YearToAvoid

2014 Audi S4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#6 most-complained of 11 S4 years

The 2014 Audi S4 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 6th worst of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Steering complaints dominate at 35% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 51,715 miles, and NHTSA lists 1 recall for airbag control unit software.

Complaints
17
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 2014 Audi S4 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering6 (35%)
  2. Other4 (24%)
  3. Engine3 (18%)
  4. Fuel System3 (18%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (18%)
  6. Brakes2 (12%)
  7. Airbags1 (6%)
  8. Electrical System1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Steering wheel can seize up or trigger a stop-car warning while driving around 40 mph.
  • Steering feels notchy or has a dead spot, especially at highway speeds and in cold weather.
  • Steering wanders or bounces left and right at speeds around 55 mph and above, requiring constant correction.
  • Vehicle bucks or lunges under braking and acceleration, sometimes linked to a suspected mechatronics unit fault.
  • Fuel system develops vapor bubbles that stall the low pressure fuel pump, causing stalling at highway speed.
  • Brake pads and rotors wear out and warp well before expected, requiring repeat replacement.
2014 Audi S4 complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2015Sep 2015Dec 2016Aug 2018Jun 2019Jun 2020Mar 2021
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2015 to Apr 2024; peak Sep 2015 (3).

2014 Audi S4 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2014 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.

2014 compared with other S4 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520182019202020212022
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Caution7022121
2013Avoid9033120.5
2014Caution5017120.5
2015No verdict01120.5
2018Good407224

All Audi S4 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Audi S4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 S4 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 6th worst among 11 model years, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other S4 years.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Audi S4?
Steering is the top problem area, making up 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 51,715 miles. Owners describe notchy or wandering steering at highway speeds.
Does the 2014 Audi S4 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 14V667000) covering the airbag control unit software on 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles built between February 16, 2012 and October 21, 2014.
How does the 2014 Audi S4 compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 50, the 2014 S4 is less complained-about than 2010 (100), 2013 (90), and 2011 (80), but has more reported issues than 2018 (40) and 2012 (70).
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Audi S4?
EPA rates the 2014 S4 at 20.5 mpg combined (17.5 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.