VehicleVerdict

Audi S4 years to avoid

The Audi S4 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2006, 2013, 2020, 2011, 2002 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.

721

Total complaints

16

Recall campaigns

1989–2022

Years covered

10

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

S4 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2000High complaint rate171
2001High complaint rate92
2010High complaint rate73
2005High complaint rate54
2004High complaint rate37
2006High complaint rate37
2013High complaint rate34
2020High complaint rate34
2011High complaint rate34
2002High complaint rate31

Every S4 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202211
202124
2020avoid343
201931
201892
201511
2014231
2013avoid341
2012271
2011avoid341
2010avoid730
200902
200842
2007212
2006avoid372
2005avoid542
2004avoid371
200311
2002avoid311
2001avoid921
2000avoid1711
199601
199512
199482
1993182
199252
199101
199001
198901

Common questions

What are the worst Audi S4 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the S4 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2006, 2013, 2020, 2011, 2002. The cleanest year on record is 2009.

What is the best year for the Audi S4?

By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S4 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Audi S4 have?

Across all model years, the S4 has 16 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 721 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.