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Audi S4
Sedan · Gas · 30 versions · owner report
Ranked #21 of 23 used luxury compact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is deeply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on owner expectations and financial preparedness.
9 problems reported (3 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming chain guide failure
Requires engine-out service, catastrophic if failed, guides can crack causing chain slack.
- Very frequentGeneral high cost of maintenance
Engine-out service needed for many repairs, expensive parts.
- Very frequentHigh maintenance and repair costs
Brake jobs ($1,500+), control arms, water pumps, thermostats, PCV valves.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
Common failure point across model years.
- RecurrentRocker arm failure
Primarily noted in early B9 models (2018-2019).
- RecurrentDSG/S tronic transmission service costs
Expensive maintenance item.
- RecurrentOil changes are expensive
Requires 9.5+ quarts of oil.
- RecurrentComplexity of repairs
Tight engine bays make DIY work difficult.
- IsolatedPotential piston skirt/engine failure (EA839)
Isolated but serious concern discussed in owner communities, leading to manufacturer extended warranty scrutiny.
The version owners recommend
B8.5 Generation (circa 2013-2016): This iteration of the supercharged 3.0T V6 is consistently highlighted for its proven reliability, strong performance, and the inclusion of a desirable dual-clutch (S tronic) or manual transmission in some models. It is seen as having resolved early B8 issues while avoiding the potential new-engine concerns of the later B9 and the catastrophic timing issues of the older B6/B7 V8 models.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 3 Series (M340i, M3), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C63 AMG), Lexus IS, Genesis G70 and Subaru WRX/STI.
Is the S4 right for you?
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is deeply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on owner expectations and financial preparedness. For the B8/B8.5 generation (circa 2010-2016) with the supercharged 3.0T V6, feedback is overwhelmingly positive, praising the engine as a "beast" with great power, low-end torque, and a strong reliability track record when properly maintained. This generation is frequently described as a practical, fast, and comfortable daily driver that blends performance with family usability. In stark contrast, sentiment for the B6/B7 generation (circa 2004-2008) with the 4.2L V8 is extremely cautious to negative, dominated by severe and very expensive timing chain guide failures that require an engine-out service, making these cars viewed as potential financial pitfalls. For the newer B9 generation (circa 2017+), sentiment is cautiously optimistic regarding the EA839 3.0T engine's reliability, but with recurrent warnings about high maintenance costs and isolated but serious concerns over specific engine failures (e.g., rocker arms, pistons). Across all generations, there is a strong consensus that these are not cars for budget-conscious or first-time owners, as repair costs align with the vehicle's original premium price.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a refined, all-weather, practical performance sedan. Frequently compared to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, with owners noting the S4 offers superior Quattro all-wheel-drive traction and often better value on the used market, but may lack the ultimate driving engagement or brand prestige of its rivals. Compared to more affordable performance cars like the Subaru WRX or Volkswagen Golf R, the S4 is seen as offering a significantly more luxurious interior, greater refinement, and smoother power delivery, but at a much higher cost of ownership. The consensus is that it is an excellent "do-it-all" car that balances performance, comfort, and practicality, rather than a focused sports sedan.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is preferred by enthusiasts for engagement. Quattro all-wheel drive is universally recommended. For winter driving, dedicated winter tires (e.g., Michelin X-Ice Snow) are strongly advised. For B9 models, a model year 2019 or newer is suggested to potentially avoid early rocker arm issues. For any used purchase, a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) including a compression test and a check for timing chain rattle on cold start (for V8 models) is considered mandatory. An extended warranty is frequently recommended for financial peace of mind.
General recommendations
Only suitable for owners who have significant disposable income for maintenance and unexpected repairs, with a common estimate of $1,500-$2,000 USD per year for upkeep. Not recommended as a first car or for owners who cannot afford sudden multi-thousand-dollar repairs. Essential to verify complete service history. For B6/B7 V8 models, purchasing is only advised if the timing chain service has been definitively completed with documentation, or if the buyer has an immediate $7,000-$10,000 USD reserved for the repair. For all generations, learning to perform basic maintenance yourself can mitigate some costs. Purchase price should be considered merely the entry fee.
Remarks
The owner experience is entirely defined by the powertrain generation. The 4.2L V8's reputation is irrevocably tied to its timing chain design flaw, making those cars essentially "project cars" or for specialists only. The supercharged 3.0T V6 (B8/B8.5) has achieved a reputation as one of Audi's more reliable performance engines, fostering a loyal owner base. The turbocharged 3.0T V6 (B9) is still under evaluation; while generally considered reliable, emerging issues like rocker arm and potential piston failures have introduced caution. The community strongly emphasizes that reliability is achievable through meticulous, proactive, and well-funded maintenance, contradicting the blanket "unreliable" stereotype, but affirming the "expensive to maintain" reality. Analysis based on approximately 85 substantive owner discussions and comments across multiple generations.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
S4 (B9)2016–202428 complaints · 11 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): electrical system (16) · back over prevention (9) · unknown or other (6)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the B9 S4 generally describe it as a well-built, fun-to-drive, and solid car when properly maintained, with praise for its design, dynamic mode, and the strong low-RPM torque of the 3.0T engine.
15 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentRocker arm wear leading to engine failure, particularly on 2018 and early 2019 cars
- Very frequentCatastrophic engine failure with low compression or cylinder 6 damage, often on tuned cars
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure, sometimes sending coolant into the vacuum system
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPCV valve failure
- RecurrentCarbon buildup
- RecurrentTelecommunications/gateway module failure causing loss of Bluetooth
Nav, SOS, and MyAudi connectivity, with long parts waits.
- RecurrentExpensive brakes and service intervals
- IsolatedEvaporator failure requiring major labor
- IsolatedLower control arm bushing wear
- IsolatedRattling door panels
- IsolatedWireless Apple CarPlay issues, sometimes linked to the MyAudi app
- IsolatedSensor and electrical warnings triggered by a weak battery
- IsolatedUnderboost from coolant migration into the vacuum system
- Isolated360 camera switching between graphic and camera view
- IsolatedDelayed downshift around 60-70 mph in normal mode
Is a 2016–2024 S4 right for you?
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S4 (B8)2009–2015245 complaints · 5 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): power train (154) · engine (26) · steering (25)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the B8 S4 generally describe it as a reliable and engaging performance sedan, with the supercharged 3.0 engine repeatedly called solid and the manual transmission praised as a bargain.
18 problems reported (3 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 9 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming chain tensioner rattle and cracked chain guides
- Very frequentWater pump and thermostat failure
- Very frequentDSG mechatronic unit failure
+ 15 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPCV valve failure
- RecurrentCarbon buildup requiring cleaning
- RecurrentEngine mount failure
- RecurrentCoolant leaks
- RecurrentBackup camera control unit failure
- RecurrentControl arm bushing wear
- IsolatedClogged catalytic converters
- IsolatedSupercharger belt replacement
- IsolatedFuel pump check valve failure
- IsolatedSecondary air injection pump and port clogging
- IsolatedWheel bearing failure
- IsolatedSubwoofer failure
- IsolatedOil consumption
- IsolatedInterior trim and sun visor clip fragility
- IsolatedWiring loom breakage at coils
Is a 2009–2015 S4 right for you?
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S4 (8E, B7)2004–2008143 complaints · 7 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): exterior lighting (61) · engine and engine cooling (27) · air bags (20)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for this generation is sharply divided: nearly everyone praises the 4.2L V8's sound, power, and the way the car drives, but the same discussions are dominated by warnings about running costs and major engine work.
13 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 6 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming chain guide and tensioner failure
- Very frequentTiming chain service cost and engine-out labor
- RecurrentOil consumption
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentScored cylinders requiring engine replacement
- RecurrentCold-start timing chain rattle
- RecurrentCarbon buildup requiring periodic cleaning
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission reducing resale value
- IsolatedRear turn signal and bulb holder failure
- IsolatedClutch slave cylinder failure
- IsolatedSplit block O-ring leak between the block halves
- IsolatedLifter or valvetrain noise from the intake manifold area
- IsolatedSerpentine belt failure
- IsolatedElectrical gremlins
Is a 2004–2008 S4 right for you?
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S4 (8E, B6)2003–200465 complaints · 2 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): engine and engine cooling (25) · power train (13) · exterior lighting (7)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2003-2004 S4 describe it as a genuinely thrilling car to drive, praising the 4.2L V8's sound, power, and the model's understated styling, with several calling it the zenith of Audi design.
19 problems reported (4 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming chain guide and tensioner failure, requiring engine-out service
- Very frequentTiming chain rattle on cold start as the primary warning sign
- Very frequentHigh cost of the timing chain service, quoted from roughly $4,000 to $8,000+
+ 16 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentMassive oil consumption
- RecurrentScored cylinder walls, with no fix other than engine replacement
- RecurrentCamshaft adjuster failure on the back of the camshafts
- RecurrentGeneral high maintenance and parts costs relative to purchase price
- RecurrentWindow regulator and window motor failure
- RecurrentClutch and slave cylinder issues
- IsolatedElectrical gremlins
- IsolatedRear turn signal failure traced to the bulb holder
- IsolatedPower steering reservoir replacement
- IsolatedTie rod wear
- IsolatedAccessory/serpentine belt failure
- IsolatedO-ring leak between the split block and crankshaft girdle
- IsolatedDual mass flywheel problems
- IsolatedSuspension components described as fragile
- IsolatedCamshaft position sensor codes
- IsolatedCarbon buildup requiring periodic cleaning
Is a 2003–2004 S4 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2000. Years to avoid: 2010, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Audi S4 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 2 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 16 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | engine |
| 2018 | 7 | 2 | engine |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | engine |
| 2014 | 17 | 1 | steering |
| 2013 | 33 | 1 | steering |
| 2012 | 22 | 1 | power train |
| 2011 | 52 | 1 | power train |
| 2010 | 120 | 0 | power train |
| 2008 | 12 | 2 | air bags |
| 2006 | 30 | 2 | exterior lighting |
| 2005 | 43 | 2 | exterior lighting |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices26 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unitcampaign 22V806000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2020 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2020 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2019 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2018 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V547000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2018 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2015 · air bagscampaign 14V667000
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.
2014 · air bagscampaign 14V667000
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.
2013 · air bagscampaign 14V667000
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.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 15V019000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
11 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: B9
3.0 TFSI V6 quattro
3.0L 6-cylinder · 354 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2020–2024