2003 Audi S4: common problems and reliability

The 2003 Audi S4 has 7 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and steering. Owners most often flag b6/b7 (4.2l v8) generation:.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

7
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2003 a good year for the S4?

Across the 6 S4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2019) to 58 (2004). With 7 complaints, the 2003 S4 sits belowthe model's median of 17.

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

power train
3
steering
1
tires
1
engine and engine cooling
1
exterior lighting
1

Recalls affecting the 2003 S4

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 05V096000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF XENON HEADLAMP COATING DEGRADATION OVER TIME. THE LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE OF THE HEADLAMP MAY DECREASE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

What owners say across generations

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…

  • B6/B7 (4.2L V8) Generation:
  • Timing chain guide failure: Requires engine-out service, catastrophic if failed, guides can crack causing chain slack. Frequency: very frequent.

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 $16,925–$34,160 across 2007 to 2023 model years.

Other S4 model years

Compare every S4 year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.

Compare the S4 against its rivals