Photo: Sfoskett / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2004 Audi S4: common problems and reliability
One of the worst S4 years.
One of the Audi S4 years to avoid. All S4 years
58 owner complaints, most about engine and engine cooling. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2004 S4?The 2004 Audi S4 has 58 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S4 years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the S4?
Across the 18 S4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 148 (2000). With 58 complaints, the 2004 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 2004 S4
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 05V096000ON 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.
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 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S4 against its rivals
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