2013 Audi S4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Audi S4 has a complaint index of 80 and ranks 4th worst out of 16 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints dominate at 58% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 4,500 miles, plus a 2014 airbag recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #4 of 16 S4 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 33
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 Audi S4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering19 (58%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (27%)
- Engine4 (12%)
- Electrical System2 (6%)
- Other1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel weaving side to side on its own at highway speed with no driver input.
- Some describe the electric power steering feeling disconnected or 'slip and connect' above 50 mph.
- Several owners note a notchy, gear-like feel in the steering wheel that prevents holding a straight line.
- Owners report the transmission jerking or lunging forward unexpectedly at low speed, attributed to the mechatronics unit.
- Some describe the transmission entering limp mode or displaying a warning to pull over and shift to park.
- One owner reported the vehicle would not start, with Audi blaming the battery while roadside service found no battery issue.
2013 Audi S4 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V667000Oct 24, 2014Airbags101,938 vehicles
Air bags
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.
Risk: If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.
2013 Audi S4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other S4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Audi S4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 S4 a complaint index of 80, ranking it 4th worst among 16 model years covered, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other S4 years.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 Audi S4?
- Steering issues make up 58% of complaints, with owners describing weaving, notchy feel, and loose steering connection, most reported at a median of 4,500 miles.
- Does the 2013 Audi S4 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 14V667000) covers airbag control unit software on 2013-2015 Audi A4, S4, and Allroad vehicles; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 S4 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 80 is higher than the 2012 (67, Caution) and 2014 (47, Good) model years, making 2013 one of the worse years for reported problems.