2001 Audi S4: common problems and reliability
One of the worst S4 years.
One of the Audi S4 years to avoid. All S4 years
87 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2001 S4?The 2001 Audi S4 has 87 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2001 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S4 years only. How we score it
Is 2001 a good year for the S4?
Across the 18 S4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 148 (2000). With 87 complaints, the 2001 S4 sits above the model's median of 22.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2001 S4
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 21V470000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is deeply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on owner expectations and financial preparedness.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S4. See the full S4 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used S4 listings typically run $18,495–$33,900 across 2010 to 2023 model years.
Other S4 model years
Compare every S4 year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S4 against its rivals
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