The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi S4 powertrain problems
moderate 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 8 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Audi S4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Reported failure mileage clusters in the 25,000-50,000 mi band — 5 of 7 complaints with an odometer reading on file land there.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information when event memory entries cannot be deleted (Mode$0A error) on gearboxes: DL501, DL382/DL382E and DQ500.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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.
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.
The problems started by a warning on my display saying to pull over gear box or transmission failure. You have seconds to pull over before the car no longer functions. Even though you are in gear all that happens is the engine revs and you go no where. My car has only 38,500 miles on it and is out of warranty by a couple of months. I had the car tuned adding somewhere around 100 hp 6,000 miles…
Dsg issues. Clunking when downshifting into 1st / 2nd when stopping. Shift hesitation on upshift as well .
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.
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.
Transmission warning indicator on, shift hard
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Audi S4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Audi S4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 44,790 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Audi/S4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.