2004 Audi S4: common problems and reliability

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. Owners most often flag *b6/b7 (4.2l v8) generation:.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

58
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
24
power train
10
engine
6
exterior lighting
6
visibility
6

Recalls affecting the 2004 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 the engine as a "beas

  • *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.
  • General high cost of maintenance — Engine-out service needed for many repairs, expensive parts. Frequency: very frequent.
  • *B8/B8.5 & B9 (3.0T V6) Generations:
  • High maintenance and repair costs — Brake jobs ($1,500+), control arms, water pumps, thermostats, PCV valves. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the S4.

Typical used price

Used S4 listings typically run $16,925–$34,160 across 2007 to 2023 model years.

Other S4 model years

2020 S42019 S42014 S42011 S42003 S4
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