Audi S4 years to avoid (and the best years)
174 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls across 6 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 174complaints
- 5recalls
- 2reported crashes
- 2reported fires
- 1reported injuries
Which Audi S4 years should you avoid?
No Audi S4 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Audi S4 year has 24 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2010 (60).
What are the best Audi S4 years?
The Audi S4 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (16), 2014 (17) and 2012 (22). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 16 | 0.7× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 17 | 0.7× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2013 | 33 | 1.4× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2012 | 22 | 0.9× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2011 | 26 | 1.1× | 1 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2010 | 60 | 2.5× | 0 | 2 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 103 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain79 (77%)
- Electrical & infotainment17 (17%)
- Other systems4 (4%)
- Brakes2 (2%)
- Steering, suspension & tires1 (<1%)
Recalls (5)
Tires · 22V034000 · Jan 2022 · model year 2020
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V874000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2020
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Suspension · 21V295000 · Apr 2021 · model year 2020
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V019000 · Jan 2015 · model years 2011, 2012
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 14V667000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
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.