What transmission problems does the 2011 Audi S4 have?

Owners report DSG transmission bucking at low speed, gearbox malfunction warnings with reverse gear unavailable, clunky shifting in stop-and-go traffic, and mechatronic unit failures causing mis-shifts or loss of drive.

How common are transmission complaints for the 2011 Audi S4?

Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 22 of the 26 total complaints filed for the 2011 model year, or 85% of all complaints, the highest share of any S4 model year in this dataset.

At what mileage do 2011 Audi S4 transmission problems usually show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 61,897 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 S4.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Audi S4 transmission?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain issues reported on the 2011 Audi S4.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?

No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries associated with the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Audi S4.

2011 Audi S4 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

The 2011 Audi S4 has 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints out of 26 total complaints filed for the year, or 85% of all complaints. Median mileage at failure is 61,897 miles. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 22; 85% of 26
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 61,897 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the DSG transmission bucking or lurching at low speeds or from a complete stop during acceleration.
Multiple owners describe a "gearbox malfunction, reverse gear not available" warning appearing on the dashboard, sometimes paired with loss of throttle response.
Owners report clunky, abrupt, or hesitant shifts between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear, especially in stop-and-go traffic or hot weather.
Some owners describe sudden loss of power or deceleration at highway speed, with the transmission failing to respond in drive or reverse.
Several complaints point to a faulty mechatronic unit causing mis-shifts, surging, or the car failing to move forward in drive until it is turned off and restarted.
Software and adaptability updates from the dealer were reported to reduce but not eliminate the bucking and shifting problems.

When 2011 Audi S4 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 23, 2012, latest Apr 9, 2021.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Apr 2021; peak Sep 2015 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Audi S4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by S4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201042 (70%)
201122 (85%)
201214 (64%)
20139 (27%)
20143 (18%)
20150 (0%)
20181 (14%)
20190 (0%)
20200 (0%)
20210 (0%)
20220 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What transmission problems does the 2011 Audi S4 have?: Owners report DSG transmission bucking at low speed, gearbox malfunction warnings with reverse gear unavailable, clunky shifting in stop-and-go traffic, and mechatronic unit failures causing mis-shifts or loss of drive.
How common are transmission complaints for the 2011 Audi S4?: Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 22 of the 26 total complaints filed for the 2011 model year, or 85% of all complaints, the highest share of any S4 model year in this dataset.
At what mileage do 2011 Audi S4 transmission problems usually show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 61,897 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 S4.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Audi S4 transmission?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain issues reported on the 2011 Audi S4.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?: No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries associated with the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Audi S4.