U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Audi S4: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

29 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

55,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 27 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 29 complaints (27.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	9	31.0%
Braking behavior	5	17.2%
Steering behavior	3	10.3%
Electrical and battery issues	2	6.9%
Engine operation	1	3.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling

Exterior Lighting

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Electrical System

Power Train

Visibility

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 8; Engine: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Exterior Lighting: 3; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 3; Electrical System: 2; Power Train: 2; Visibility: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2007

2009

2010

2012

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2007: 3; 2009: 14; 2010: 3; 2012: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10178832 · 2007-01-16 (January 16, 2007)

POWER COUPLING ON POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AS I WAS DRIVING....DEALER LATER INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A DEFECT THAT HAD BEEN CORRECTED BUT I DID NOT SEE A RECALL POSTED. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 22,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10178832 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10199548 · 2007-08-14 (August 14, 2007)

I HAVE AN AUDI S4 CONVERTIBLE THAT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE AND THE REPAIRS DO NOT SEEM TO BE TAKING HOLD WHEN THEY DO THEM. SO FAR THERE FORTUNATELY HAS NOT BEEN A NEED TO USE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, HOWEVER ITS UNAVAILABILITY IS A MAJOR CAUSE FOR CONCERN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10199548 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10212985 · 2007-12-27 (December 27, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD AND THE CONTACT TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES. UPDATED 01/24/08. *LJ THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. THE COOLING FAN WOULD STAY ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED A FAULTY FAN MODULE. UPDATED

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10212985 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10261281 · 2009-03-09 (March 9, 2009)

I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT HAD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT ONLY 40,000 MILES DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WHERE A TENSIONER I AM TOLD ALLOWS THE MOTOR TO REV UP EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OWNERS, MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART FAILS AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, IN SOME CASES UNDER 100 MILES. NOT ONLY DOES THIS CAUSE UN SAFE SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AS THE ENGINE CAN HAVE THIS REV UP HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILS, IT ALSO CAUSES R…

Owner-reported narrative. 41,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10261281 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10261380 · 2009-03-09 (March 9, 2009)

I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT IS SLIPPING OUT OF SECOND GEAR... IT IS A KNOWN SECOND GEAR SYNCHRO PROBLEM THAT AUDI IS IGNORING. I HAVE CALLED AUDI OF AMERICA, AND THEY ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE BUT STILL OFFER NO HELP. THE ISSUE STARTED AT 55,000 MILES WHICH IS 5K MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10261380 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10261478 · 2009-03-10 (March 10, 2009)

2004 AUDI S4, BUILD DATE 09/03 : 1. 24 AUG 06- 16,500 MILES- A/C STOPPED WORKING- REPLACED ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM (COMPRESSOR, HOSES, PIPES, DRIER, RESTRICTOR) UNDER WARRANTY. 2. 10 APR 07- 23,253 MILES- CAR WON?T START- STARTER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PEALING SHIFT KNOB (CHROME SURROUND WAS PEALING AND THE EDGES WERE LIKE A RAZOR BLADE), REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKEN- REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3. 22 FEB 08- 31,992 MILES- ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO FAULTY VALVE SEAT. SEAT BROKE ALLOWING VALVE TO BE SUCKED INTO CYLINDER AND …

Owner-reported narrative. 31,992 miles reported. Look up ODI 10261478 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10261864 · 2009-03-15 (March 15, 2009)

I DRIVE A 2004 AUDI S4. MY CAR SUFFERED A MAJOR FAILURE. THE MOTOR FAILED DUE TO A DESIGN BY AUDI AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CAR FAILED DUE TO THESE PLASTIC GUIDES THAT AUDI USES AS TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. THE GUIDES ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE SERVICED ALTHOUGH WHEN THEY FAIL YOU HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO GET THEM REPLACED BECAUSE THE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE PULLED TO REPLACE THEM. THEY ARE ON THE BACK OF THE MOTOR SO THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER OR THE GUIDES FAIL IT CAN AND…

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10261864 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10262201 · 2009-03-17 (March 17, 2009)

I GOT IN MY CAR THIS PAST FRIDAY TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND THEN MY CAR STARTS RUMBLING AND SOUNDS LIKE WHAT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS A MUSCLE CAR. I ONLY LIVE A MILE FROM MY OFFICE SO I DRIVE MY CAR IN. WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR HAS LOST LOW END POWER AND IS STILL IDLING WITH A RUMBLE. WHEN I GET TO WORK I POP THE HOOD AND NOTICE THE ENTIRE MOTOR SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH AND MY BUDDY SEES MY EXHAUST IS MOVING UP AND DOWN. SO I DECIDE TO GET IT TO THE LOCAL GARAGE THAT HAS WORKED ON MY CAR BEFORE. HE IS ONLY ABOUT 2 BLOCKS DOWN FROM MY OFFI…

Owner-reported narrative. 67,641 miles reported. Look up ODI 10262201 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

05V096000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 2005-03-15 (March 15, 2005)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF XENON HEADLAMP COATING DEGRADATION OVER TIME. THE LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE OF THE HEADLAMP MAY DECREASE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT A DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

29 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

93.1%Usable mileage27 / 29 records

100.0%Valid incident date29 / 29 records

100.0%Valid filing date29 / 29 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates29 / 29 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	4270.0% ODI 10551886 · 35,000 mi THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO JERK AND SLAM CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE JUST PRIOR TO STOPPING IN STOP/GO TRAFFIC. NOTICED THAT THIS HAPPENS ONLY AFTER DRIVING IN STOP/GO SITUATIONS AND USUALLY AROUND 5MPH. ALSO CLANKS/JERKS WHILE IN REVERSE. DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE. *TR Look up ODI 10551886 at NHTSA ↗	2284.6% ODI 10481521 · 8,860 mi THIS ISSUE CONCERNS MY AUDI 2011 S4, A CAR THAT I TOOK DELIVERY ON IN APRIL, 2011. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SINCE THE DELIVERY, HOWEVER, IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT HAS CAUSED THIS SPECIFIC FILING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. ON OCCASION, THE CAR WILL STRUGGLE AND "BUCK" IN LOW GEARS AT A VERY SLOW SPEED (OR FROMA COMPLETE STOP) UPON ACCELERATION. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN BUT IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE TAKING DELIVERY. I HAVE TRIED ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WITH AUDI CORAL SPRINGS IN THE P… Look up ODI 10481521 at NHTSA ↗	1463.6% ODI 10695462 I OWN A 2012 AUDI S4 WITH A 7 SPEED DSG TRANSMISSION AND NOTICE HARD SHIFTING IN 1-2 AND 2-1 AND ALSO INTO REVERSE AND DRIVE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS BEING A MECHTRONICS UNIT OR WHOLE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE NEEDED. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR INTO AUDI 4 TIMES WITH THESE ISSUES THEY FINALLY SAID THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TCU AND UPDATE SOFTWARE ON THE ECU. I ASKED IF THIS WILL FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY SAID THAT THIS REPAIR WILL BE THE FIRST IN AN ORDER OF PARTS TO BE REPLACED TO HOPEFULLY FIX THE PROBLEM. NEXT WOULD BE THE MECHTRONICS … Look up ODI 10695462 at NHTSA ↗	927.3% ODI 10618528 · 25,000 mi THIS VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR HAVING A FAULTY MECHATRONICS UNIT. THE MECHATRONICS UNIT DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY, AND CAUSES JERKING AND INSTABILITY TO THE DSG TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED OTHER VEHICLES AT RED LIGHTS BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY AND LUNGE ME FORWARD TOWARD THE VEHICLE AHEAD. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN ISSUE THAT A PRESTIGIOUS NAME LIKE AUDI SHOULD NOT HAVE, BUT IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. AUDI OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT CHOOSES TO IGNORE IT FOR THE SAKE OF NOT HAVING TO COVER REPAIRS FO… Look up ODI 10618528 at NHTSA ↗	317.6% ODI 10916285 · 10,000 mi WHILE DRIVING, A SUDDEN BRAKE FOLLOWED BY A QUICK ACCELERATION LEADS TO BUCKING WITH ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE REMAINING REVVED UP. WITH BRAKING, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE IT IS BY SHUTTING THE CAR OFF ENTIRELY. HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 7 TIMES IN PASSED 2.5 YEARS. RESEARCH INDICATES A FAULTY MECHATRONICS UNIT, BUT 2 NY DEALERSHIPS CONTINUE TO STATE NO ISSUE. Look up ODI 10916285 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11051028 · 1,300 mi 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 DEL… Look up ODI 11051028 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	610.0% ODI 10618337 · 63,000 mi PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT AND RECEIVED A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING ALONG WITH A TPMS MALFUNCTION. WARNING ON DASH INDICATED THAT I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. I DROVE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER MILE AND WHILE GOING THRU A ROUNDABOUT, THE CAR SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN. I CONTINUED THE REST OF THE WAY HOME FOR ABOUT 2 MORE MILES. THE MECHATRONIC UNIT WAS DETERMINED TO BE FAULTY AND WAS REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10618337 at NHTSA ↗	27.7% ODI 10767556 · 50,000 mi AFTER TURNING MY CAR ON A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARED BUT SAID I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING THE MESSAGE AND SERVICE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF WITH EVERYTHING GOING BACK TO NORMAL. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE A VERY COMMON MECHATRONIC UNIT ISSUE THAT IS PART OF THE FAULTY DSG THAT AUDI HAS PUT IN THE B8 S4 MODEL. Look up ODI 10767556 at NHTSA ↗	313.6% ODI 11044900 I HAVE A COMPLAINT AUDI S4 AND OTHER AUDI CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS I'M HAVING YOU CAN BE DRIVING ON THE MAIN ROAD OR ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOSES POWER AND EXCELLERATION . I FOUND THAT AS A PROBLEM TO THE SAFETY OF ME AND THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR MODEL. Look up ODI 11044900 at NHTSA ↗	26.1% ODI 10515323 · 1,000 mi THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. NOT WITH THE "KEY" OR THE BUTTON STARTER. AUDI SERVICE CLAIMS ITS THE BATTERY BUT WHEN THE ROADSIDE SERVICE SHOWS UP ITS NOT THE BATTERY, SO NOW A TOW TRUCK HAS TO BE CALLED. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME AND ANY PLACE. AUDI DENIES IT IS A COMPUTER ISSUE BUT YET THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND NOTHING IS AVAILABLE - ELECTRONICALLY OR MORE IMPORTANTLY MANUALLY. DON'T BE OUT LATE AT NIGHT OR YOU MIGHT BE A VICTIM TO MORE THAN A BROKEN DOWN VEHICLE. BY THE WAY THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN ONE MONTH OLD. *TR Look up ODI 10515323 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 11399328 · 100,000 mi MY 2014 AUDI S4 HAS A EPC LIGHT THAT KEEPS TURNING ON WHILE DRIVING THAT CAR. THE EPC LIGHT WILL PUT THE CAR INTO LIMP MODE AND WILL HAVE A ROUGH IDLE AND CAN BARLEY DRIVE. WHEN THAT LIGHT TURNS ON YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND RESTART THE CAR TO CONTINUE DRIVING AND IS A COMPLETE SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. THE LIGHT MAINLY TURNS ON WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO GET UP TO SPEEDS OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND THEY KEEP SAYING THERE IS NO ISS… Look up ODI 11399328 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1487.5% ODI 11584272 SOS module. Audi had a service for the known problem internally (Service Action 90T2) then stopped it apparently but many of us still experiencing issues that were not able to get the part corrected. SOS, GPS, Bluetooth, all hands free does not work. 6 months plus of waiting for a $2k part on backorder because many of us having the issue. Look up ODI 11584272 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11689741 · 31,000 mi 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 w… Look up ODI 11689741 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11522822 2022 Audi S4- letter from lawyer representing consumer in reference to the Ohio Lemon Law. Consumer is requesting refund of purchase price of vehicle. Purchase agreement and repair invoices attached. Look up ODI 11522822 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	23.3% ODI 10418207 CONDENSATION BUILD-UP IN HEADLIGHT HOUSING ON VARIOUS AUDI VEHICLES THAT DOES NOT DISSIPATE REGARDLESS OF WEATHER OR DURATION OF HID LIGHTS BEING ON. *TR Look up ODI 10418207 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	125.0% ODI 10435277 · 31,000 mi MY VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL GOES FROM PRACTICALLY FROZEN TO BEING LOOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE DRIVING OFF THE ROAD, INTO TRAFFIC, CRASH, ETC. DEALERSHIP, DELTA AUDI, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, CANNOT REPLICATE AND REFUSE TO DRIVE SIMILAR TO THE CONDITIONS IT FAILS, FOR LACK OF STAFF AND RESOURCES. AUDI OF AMERICA AND "STATE REPRESENTATIVE" AND "END OF THE LINE" DECISION MAKER RYAN CONLIN [phone removed], STATES HE WILL OFFER NO FURTHER RESOLVE. HE REFUSES TO PUT IN WRITING EFFOR… Look up ODI 10435277 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	11.7% ODI 10358825 · 5,800 mi 2010 AUDI S4 WATER PUMP FAILURE -- THIS COMPLAINT IS IDENTICAL TO THE PREVIOUS TWO COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THIS MODEL'S WATER PUMP FAILURE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT A NEAR FULL LOSS OF STEERING DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME. IN MY CASE THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED, HOWEVER LIKE OTHERS WHO HAVE DETAILED THEIR EXPERIENCES, AUDI HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A SYSTEMIC ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL, NOR IS THE REPAIR SATISFACTORY AS THE DISTINCT ODOR OF G-12 (G-30 IN EUROPE) IS PRESENT. THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FIRST, IT IS … Look up ODI 10358825 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1957.6% ODI 10495010 · 1,500 mi MY 2013 AUDI S4 EXHIBITS AN ALARMING TENDENCY TO WEAVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT A STEERING INPUT. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT A CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL POSITION, VEHICLE SPEED, OR CHANGE IN ROAD SURFACE OR PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION. IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN WHEEL IS CENTERED AT 12 O'CLOCK BUT DOES OCCUR AT ALL SPEEDS AND STEERING VECTORS. AUDI DEALERSHIP NOTES THE PROBLEM AND BLAMES THE NEW ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM BUT STATES IT IS A "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE SYSTEM AND IS NOT A DEFECT. I DISAGREE AND FEEL ANY DIRECTION CHAN… Look up ODI 10495010 at NHTSA ↗	635.3% ODI 10681722 · 5,900 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STOP CAR STEERING SYSTEM DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,900. Look up ODI 10681722 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	375.0% ODI 10946737 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10946737 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.9% ODI 11164618 THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. CHECKED WITH AUDI AND THEY ARE SAYING THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. EAXCT SAME ISSUE AS THE AUDI RECALL 74D5 Look up ODI 11164618 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	46.7% ODI 10639545 · 57,000 mi WITHOUT WARNING MY 2010 AUDI S4 OVER HEATED WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. LUCKILY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME BECAUSE I HAD TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLED DOWN. FROM WHAT I GATHERED ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL HUNDRED AUDI'S HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. ONLY A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) WAS ISSUED. AUDI MAKES THE CUSTOMER PAY THE BILL, EVEN THOUGH THEY REPLACED THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT WITH AN ALUMINUM ONE AND SOMETIMES THE WATER PUMP. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE IF YOU ASK ME. … Look up ODI 10639545 at NHTSA ↗	519.2% ODI 10641193 · 48,500 mi THERE IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE AUDI 3.OT ENGINE'S PLASTIC THERMOSTAT FAILING! I WAS DRIVING AND THE THERMOSTAT FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TEMP TO SKYROCKET TO "H"! I DROVE HOME BECAUSE I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH WITH THE HEATER ON HIGH. THEY FLATBEDED MY CAR ON 9/29/14 FROM MY DRIVEWAY TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS A FAILED THERMOSTAT AND REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER "PLASTIC THEMOSTAT." THE SECOND THERMOSTAT FAILED 2 DAYS LATER. I JUST TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP AGAIN THIS MORNING 10/3/14 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN! THI… Look up ODI 10641193 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	412.1% ODI 10494645 · 1,529 mi LOST ALL COOLANT DUE TO RADIATOR LEAK FROM ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE CAUSED BY BAD DESIGN OF FRONT LOWER GRILL. IT HAS NO PROTECTIVE MESH AND CLEAR OPENINGS FOR ROCKS TO PROTRUDE. I FOUND THIS ON AUDI FORUM TWO PEOPLE NOW ON THE VAIRIOUS BOARDS HAVE THOUGHT THEY LOST THEIR WATER PUMP, BUT IN FACT HAVE HAD HOLES PUNCHED IN THEIR INTERCOOLING RADIATORS BY ERRANT ROAD DEBRIS WHICH STRIKES THE RADIATOR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND PERFORATES IT. SINCE THE ENGINE AND SUPERCHARGER COOLING SYSTEMS SHARE THE SAME OVERFLOW CONTAINER, BUT ARE SEPERATE LOOPS, IT'S … Look up ODI 10494645 at NHTSA ↗	317.6% ODI 11096865 · 90,010 mi CARBON BUILD UP Look up ODI 11096865 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11501592 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. Look up ODI 11501592 at NHTSA ↗	457.1% ODI 11051028 · 1,300 mi 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 DEL… Look up ODI 11051028 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11646713 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. Look up ODI 11646713 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	42,500–68,000 mi	54,000 mi	7	ODI 10261281 · 41,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT HAD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT ONLY 40,000 MILES DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WHERE A TENSIONER I AM TOLD ALLOWS THE MOTOR TO REV UP EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OWNERS, MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART FAILS AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, IN SOME CASES UNDER 100 MILES. NOT ONLY DOES THIS CAUSE UN SAFE SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AS THE ENGINE CAN HAVE THIS REV UP HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILS, IT ALSO CAUSES R… Look up ODI 10261281 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10261864 · 66,000 mi I DRIVE A 2004 AUDI S4. MY CAR SUFFERED A MAJOR FAILURE. THE MOTOR FAILED DUE TO A DESIGN BY AUDI AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CAR FAILED DUE TO THESE PLASTIC GUIDES THAT AUDI USES AS TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. THE GUIDES ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE SERVICED ALTHOUGH WHEN THEY FAIL YOU HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO GET THEM REPLACED BECAUSE THE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE PULLED TO REPLACE THEM. THEY ARE ON THE BACK OF THE MOTOR SO THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER OR THE GUIDES FAIL IT CAN AND… Look up ODI 10261864 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10263937 · 34,000 mi CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND SEIZE AT 70MPH. PREVIOUS THE FAILURE, AUDI REPLACED BENT VALVES DUE TO TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE. LESS THAN 300 MILES FROM NEW HEADS BEING INSTALLED, THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. *TR Look up ODI 10263937 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	80,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10622265 · 80,000 mi AUDI CLAIMS THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ON THOSE VEHICLES ARE LIFETIME AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE SERVICE. UNFORTUNATE THE TIMING CHANGE TENSIONERS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH THE WEAR OUT AT ABOUT 50K MILES, CAUSING A START UP RATTLE AND EVENTUALLY ENGINE EXPLOSION FROM THE CHAIN COMING OF THE GUIDES AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND CAUSING A MASSIVE ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. HUNDREDS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ONE ARE REPORTED ONLINE FROM THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVEN YOUTUBE VIDEOS. NOT TO MENTION THAT EVERY TIME YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE AND COMPLAINT TO AUDI … Look up ODI 10622265 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10666999 · 111 mi ON SATURDAY MORNING 12/15/2014 START MY CARD AND HEARD A RATTLE NOISE ON THE ENGINE, FIRST TIME IT MAKE THAT NOISE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ON MY WAY TO WORK I STARTED HEARING THE RATTLE NOISE AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT WAS LOUDER I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND KEPT MAKING THE RATTLE NOISE ON THE ENGINE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR NOT EVEN A WEEK AGO, AND ALREADY STARTED HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THE ENGINE MIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACE SOON, SINCE THAT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WIT… Look up ODI 10666999 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11036013 · 102,000 mi AFTER ENGINE COOLS DOWN, TIMING CHAIN RATTLE CAN BE HEARD UPON STARTING THE CAR. CHAIN RATTLE MEANS THAT PLASTIC GUIDES OR ADJUSTERS ARE WORN, AND MIGHT GO ANY SECOND. SPOKE WITH AUDI REP ONLINE, WHICH ADVISES ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL, AND EXPECTED. KNOWING BASICS OF ENGINES AND TRANSMISSION, I DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS "LIFE TIME" AND IS NOT SERVICEABLE, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S PLASTIC (WHICH TENDS TO SHRINK AND EXPAND DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURES, AND THEN HAS FRACTURES WHICH SNAPS). TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT LICENSED AUDI SHOPS CONFIRMED THAT T… Look up ODI 11036013 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	67,641 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10261478 · 31,992 mi 2004 AUDI S4, BUILD DATE 09/03 : 1. 24 AUG 06- 16,500 MILES- A/C STOPPED WORKING- REPLACED ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM (COMPRESSOR, HOSES, PIPES, DRIER, RESTRICTOR) UNDER WARRANTY. 2. 10 APR 07- 23,253 MILES- CAR WON?T START- STARTER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PEALING SHIFT KNOB (CHROME SURROUND WAS PEALING AND THE EDGES WERE LIKE A RAZOR BLADE), REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKEN- REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3. 22 FEB 08- 31,992 MILES- ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO FAULTY VALVE SEAT. SEAT BROKE ALLOWING VALVE TO BE SUCKED INTO CYLINDER AND … Look up ODI 10261478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10262201 · 67,641 mi I GOT IN MY CAR THIS PAST FRIDAY TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND THEN MY CAR STARTS RUMBLING AND SOUNDS LIKE WHAT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS A MUSCLE CAR. I ONLY LIVE A MILE FROM MY OFFICE SO I DRIVE MY CAR IN. WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR HAS LOST LOW END POWER AND IS STILL IDLING WITH A RUMBLE. WHEN I GET TO WORK I POP THE HOOD AND NOTICE THE ENTIRE MOTOR SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH AND MY BUDDY SEES MY EXHAUST IS MOVING UP AND DOWN. SO I DECIDE TO GET IT TO THE LOCAL GARAGE THAT HAS WORKED ON MY CAR BEFORE. HE IS ONLY ABOUT 2 BLOCKS DOWN FROM MY OFFI… Look up ODI 10262201 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10295044 · 94,000 mi CAR ENGINE WAS MISFIRING - WAS INFORMED A FAULTY COIL PACK WAS CAUSING THE ISSUE. ONE WEEK LATER THE MISFIRES STARTED AGAIN. TWO MORE COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED. 2 WEEKS LATER ANOTHER MISFIRING EPISODE. CAR DIED AT INTERSECTION SO WAS TOWED IN FOR INSPECTION. CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER/CAM GUIDES HAD FAILED. PARTS WERE REPLACED FOR 5K AND THEN 2 WEEKS LATER CYLINDER 3 FAILED WHEN VALVE AND PISTON INTERACTED - CAR DIED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR ENGINE IS GOING TO NEED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR Look up ODI 10295044 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	42,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10212985 · 5,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD AND THE CONTACT TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES. UPDATED 01/24/08. LJ THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. THE COOLING FAN WOULD STAY ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED A FAULTY FAN MODULE. UPDATED Look up ODI 10212985 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10747523 · 79,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. Look up ODI 10747523 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	Too few reports for a range	55,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10261281 · 41,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT HAD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT ONLY 40,000 MILES DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WHERE A TENSIONER I AM TOLD ALLOWS THE MOTOR TO REV UP EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OWNERS, MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART FAILS AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, IN SOME CASES UNDER 100 MILES. NOT ONLY DOES THIS CAUSE UN SAFE SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AS THE ENGINE CAN HAVE THIS REV UP HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILS, IT ALSO CAUSES R… Look up ODI 10261281 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10261380 · 55,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT IS SLIPPING OUT OF SECOND GEAR... IT IS A KNOWN SECOND GEAR SYNCHRO PROBLEM THAT AUDI IS IGNORING. I HAVE CALLED AUDI OF AMERICA, AND THEY ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE BUT STILL OFFER NO HELP. THE ISSUE STARTED AT 55,000 MILES WHICH IS 5K MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR Look up ODI 10261380 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10272456 · 60,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 S4 WHICH CRUNCHES WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. AUDI REPLACED THE SYNCHROS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME ITS NORMAL. THE CRUNCHES OCCURS EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT AND ALSO MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO GET INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLES RPMS WILL SOMETIMES STICK, KEEPING THE VEHICLE MOVING WHEN NOT UNDER ACCELERATION. Look up ODI 10272456 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	79,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10747523 · 79,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. Look up ODI 10747523 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	67,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10443757 · 55,000 mi I OWN A 2004, AUDI, S4 WHICH I PURCHASED USED FROM MY BROTHER, WHO BOUGHT IT NEW. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM HIM WITH 45,000 MILES ON IT. AT 55,000 MILES THE CAR HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. 5,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD! THE MECHANIC THAT IS REPAIRING THE DAMAGE SAID IF ONE MORE COMPONENT WOULD HAVE BROKE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. I CONTACTED AUDI OF U.S.A. TO,1. ALERT THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE, 2. … Look up ODI 10443757 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10622265 · 80,000 mi AUDI CLAIMS THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ON THOSE VEHICLES ARE LIFETIME AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE SERVICE. UNFORTUNATE THE TIMING CHANGE TENSIONERS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH THE WEAR OUT AT ABOUT 50K MILES, CAUSING A START UP RATTLE AND EVENTUALLY ENGINE EXPLOSION FROM THE CHAIN COMING OF THE GUIDES AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND CAUSING A MASSIVE ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. HUNDREDS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ONE ARE REPORTED ONLINE FROM THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVEN YOUTUBE VIDEOS. NOT TO MENTION THAT EVERY TIME YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE AND COMPLAINT TO AUDI … Look up ODI 10622265 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility	Too few reports for a range	54,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10278368 · 53,000 mi 2004 S4 WIPERS STOP WORKING (STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD) IN RAIN, MOTOR WORKS SEEMS AS SOMETHING SIZED, IN SOME SITUATIONS MAY CAUSE BIG DAMAGE AND INJURY. TR Look up ODI 10278368 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10278370 · 56,000 mi WHILE IN RAIN ALL WINDOWS FOGGING UP FROM INSIDE, UNABLE TO DEFOG, THE A/C WILL NOT TURN ON, CHECKED FOR LEAKS - NO LEAKS OBSERVED, SPORADICALLY THE A/C TURNS ON AND OFF, VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN CARS FROM THIS YEAR, MAY CAUSE DAMAGE AND INJURY. TR Look up ODI 10278370 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2021: 1 complaints · 2022: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2021	0	0	1
2022	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2021	2	0	0
2022	0	0	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling	Exterior Lighting	Power Train:Manual Transmission	Electrical System	Power Train	Visibility
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10261281 · 41,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT HAD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT ONLY 40,000 MILES DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WHERE A TENSIONER I AM TOLD ALLOWS THE MOTOR TO REV UP EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OWNERS, MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART FAILS AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, IN SOME CASES UNDER 100 MILES. NOT ONLY DOES THIS CAUSE UN SAFE SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AS THE ENGINE CAN HAVE THIS REV UP HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILS, IT ALSO CAUSES R… Look up ODI 10261281 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10622265 · 80,000 mi AUDI CLAIMS THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ON THOSE VEHICLES ARE LIFETIME AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE SERVICE. UNFORTUNATE THE TIMING CHANGE TENSIONERS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH THE WEAR OUT AT ABOUT 50K MILES, CAUSING A START UP RATTLE AND EVENTUALLY ENGINE EXPLOSION FROM THE CHAIN COMING OF THE GUIDES AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND CAUSING A MASSIVE ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. HUNDREDS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ONE ARE REPORTED ONLINE FROM THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVEN YOUTUBE VIDEOS. NOT TO MENTION THAT EVERY TIME YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE AND COMPLAINT TO AUDI … Look up ODI 10622265 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	—	0	2 ODI 10747523 · 79,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. Look up ODI 10747523 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10865507 XENON HEADLAMPS WIRING ALL CORRODED AND BARE WITH NO INSULATION LEFT. CHECK WITH AUDI AND THEY SAID OUR VEHICLE AND VIN IS NOT PART OF ANY RECALL. YET RCORRD-05V096-4498 IN YOUR DATABASE SHOWS A MOFIFICATION LETTER FROM VW TO INCLUDE OUR VIN. THERE IS NO RECORD ACCORDING TO AUDI SERVICE SHOPS THAT SHOW ANY RECALL WORK DONE TO OUR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE THAT SHOWS THE DETERIATION OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRING AND HEADLAMPS TO OUR 2004 AUDI S4. WOULD APPRECIATE SOME ASSISTANCE TO HAVING OUR HEADLAMPS REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. Look up ODI 10865507 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Power Train:Manual Transmission	1 ODI 10261281 · 41,000 mi I HAVE A 2004 AUDI S4 THAT HAD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT ONLY 40,000 MILES DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WHERE A TENSIONER I AM TOLD ALLOWS THE MOTOR TO REV UP EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OWNERS, MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART FAILS AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, IN SOME CASES UNDER 100 MILES. NOT ONLY DOES THIS CAUSE UN SAFE SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AS THE ENGINE CAN HAVE THIS REV UP HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILS, IT ALSO CAUSES R… Look up ODI 10261281 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	2 ODI 10747523 · 79,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. Look up ODI 10747523 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10865507 XENON HEADLAMPS WIRING ALL CORRODED AND BARE WITH NO INSULATION LEFT. CHECK WITH AUDI AND THEY SAID OUR VEHICLE AND VIN IS NOT PART OF ANY RECALL. YET RCORRD-05V096-4498 IN YOUR DATABASE SHOWS A MOFIFICATION LETTER FROM VW TO INCLUDE OUR VIN. THERE IS NO RECORD ACCORDING TO AUDI SERVICE SHOPS THAT SHOW ANY RECALL WORK DONE TO OUR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE THAT SHOWS THE DETERIATION OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRING AND HEADLAMPS TO OUR 2004 AUDI S4. WOULD APPRECIATE SOME ASSISTANCE TO HAVING OUR HEADLAMPS REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. Look up ODI 10865507 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Power Train	0	1 ODI 10622265 · 80,000 mi AUDI CLAIMS THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ON THOSE VEHICLES ARE LIFETIME AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE SERVICE. UNFORTUNATE THE TIMING CHANGE TENSIONERS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH THE WEAR OUT AT ABOUT 50K MILES, CAUSING A START UP RATTLE AND EVENTUALLY ENGINE EXPLOSION FROM THE CHAIN COMING OF THE GUIDES AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND CAUSING A MASSIVE ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. HUNDREDS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ONE ARE REPORTED ONLINE FROM THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVEN YOUTUBE VIDEOS. NOT TO MENTION THAT EVERY TIME YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE AND COMPLAINT TO AUDI … Look up ODI 10622265 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Visibility	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 6.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 22,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10178832 · 22,500 mi

Look up ODI 10178832 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10446471

2004 AUDI S4. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE, POWER BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE HAD SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH WAS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN OR ADJUSTERS. THE CONSUMER WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $24,000 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE LEARNED IT WAS A RELATIVELY COMMON PROBLEM FOR HIS MODEL AND YEAR. THE SPECIFIC MECHANICAL FLAW SEEMED TO BE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN COORDINATED THE ACTION BETWEEN THE PISTONS AND THE VALVES. T…

Look up ODI 10446471 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 31,992 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10261478 · 31,992 mi

Look up ODI 10261478 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 102,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11036013 · 102,000 mi

AFTER ENGINE COOLS DOWN, TIMING CHAIN RATTLE CAN BE HEARD UPON STARTING THE CAR. CHAIN RATTLE MEANS THAT PLASTIC GUIDES OR ADJUSTERS ARE WORN, AND MIGHT GO ANY SECOND. SPOKE WITH AUDI REP ONLINE, WHICH ADVISES ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL, AND EXPECTED. KNOWING BASICS OF ENGINES AND TRANSMISSION, I DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS "LIFE TIME" AND IS NOT SERVICEABLE, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S PLASTIC (WHICH TENDS TO SHRINK AND EXPAND DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURES, AND THEN HAS FRACTURES WHICH SNAPS). TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT LICENSED AUDI SHOPS CONFIRMED THAT T…

Look up ODI 11036013 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 102,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11036013 · 102,000 mi

Look up ODI 11036013 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b