2002 Audi S4: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Instrument cluster on my 2002 audi s4 has failed. Without this display, the potential for a hazardous situation increases due to not being able to read the errors which would normally be displayed. I am aware of this being a very common faulty part and would recommend looking into a recall. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2008
“I bought my car with 36,xxx miles on it. The center lcd screen does not work. The car is practically brand new and the center cluster information center is busted. Its barely readable, but display important user diagnostic/info about the car (service lights, etc). This is unacceptable and I would like to prompt a recall. It's a 2002 audi s4, 2.7t the previous owner complained to me when I bought the car that it never worked for him either. (he owned car for nearly 2 years+). *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. The contact stated that the lcd screen on the instrument panel has lines running through the screen, which prevent him from viewing the information. He has not yet taken the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 5/5/09 *cn updated 05/07/09.*jb”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact own a 2002 audi s4. The center instrument panel display intermittently failed to illuminate. When the failure occurred half of the display was well lit while the other half was not. Occasionally there was also an odor similar to electrical smoke. The dealer was not notified of the failure since the lights on the instrument panel do not remain illuminated. The driver stated that a cable may be disconnected within the instrument panel which may be a common problem. The failure has occurred intermittently for one year. The failure mileage was 85,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. The contact stated that the led display on the instrument panel is not working properly and impairs visibility. The dealer stated that the display needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 47,000 and current mileage was 47,500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2007
“1. Purchased a 2002 audi s4 2.7t. 2. The auto check system in the instrument cluster does not work especially when warm. The lcd ribbon cable looses contact and doesn't display the information it should. Critical safety information is no longer displayed. 3. Was quoted obscene amounts by audi dealers to replace entire instrument cluster. $250 for a used cluster that would need the odometer adjusted for an additional fee. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. While driving approximately 45 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument panel displayed missing and faded pixels, as well as incomplete information about the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2006
“The brakes boost/vacuum assist line check valve cracks apart into two pieces. This causes the total loss of the power assisted brake system in the car and subsequently makes it very hard to stop the vehicle. There is no warning about the pending loss of brakes. One second you have brakes the next it feels like you are trying to push a brick thru the floor of the vehicle trying to get it to stop. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2006
“Ongoing complaint: brakes vibrate when stopping. Dealer reported front rotors warped and pads have chunks missing. Dealer replaced with part nos. 8d0-615-301-m front brake discs and 4b3-698-151 front brake pads/linings. The car was returned to me with the vibration still present. I contacted the dealer service advisor who advised me to drive a few hundred miles to see if the brakes bed and the vibration smoothes out. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2004
“Had a check engine light come on when diagonal, found fault 16985 aesis advised to replace ecm. Ecm was replaced, since then have been losing power during acceleration to the point where the car does not have any power then kicks back in. Taking to the dealer several times and they say they can not find anything wrong. *la”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2004
Recalls - 1 campaign
Volkswagen 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S4 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Audi S4 reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Audi S4. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 Audi S4 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.