RoadVitals

2013 Audi S4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Aug 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Oct 24, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Audi S4, most frequently naming the steering, powertrain (other) and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 873 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V667000

AIR BAGS

Oct 24, 2014
101,938 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.
The risk: If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69K5View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 33
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 26, 2026

Transmission fail while driving and stationary at traffic light. Main DTC: P179F00 - Drive sensor position: malfunction Additional DTC: P179E00 - Drive sensor position: electrical malfunction ABS: 00473 Parking brake: U111300 TCM: 01315 This situation occurred 3 times in the past 3 weeks while driving or being stationary at a traffic light. Event triggers loud warning sounds, red flashing lights/icons in dashboard, total loss of power while engine still running. At this time, this problem creates highly dangerous driving conditions with random total loss of power. The situation is temporarily remedied if engine is shut off and restarted.

NHTSA ID
11759753
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2025

Engine mount failure at 60,000 miles

NHTSA ID
11638289
Incident
Dec 1, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 25, 2024

At times Vehicle suddenly loses power and displays “transmission malfunction:you may continue driving” but then fails to accelerate to or maintain highway speeds. Other times when vehicle is stopped in traffic the transmission delays engaging when pressing in the accelerator and thus causes an unexpected delay to movement or if on an incline will roll backwards.

NHTSA ID
11627233
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
Electrical
Filed Dec 30, 2022

My MMI 5F module went out right after an oil change service on Nov 12, 2022 I called them as soon as I got home to inform Leader automotive in Normal Il. I was told I would not be able to be seen until January 5 2023 at 1:pm. I then called back a few days later and was able to move that appointment to Dec 16 at 10:00am. I paid $179.11for them to inspect and locate the issue: according to leader automotive the 5f module is bad and needs replaced. In my print out it states it is no longer in production. This part # 8RI-035-746-C is my entire control module that controls all my safety sensors, fluid levels, tire pressure, suspension control, navigation, hands free technology etc... I contacted Audi USA via Facebook and asked why the part is no longer in production. Via Instant messenger on Dec 16 2022 I answered all their questions and was told by Audi USA they would get back to me on in 2-3 days. I have heard nothing from them. When you try and call the hold times are 3.5-5 hours. No warning signs that the unit was failing other than the radio would turn on and off. It would not stay on long enough to reset tire pressure etc... after they inspected it it no longer turns on at all. My car is a 2013 Audi S4 that has had all the required maintenance performed by Audi. It has 50K miles on it. Well taken care of. I was told by [XXX] that the part is no longer made. I could search a junk yard to find the part and they will put it in at a cost of $283.50. She also said it sucked that they no longer make the part. I asked if the entire system could be replaced I was told no as she kinda laughed at my question. I asked about the safety of my car now and again she just stated that it sucked for me. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11499556
Incident
Nov 12, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 11, 2020

DSG ISSUES. CLUNKING WHEN DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST / 2ND WHEN STOPPING. SHIFT HESITATION ON UPSHIFT AS WELL .

NHTSA ID
11363839
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Mileage
36,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 15, 2019

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS STRANGE WHEN COLD. ACTS LIKE IT LOOSED POWER EVERY SHIFT. STRANGE CLUNKING AS WELL ON SLOW SPEEDS OR NUMBER TO NUMBER TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES IT SCARED ME THAT IT WILL JUMP FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR ON FRONT OF ME.

NHTSA ID
11280436
Incident
Nov 15, 2019
Mileage
33,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 9, 2017

TRANSMISSION ERROR, AT FIRST SAYS YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING IN LIMP MODE BUT SHORTLY AFTER SAYS PUT CAR INTO PARK. GOT STUCK ON THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES IN A SINGLE 10 MILE TRIP.

NHTSA ID
11032341
Incident
Oct 6, 2017
Mileage
38,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 14, 2017

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARSHLY AND MAKES NOISE DURING SHIFTS. WAS TOLD THE MECHATRONICS NEED REPLACEMENT. SOMETIMES WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL JOLT AS IF IT IT LOSES POWER MOMENTARILY. WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC IN COULD BE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11023449
Incident
Sep 1, 2017
Mileage
58,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2074436_3

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

TSB_2069904_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.

TSB_2069078_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

TSB_2079732_2

This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.

TSB_2075120_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.

TSB_2072304_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi S4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022110—
2021240—
2020163041.2
2019210—
2018720—
2017000—
2016000—
2015110—
2014171031.6
2013Viewing331036.1
2012221040.2
2011261038.1
2010600034.4
2009020—
2008420—
2007132048.3
2006302040.3
2005432045.0
2004291034.7
2003110—
2002221032.7
2001871039.2
20001431039.6
1999000—
1998000—
1996010—
1995121—
1994721—
1993162145.8
1992521—
1991010—
1990010—
1989010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.