Avoid: 2010, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2015 (few owner reports) · Best recent: 2022
18 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 18 model years, the Audi S4 has 658 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2000 drew the most complaints (148), 2022 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $18,495–$33,900.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 52 |
| 2010 | 120 |
| 2008 | 12 |
| 2006 | 30 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2001 | 87 |
| 2000 | 148 |
Highest: 2000 (148 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (1).
Sentiment is deeply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on owner expectations and financial preparedness.
Requires engine-out service, catastrophic if failed, guides can crack causing chain slack.
Engine-out service needed for many repairs, expensive parts.
Brake jobs ($1,500+), control arms, water pumps, thermostats, PCV valves.
Common failure point across model years.
Primarily noted in early B9 models (2018-2019).
Owner insights cover all generations of the S4. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy