2004 Audi S4: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2005
1
recalls
29
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 29 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)11 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)4 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)2 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)2 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)2 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)2 complaints
“Hankook tires, ventus s1 noble 2 splitting outside sidewall, caused to depressure tire, which caused to crack tire on the inner sidewall subsequently led to manufacturer claim blame on my vehicle. The tire model is under a recall, but in different size, but identical walls, manufacturing process. My vehicle's tire size 235/40/r18. Recalled: ventus s1 noble2 '245/45r18 96w', '245/40r19 94w', '275/35r19 96w proper tire pressure was maintained and checked weekly for 3years, since the vehicle was purchased.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi s4. While driving at night, the low beam head lamps failed to illuminate without warning. While attempting to the head lamp bulbs, the contact noticed that the wiring was burned and damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2015
“Xenon headlamps wiring all corroded and bare with no insulation left. Check with audi and they said our vehicle and VIN is not part of any recall. Yet rcorrd-05v096-4498 in your database shows a mofification letter from vw to include our VIN. There is no record according to audi service shops that show any recall work done to our headlights. I have attached a picture that shows the deteriation of the electrical wiring and headlamps to our 2004 audi s4. Would appreciate some assistance to having our headlamps replaced for safety reasons.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“On saturday morning 12/15/2014 start my card and heard a rattle noise on the engine, first time it make that noise since I bought it. On my way to work I started hearing the rattle noise again but this time it was louder I was driving around 40 mph when this happened. The car started vibrating and kept making the rattle noise on the engine. I just bought this car not even a week ago, and already started having engine problems. I took it to the mechanic and found out the engine might need to be replace soon, since that's a common problem with this cars and that that's one of the signs that the engine might go bad soon. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
“2004 audi s4. Consumer states vehicle failed while driving, engine, power brakes and steering locked up *tgw the dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle had suffered catastrophic engine failure, which was most likely due to the failure of the timing chain or adjusters. The consumer was quoted a price of $24,000 for the repairs. The consumer has since learned it was a relatively common problem for his model and year. The specific mechanical flaw seemed to be that the timing chain coordinated the action between the pistons and the valves. The timing chain was supported by several plastic guides. The guides pushed against the chain by the adjusters. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi s4. The contact was driving 25 mph when the steering wheel failed and became stiff and hard to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed there was a punctured hose causing the steering to fail. The contact also mentioned on a separate occasion that he heard a squealing noise after the brakes were depressed. The failure caused the brakes to malfunction when they were applied. The dealer stated the brakes needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage was 114,000.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2011
“Audi claims that the timing chain on those vehicles are lifetime and does not need to be service. Unfortunate the timing change tensioners are made of plastic which the wear out at about 50k miles, causing a start up rattle and eventually engine explosion from the chain coming of the guides and destroying the entire engine and causing a massive accident at high speed. Hundreds of problems like this one are reported online from thousands of people even youtube videos. Not to mention that every time you bring your vehicle and complaint to audi the claim that the rattle is normal; just to find out that is the first clue of future engine failure. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2011
“Engine failure going 45mph due to broken valve spring. Faulty part documented in 5/2005 usa today but audi will not repair. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2009
“While in rain all windows fogging up from inside, unable to defog, the a/c will not turn on, checked for leaks - no leaks observed, sporadically the a/c turns on and off, very common problem in cars from this year, may cause damage and injury. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2009
“2004 s4 wipers stop working (stop in the middle of windshield) in rain, motor works seems as something sized, in some situations may cause big damage and injury. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · May 2009
Recalls - 1 campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS05V096000 · Mar 2005
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Drive typeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Body stylesConvertible/Cabriolet
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 2004 Audi S4 reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Audi S4. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2004 Audi S4 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.