Audi S4 B8 (2009–2015)
Generation-specific owner insights from 136+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–2015 S4?
245
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2015
5
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
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
The version owners recommend
Owners consistently favor the 2013+ B8.5, citing the revised dual-clutch transmission with fewer mechatronic problems and updated MMI with Bluetooth audio streaming. The 3.0 supercharged V6 is regarded as the strong point across all years, and the manual transmission is repeatedly praised as a bargain and desirable. The 2013 model year is the most frequently recommended within the generation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 135i, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes (equivalent models), Volkswagen Golf GTI/R and Mazda3.
Is a 2009–2015 S4 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
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. The dominant criticism is the cost of maintenance and the frequency of peripheral failures, particularly around the cooling system, timing chain tensioners, and the DSG transmission. A clear split exists between early B8 (2009-2012) and later B8.5 (2013-2015) cars: owners consistently say the facelift has revised, more durable DSG/mechatronic hardware and fewer problems, while the pre-facelift is repeatedly flagged for mechatronic failure and timing chain tensioner issues. Several owners describe the car as a "needy relationship" that rewards diligent maintenance but punishes neglect.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the B8 S4 as more reliable than the equivalent-era Mercedes and BMW, with one owner calling it "much better than the Merc/BMW equivalent" and another saying it is "one of if not the best option" for a luxury four-door sports car. Against the Golf GTI/R, owners say the S4 is the better car but that "everything is more expensive" to run. Against Japanese alternatives like the Mazda3, Honda Accord, and Lexus, owners acknowledge those are cheaper and more reliable but argue they are not comparable, with one dismissing the Mazda3 comparison outright. Against the BMW 135i, owners say the Audi will need "a few more but cheaper things" while the supercharged 3.0 with AWD is the better performing ride. The B8 is also positioned as a better handling, more reliable, and more tunable choice than the older B7 S4.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2013 or later B8.5 for the revised DSG and updated MMI. The manual transmission is favored for reliability and driving engagement. Owners advise confirming the car has the sport differential and Audi drive select, with one stating that without the sport differential, buyers should keep looking. For DSG cars, owners stress documented fluid and filter changes every 30k-45k miles (some say every 35k or 40k). A pre-purchase inspection by a German-specialist shop is strongly and repeatedly advised.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who can set aside a maintenance fund of roughly $3-4k and who are willing to stay on top of service, ideally doing some work themselves. Owners warn that those expecting typical Japanese-maintenance costs will be "sorely mistaken." Prefer 2013+ B8.5 models for the revised DSG and updated infotainment; approach pre-facelift 2009-2012 cars with extra caution around the mechatronic unit and timing chain tensioners. On inspection, listen for cold-start timing chain rattle lasting more than about one second, check for coolant leaks at the thermostat and water pump, verify DSG service records, and check engine mounts for hydraulic fluid leaks. Owners repeatedly advise avoiding dealerships for out-of-warranty work in favor of trusted independent shops, and caution that a tuned car should be assumed to have been driven hard.
Remarks
Owners note that the B8/B8.5 Avant was not sold in North America, which several lament. The 3.0 supercharged engine is widely described as detuned from the factory, making it responsive to ECU tuning, and many owners report running stage 1 or stage 2 tunes with satisfaction. A recurring theme is that the engine, drivetrain, and interior are strong while the surrounding plastic components are the weak point. One owner noted that a California car with an APR Stage 2 tune will not pass smog without reverting to stock. Analysis based on approximately 136 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
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.
2011 · 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.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.