This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Audi S4 steering problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 6 steering complaints filed for the 2014 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
While driving my 2014 Audi s4 on the highway and in turns, the steering goes from feeling tight to very light and back to tight again within a matter of split seconds. This causes drifting on the highway and when cornering because you're compensating for the lack of feeling for an instant and using more input than you should, then the steering gets tight again and your car steers more than it…
The vehicle exhibits "notchy" steering at highway speeds, particularly in cold weather. At or above approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel tries to "bounce" left and right rather than maintaining center--even when traveling on a straight, freshly-paved section of interstate. The driver has to constantly adjust the wheel to keep the car traveling straight. The steering functions normally…
2014 Audi s4 has dangerous steering behavior. The steering slips at the center position, will not go straight on the highway, and requires constant steering input. This is further exacerbated by a constant notchy feeling at any speed between the 10 and 2 oclock position. It is particularly bad in long sweeping turns where you can distinctly feel a notch. When in one of these turns you will…
The contact owns a 2014 Audi S4. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, he observed multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. The EPC warning light was also illuminated. The contact stated that the “Do Not Drive" message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff and failed to steer as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was…
While driving, steering can become notchy. Steering inputs are not always 100% transferred to the front wheels. There can be a "dead spot" in the steering. The car does not always follow the intended path. The problem comes and goes, and seems to be exacerbated in colder weather.
Tl*the contact owns a 2014 Audi s4. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the stop car steering system default warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Audi S4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 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?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 48,888 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 $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/2014/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.