2013 Audi S4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#2 most-complained of 11 S4 years
The 2013 Audi S4 ranks 2nd worst out of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 90 and 33 NHTSA complaints, mostly steering-related. It carries one airbag recall and is rated Avoid relative to other S4 years.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 27 hwy
Top 2013 Audi S4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering19 (58%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (27%)
- Engine4 (12%)
- Electrical System2 (6%)
- Other1 (3%)
What owners report
- Steering wheel weaves side to side at highway speed without any driver input, most noticeable when centered.
- Electric power steering develops a notchy feel and loses true center, requiring constant correction to hold a straight line.
- Steering feels loosely connected or 'disconnected' from the wheels over 50 mph, especially with large steering inputs.
- Vehicle fails to start with key or push button despite Audi service ruling out a battery problem.
- Transmission jerks or lunges forward unexpectedly at low speed, described as related to a faulty mechatronics unit.
- Front lower grille design allows road debris through, puncturing the intercooling radiator and causing coolant loss.
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?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013 Audi S4 ranks 2nd worst of 11 model years with a complaint index of 90. Steering complaints make up 58% of all reports, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other S4 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Audi S4?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 19 of 33 complaints (58%), with a median mileage at failure 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 Audi S4 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model has a complaint index of 90, second only to the 2010 model year at 100. Later years like 2014 (index 50) and 2018 (index 40) score better.