AUDI S4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used AUDI S4 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2015–2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the AUDI S4 has 28 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2015–2025. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2021 drew the fewest.
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- S4
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2025 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 28
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (16 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2021 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
AUDI S4: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe AUDI S4 has 28 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 28 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 12 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
12 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
TIRES
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
TIRES
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 28 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
28 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Water pump defect for the 3.0L ea839 turbo engine found across many Porsche and Audi models. Defect causes damage to vacuum lines, thermostat, and can eventually lead to engine failure if not resolved. No way of knowing this is happening until you start to lose coolant (which will throw an engine code), but by that point the damage is done. There was a recall for the previous generation vehicle water pumps.
My 2018 Audi S4 has a catastrophic engine failure issue and this is common with the EA839 engine. There is a knocking in the motor that is caused by internal engine parts (rocker arms needle bearings) becoming loose and dislodged. The metal shavings travel in the motor oil and destroy the engine from the inside. Hendrick Audi northlake examined the car on February 26, and recommended a new engine be installed at a cost of $32,000. I contacted Audi customer care and they reviewed the case only to offer me no assistance with the new engine expense. My Audi S4 is a 2018 with less than 47k miles, and I am the fifth owner. I have been reading a lot of threads on Audi forums as well as Reddit about this problem, and this is not rare. This should be a class action lawsuit against Audi for making and selling a defective product. The EA839 engine from 2017 to 2020 is a ticking bomb from day one, almost engineered to fail prematurely. And Audi does nothing to remedy the problem. That is why I would like for NHTSA to get involved in this situation. Please look into this and let me know what I can do to assist with this. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] . Thank you!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.
Audi Dealer inspection revealed Rear spring is broken and mounts are deteriorating. Dealer states not common and would result in accident if not repaired. Research indicates broken springs common with certain Audi vehicles (A4/S4, Q5 & Q7), especially 2018 model year. See Audi World forum website. It would appear these springs are defective and will result in accident, injury and death. Audi refuses to acknowledge issue and issue recall.
THE VEHICLE'S PRE SENSE AUTO-BRAKING AND BRAKING ALERT JOLT HAS BEEN ACTIVATING ERRONEOUSLY AND HAVE ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS AT SPEED. THE SYSTEM CANNOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED, IT DEACTIVATES UPON IGNITION RESTART. THE SYSTEM HAS ERRONEOUSLY AND AGGRESSIVELY JOLTED THE BREAKS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON CURVES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CRESTING A HILL WITH VEHICLES PARKED ON THE DOWNWARD SLOAP. CLEARLY, IT IS MISTAKEN THE PARKED VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL IMPACT, EITHER AGGRESSIVELY JOLTING THE BREAKERS AND/OR BREAKING. THIS IS NOT ONLY VERY FRIGHTENING BUT ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS FEATURE ALSO ACTIVATED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65+ MPH WHILE SAFELY CHANGING LANES, AND ALMOST LED TO MY VEHICLE BEING REAR-ENDED. THERE SHOULD BE A WAY FOR A DRIVER TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS FEATURE TO BETTER ADAPT TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR UNIQUE DRIVER CONDITIONS. AS IS, THIS FEATURE HAS BEEN DANGEROUS!
THERE ARE TWO LARGE "UNDERRIDE GUARD" PANELS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ARE FASTENED BY SMALL, LOOSE-FITTING PLASTIC CLIPS. THERE IS ALSO FELT SOUND-DEADENING MATERIAL ON THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF THIS PANEL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN RAIN OR SNOW, THE PANEL COLLECTS SNOW OR WATER UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND BREAKS FREE UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING THE PANEL TO CONTACT THE ROAD AND DRAG ON THE GROUND. THIS DRAGGING CAUSES A "RUDDER EFFECT," PULLING THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY IN AN UNPREDICTABLE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARYING SPEEDS WHEN THIS OCCURS; IT HAS OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR, 40 MILES PER HOUR AND 65 MILES PER HOUR.
Read 14 more owner reports
WHEN DRIVING IN MANUAL MODE AND TRANSITION FROM ON THE THROTTLE TO OFF-THROTTLE, THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE STOPS ACCELERATING AND TRANSITIONS TO DECELERATION. ESPECIALLY IN FIRST GEAR, THIS MEANS THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME. I DROVE ANOTHER MODEL OF AUDI WITH THE SAME ENGINE/TRANSMISSION (2018 S5) AND IT EXHIBITS THE SAME BEHAVIOR. SINCE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PHYSICAL THROTTLE CABLE, THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE CAUSED BY THE THROTTLE NOT CLOSING AS COMMANDED BY THE ECU OR THERE BEING A DELAY IN THE THROTTLE BEING COMMANDED TO CLOSE. THIS HAS NOT CAUSED A COLLISION BUT EASILY COULD.
The R&R valve/oil separator unit failed on my 2015 Audi S4 at approximately 71,000 miles. This unit, when fails, can mix the oil and anti-freeze which can seize the engine. I was able to catch the problem before engine failure. Minneapolis Audi repaired the vehicle this week, 1/10/23. There were NO warning indicators except noise. Various media sources have stated that this is a known engine failure concern between 60-90K miles for this engine. Audi does not recognize this as a safety or warranty concern.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi S4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Drive System Malfunction - Please Contact Service" was displayed. In addition, the vehicle hesitated to restart and shift into gear as intended. The contact stated that the failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing a pending software service update; however, the repairs would not be available until the end of 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
2021 AUDI S4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-742. THE CONSUMER IS DISGUSTED AND DISATISFIED WITH THE AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMING THE RECALLS.
I don't know because dealer will not allow me to inspect engine or send me a response to what caused failure. Seems by the sounds coming from the top end of the motor most likely cause is that rocker arm (or possibly a valve train)component failed, noise coming from top end. Of course the failure was just after the 50k warranty by about 17 k miles. So roughly 66-67 k miles. The original estimate was a new long block at approx. 31k cost to me. Eventually after complaining significantly it was settled at 14k plus tax.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE MESSAGE WAS ALSO DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLETCHER JONES AUDI (1523 W. NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642, (312) 628-4300) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,800.
My instrument cluster and its replacements have malfunctioned multiple times. The original instrument cluster/virtual cockpit failed to boot and had a black/blank screen on 4/19/2024 at 29,687 miles and was replaced on 5/15/2024 at 29,923 mi. That replacement one worked fine for a while and then did the same thing on 7/15/2024 at 33,655 miles and on 1/10/2025 at 42,532 miles. The instrument cluster was then replaced again on 2/10/2025 at 43,841 miles. That replacement unit took only a couple of days to act up again with the blank screen on startup on 2/13/2025 at 43,965 miles and once more on 8/1/2025 at 52,673 miles. I'm currently waiting to hear back from the dealer to get the instrument cluster replaced once again.
The Audi MMI malfunctions and reboots randomly while driving. Possibly being a software issue. There is a TSB code that the dealer used to reference for me ( TSB 2078437/1), but I cannot find it on the NHTSA website. The reboot issue shuts off all functions associated with it, including, but not limited to: navigation, rearview camera, and parking sensor use. This poses a risk since it can be distracting to pull back your navigation while driving or having your rearview camera cutoff mid mid-use. The issue does not appear as a warning lamp or any type of notification, and there are multiple reports of similar issues on online forums that have not been addressed.
The MMI reboots continuously throughout my drive - whether it is 1 minute or an hour. It does this without a Bluetooth connection or wired connection. There is no ability to use hands free calling, listen to the radio, use Apple car play, Bluetooth, navigation, back up camera, parking assistance… It is startling to have your camera black out on your as your backing up (may back up camera works for about 45 seconds before stopping) I have done a hard reset. This is a problem that I am reading over and over and over again on forums I live nearly 2 hours from a dealer who takes weeks to get into and looking at a huge bill Hoping there is a fix soon
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a persistent and dangerous issue with the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system in my 2020 Audi S4. Since February 2025, the system has been spontaneously rebooting both while the vehicle is idling and in motion. When this occurs, the screen goes black and critical safety systems such as the rearview camera, parking sensors, and navigation become unavailable. The system requires driver interaction to restore functionality once it restarts, creating a major distraction. These reboots now occur every few minutes, severely affecting both usability and safe operation of the vehicle. Initially, this issue happened infrequently (about once every two weeks), but over time it has become constant. Based on extensive online reports from other owners—including threads such as this one on AudiWorld: [XXX] appears to be a widespread defect affecting other Audi A4/S4 vehicles of the same year. This malfunction compromises several driver assistance and safety features, and I believe it presents a serious hazard, especially if it occurs during parking, reversing, or navigating unfamiliar areas. I urge NHTSA to investigate this matter and determine whether a recall or safety bulletin is appropriate. Thank you for your attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The main infotainment system is stuck restarting every 1-2 minutes. When the car is put into reverse, the rear back up camera will turn off while the vehicle is in motion and not resume.
The vehicle software (known as Audi MMI) has been continuously rebooting every 30 seconds after the vehicle is started. This causes the entire dashboard (and entertainment screen) to repeatedly reboot which is very distracting while driving. While backing out of a parking spot, the MMI system rebooted which then disconnected my backup camera, blind spot warning, and rear collision warning systems which resulted in me almost hitting a car crossing behind me. There are zero messages anywhere in the car that an issue is present.
The MMI (multimedia interface) screen goes dead and reboots frequently (every 2-5 minutes) while driving. It is extremely frustrating and distracting. In addition, when the screen blacks out while driving in reverse, the backup camera, back up sensors and cross traffic warning systems do not operate until the system reboots, which can take several minutes. This problem occurs constantly while driving and requires me to re-enter navigation destination while driving. Using CarPlay for navigation is also affected, as the system reboots whether or not I am using a secondary media source like CarPlay, and I have to re-enter the destination whenever the MMI reboots. Also the MMI needs me to re-enter user information on the screen with every failure in order to get the system running again, which is very distracting while driving. I am not even able to turn off the screen to avoid the distraction, as it will automatically fail and reboot while turned off. This will turn the screen back on in the start-up mode and cause the radio to turn on randomly. When this happens, the stereo volume will sometimes come back on, and other times it appears to be playing music and radio stations, but the volume control will not work. Then it will randomly come back on very loud. The distractions are unavoidable, as I would be happy to just leave the MMI system off, but it is not possible! Please require Audi to fix this problem!!! The dealer/manufacturer does not seem to be interested in fixing the issue, as is evidenced by the many complaints I have found on the NHTSA website.
The Multimedia Interface (MMI) Touchscreen Radio will constantly reboot while driving regardless of variables. Diagnosis’ have proven problem to be undeterminable, this is a serious safety concern as I have lost back up camera and other safety features while driving, while I await the system to reboot. This reboot has been occurring non-stop since January. My research online and in other forums has led to a substantial group of vehicle owners suffering from the same issues across their vehicles. Audi has made no effort to rectify with the dealership simply stating they can charge to diagnose or replace. If it was an isolated incident I would be understanding as Maintenance problems will arise, but to have a substantial population discussing this issue ad nauseum seems to be more widespread with no solutions.
Showing 20 of 28 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact AUDI S4
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used AUDI S4, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI S4 has 28 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI S4 has 12 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the AUDI S4's 28 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI S4 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two AUDI S4 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI S4 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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AUDI S4 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the AUDI S4 reliable?
Good. The AUDI S4 has 28 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which AUDI S4 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (16 complaints), 2018 (7 complaints), 2021 (2 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common AUDI S4 problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints); BACK OVER PREVENTION (9 complaints); ENGINE (6 complaints).
Does the AUDI S4 have recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the AUDI S4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.