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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-AUDI-S4NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Audi
2011 Audi S4 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 26 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2011 Audi S4 has 26 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 22 complaints, typically surfacing around 61,838 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 S4?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2011 Audi S4? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 22 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,838 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 S4· powertrain
Dec 5 2016, while pulling out of my driveway in route to a scheduled service appointment at Audi of asheville, my 2011 Audi s4 lurched and several warnings came up including "dsg failure, no reverse, TPMS warning", followed by "you may continue to drive". Within 5 miles and at…
Transmission shifts clunk when coming to a stop from 3, 2, to 1, and shifts noisily and abruptly particularly in stop and go traffic, or in extreme temperatures ie middle of summer on a hot day. *tr
Audi recently replaced my 2nd thermostat (1st was 11/2012 and the 2nd was 11/24/2014), not under warranty, and returned my car to me after holding onto my car for two weeks. I was told that my vehicle checked out okay via a diagnostic and mechanics review. I drove my s4 for two…
This issue concerns my Audi 2011 s4, a car that I took delivery on in april, 2011. I have had numerous problems with the car since the delivery, however, it is a safety concern that has caused this specific filing. The problem seems to be with the dsg transmission. On…
Had a problem with your 2011 Audi S4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Audi S4 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Audi S4 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Audi S4?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Audi S4 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Audi S4?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 22 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Audi S4 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 26 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 61,838 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Audi S4?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 22 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 61,838 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi S4 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Audi S4?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 26 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Audi/S4.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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