YearToAvoid

2014 Audi S4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2014 Audi S4 has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other S4 years. Its top problem area is steering, with 6 complaints, and it has 1 recall for airbag control unit software.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
47/100
#9 of 16 S4 years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
17
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Steering
Best nearby year
2018
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
20.5
17.5 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2014 Audi S4 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Steering wheel can seize up or trigger a stop-car steering warning while driving.
  • Owners describe a notchy or dead-spot feeling in the steering, especially in cold weather or at highway speeds above 55 mph.
  • Steering fails to hold center on straight roads, forcing constant correction and a bouncing side-to-side motion.
  • Fuel system develops a vapor bubble that starves the low pressure fuel pump, causing stalling at highway speed.
  • Transmission bucks and lunges with sudden acceleration after braking, sometimes tied to the mechatronics unit.
  • 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
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2015 to Apr 2024; peak Oct 2016 (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)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’18’19’20’21’22
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Caution6722121
2013Avoid8033120.5
2014Good4717120.5
2015No verdict71120.5
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 Audi S4 ranks 9th worst out of 16 model years with a complaint index of 47, earning a Good verdict relative to other S4 years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Audi S4?
Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 6 of 17 complaints (35%), with a median mileage at failure of 51,715 miles.
Does the 2014 Audi S4 have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (14V667000) covers airbag control unit software; Audi dealers update the software free of charge.
What year Audi S4 should I avoid?
Among S4 years with data, 2010 (complaint index 100), 2005 (93), and 2011 (87) carry Avoid verdicts, while 2014 has a lower complaint index of 47.
How many complaints does the 2014 Audi S4 have?
NHTSA lists 17 complaints for the 2014 Audi S4, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.

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.