Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1992 Audi S4 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 3 | 60% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 20% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 20% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL FEED LINE CONNECTING THE FUEL FILTER TO THE ENGINE CAN PREMATURELY AGE AND SHRINK THROUGH EXPOSURE TO HIGH UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURE CAUSED BY THE TURBOCHARGER.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN FUEL SEEPAGE AT THE CONNECTION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL FEED LINE FROM THE FUEL FILTER TO THE ENGINE WITH A FUEL LINE OF SHRINKAGE-PROOF MATERIAL.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT THE SENSOR SHOULD MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“METAL BRAIDED FUEL LINE WOULD INTERMITENTLY LEAK , WITH RESULTED IN GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE CAB. GAS WOULD SEEP FROM THE FITTING BETWEEN THE BRAIDED LINE AND THE SOLID FUEL LINE. FUEL LINE IS VERY CLOSE TO THE HOT TURBO AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. LINE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER WITHOUT CHARGE, AFTER…”
“AUDI'S ELECTRIC SUN ROOF WITH PRESELECT FEATURE CAIN MAIM OR KILL BECAUS EIT HAS NO STOP SWITCH TO PREVENT CRUSHING BODY PART IN THE WAY OF CLOSING SUN ROOF. *AK”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S4 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2006, 2013, 2020, 2011, 2002. The cleanest record among S4 years belongs to 2009.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.