)
- Engine43 (16%)
- Steering30 (11%)
- Airbags23 (8%)
- Other18 (6%)
- Brakes12 (4%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Audi S4 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2013 are the years to avoid, with 2010 ranking worst overall at a complaint index of 100.
- Is there a best year for the Audi S4?
- No S4 year earns a Best rating. The lowest complaint years are 2014 and 2018, both rated Good, with complaint indexes of 47 and 40 respectively.
- What is the most common problem with the Audi S4?
- Across all years, Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 34% of complaints and Electrical System issues make up 33%, the two largest categories out of 277 total complaints.
- Does the 2010 Audi S4 have transmission problems?
- Yes. Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 70% of all 2010 S4 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 63,000, the top reported issue for that year.
- Are there recalls on the 2013 Audi S4?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2013 S4, covering an airbag control unit software update, alongside steering complaints that made up 58% of owner reports that year.