audi S4 problems
0 safety recalls. 22 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE…
VEHICLE FLASHES A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING AND MOST ELECTRONICS WENT DEAD. VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE CAUSING ME TO NEARLY BE REAR ENDED. AFTER TURNING OFF CAR AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER RANDOMLY EVERY MILE OR SO. THIS CREATED VERY UNSAFE CONDITIONS…
WHILE DRIVING APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, I RECEIVED A "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION. OK TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY" ERROR. THE CAR THEN BARELY ACCELERATED AND I COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 20MPH (I WAS ON A BUSY ROAD SPEED LIMIT 35MPH BUT EVERYONE GOES ABOUT 50). I WAS…
I HAVE A COMPLAINT AUDI S4 AND OTHER AUDI CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS I'M HAVING YOU CAN BE DRIVING ON THE MAIN ROAD OR ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOSES POWER AND EXCELLERATION . I FOUND THAT AS A PROBLEM TO THE SAFETY OF ME AND THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Audi S4 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 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.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Audi S4?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 14 complaints filed. 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. 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 2012 Audi S4?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 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 aren't always better value.