This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi S4 steering problems
moderate 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Audi S4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 0-25,000 mi band — 5 of 8 complaints with an odometer reading on file land there.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe four distinct steering problems on the 2013 S4. One vehicle experienced complete power steering module failure four days after purchase, requiring replacement and roadside assistance.
Far more common are electronic steering issues tied to the new electric power steering system. Most frequent is on-center notchiness—the steering wheel acts like a gearbox with discrete notches rather than smooth response, especially noticeable when centered. Owners report the wheel feels trapped until turned 1–2 inches, then suddenly grabs or overcompensates. This notchiness occurs throughout the steering range, worse in cold weather, and sometimes disappears without repair.
Second is loss of straight-line tracking. The steering feels disconnected from the road; the vehicle drifts or weaves across lanes without driver input, particularly at highway speed, requiring constant correction. One owner reported the problem worsened immediately after an unauthorized power steering software update (48K8) applied during routine service.
One owner also reported the steering wheel self-steering—turning from center to 3 o'clock without input during a highway lane change.
Dealerships perform alignment, chamber, control arm, and sensor diagnostics without resolving the issues. Audi claims the notchiness is normal system behavior, not a defect. Multiple owners report Audi USA and regional dealerships deny awareness despite hundreds of complaints on Audi forums.
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Module Failure
Complete loss of power steering function requiring module replacement. Occurred within days of purchase on at least one vehicle, causing inability to turn the wheel with normal effort and displaying a power steering malfunction warning on the console.
When: 4 days after purchase on one vehicle; unspecified timing on others
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering function; Extreme difficulty turning steering wheel; Power steering malfunction warning on console
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering module replacement required
Electronic Steering On-Center Notchiness
Electronic power steering exhibits a notchy, stepped feeling at or near center position (12 o'clock), where the steering wheel acts like a gear with discrete detent positions rather than smooth, continuous response. Owners report the wheel feels locked or trapped until turned approximately 1-2 inches, then suddenly grabs. Occurs most commonly when wheel is centered but can appear throughout the steering range.
When: Various; some intermittent, worse in cold weather; some after power steering software update (48K8)
Symptoms owners cite: Notchy, stepped feeling at steering wheel center; Steering wheel feels locked or trapped until moved 1-2 inches; Sudden grab or overcompensation when steering finally responds; Notches throughout entire steering range on hard inputs; Problem intermittent—present sometimes, absent other times; Worse in cold conditions; Non-responsive to steering input from center at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: G85 steering angle sensor, Power steering end lock adaptation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships performed alignment checks, chamber checks, reset front lower control arms, U-joint inspection, and steering angle sensor basic settings without resolution. Some owners report latest steering rack replacement suggested as potential fix but refused by dealer until issue reproduced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi dealerships claim issue is a 'characteristic' of the electronic steering system and not a defect. Multiple owners report Audi USA and regional dealerships deny awareness of the problem despite complaints appearing across online forums. Dealerships refuse to replace steering rack until issue is reproduced.
Electronic Steering Centering Loss / Lane Drift
Steering loses ability to maintain straight-line tracking; vehicle veers or weaves side-to-side without driver input. Steering wheel position does not change, but car drifts from lane to lane. Owners describe a 'slip and connect' feeling where steering feels disconnected from wheels, requiring constant correction to maintain lane position.
When: Most pronounced at highway speeds and above 50 mph; occurs at all speeds; one case triggered after unauthorized power steering update (48K8)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle veers or weaves left and right without steering input; Steering feels disconnected or loosely connected to wheels; Large steering inputs produce only minor corrections; Requires constant steering corrections to drive straight; Vehicle drifts across lanes without driver input; Slip and grab sensation in steering feedback; Most pronounced at highway speeds when wheel is centered
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership performed multiple diagnostic checks including road tests, alignment/chamber checks, control arm reset, U-joint inspection, and steering angle sensor settings without correcting the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership performed unauthorized power steering update (48K8) during routine oil change; multiple subsequent visits and adjustments failed to resolve resulting steering problems. Dealerships claim vehicle operates normal compared to other vehicles with same system. Audi Commonwealth, Audi Newport, and Audi USA claim no knowledge of issue.
Electronic Steering Self-Steer Event
Steering system briefly steers vehicle without driver input, causing involuntary lane changes at highway speed. One owner reported steering self-steering from center (12 o'clock) to 3 o'clock position while switching lanes on highway.
When: Occurred during highway lane change in one reported case; unspecified in others
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel moves without driver input; Vehicle involuntarily changes lanes at highway speed; Self-steer occurs in comfort mode
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The steering of my 2013 Audi s4 has two problems that make driving very dangerous: 1) the steering slips at the center position either a little bit to the left or to the right, so the car will not go straight on highway speeds. The car requires constant steering corrections to go straight. 2) the steering feels notchy between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. It is like the steering is…
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…
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…
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.
My 2013 Audi s4 went into the dealership for its first free oil change. Without my permission they installed an update on my power steering(48k8) and now my car veers from one lane to another. My steering wheel does not move yet my car goes from the right side of the road to the other. The dealers "act" like they have never heard of this problem, yet it is all over the internet. Audi commonwealth…
The power steering in my new 2013 Audi s4 failed while driving 4 days after purchase. I couldn't turn the wheel and needed lot of effort to turn it. I luckily managed to get back home. The power steering malfunction showed up on console when I was going at 35mph and I panicked but managed to control the car. I couldn't even park the car.as I took the car from a dealer who is 40miles away from my…
My 2013 Audi s4 exhibits an alarming tendency to weave from side to side without a steering input. This occurs without a change in steering wheel position, vehicle speed, or change in road surface or prevailing wind direction. It is more pronounced at highway speeds and when wheel is centered at 12 o'clock but does occur at all speeds and steering vectors. Audi dealership notes the problem and…
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.
Car intermittently develops a "notchiness" around the center point and is non-responsive to steering input from center at highway speeds. There are many similar complaints on Audi discussion forums. *tr
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2013 Audi S4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 3,500 and 21,000 miles, with the median around 5,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 21,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.