2013 Audi S4: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (61% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2024
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2019
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2017
“Serious steering issue going on. Entered highway in comfort mode, accelerated and switched lanes to passing lane when suddenly the steering had a tormented moment and decided to steer itself from the 12:00 o'clock to 3:00 o'clock position, while driving at highway speed. This is very dangerous as I had a car on the right of me and my car tried to drive itself into their lane. The steering also has notchiness going on, and has been confirmed by my local dealership, but only at low speeds. This issue is life-threatening and needs to be addressed by audi.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2017
“Vehicle will not drive straight when steering wheel is centered. There appears to be a "notch" at the center, requiring constant adjustment to maintain a straight path at highway speed. This appears to be a common issue. I have had multiple alignments performed to attempt to correct the issue. The dealer has reproduced the issue and has stated that this is normal.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2016
“Steering wheel slips causing the vehicle to veer right or left without movement of the steering wheel. Constant adjustments must be made just to keep the car aligned in a straight position. Gets worse when going around long turns. Very scary and unrealiable to drive. Would never let anyone I cared about drive the car. What a waste of 70k. Dealership claims they have never heard of the problem yet it is all over the internet with common problems and some people getting it fixed while others cant. Scared to drive the car above 35mph. Terrible steering issue.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2015
“This vehicle is known for having a faulty mechatronics unit. The mechatronics unit does not work correctly, and causes jerking and instability to the dsg transmission. I have almost rear ended other vehicles at red lights because the transmission will jerk forward unexpectedly and lunge me forward toward the vehicle ahead. This is not only an issue that a prestigious name like audi should not have, but it is a huge safety issue. Audi of america is aware of this problem, but chooses to ignore it for the sake of not having to cover repairs for all the vehicles reporting this issue. A simple google search will yield results of just how common and widespread this issue is. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2014
“Rather than a smooth linear feedback the steering wheel feels as if it has notches in it. The wheel at times can be hard to maintain centered and keeping the car on a straight track requires constant adjustment from one side of a notch to another. The dealer refuses to acknowledge the problem.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2013
“The vehicle will not start. Not with the "key" or the button starter. Audi service claims its the battery but when the roadside service shows up its not the battery, so now a tow truck has to be called. This can happen at anytime and any place. Audi denies it is a computer issue but yet the vehicle completely shuts down and nothing is available - electronically or more importantly manually. Don't be out late at night or you might be a victim to more than a broken down vehicle. By the way this vehicle is less than one month old. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2013
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
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 2013 Audi S4 reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Audi S4. The most complained-about area is steering (61% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Audi S4 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 9,500 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Audi S4 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. 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.