Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1993 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.
18
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 | 11 | 61% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 17% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 11% | new |
| Other | 1 | 6% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 6% | 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.
“I RUN A SMALL REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF AUDI VEHICLES FROM 1986 TO 1998 WHICH HAVE STEEL GASOLINE LINES THAT COLLECT ROAD SALT AND RUST IN THE RUBBER SUPPORT GROMMETS ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS. THE RUST CAUSES A PINHOLE LEAK WHICH THEN BEGINS TO SPRAY GASOLINE ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I…”
“WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOT OF VIBRATION IN FRONT END. ABS BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING/LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. ALSO, FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD SMOKE COMING FROM IT. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE ROTORS AND REAR CALIPERS. *AK”
“PLASTIC THROTTLE CABLE PIECE BROKE RESULTING IN STUCK THROTTLE CONDITION. FOR AN ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT ALONG WITH PHOTOS SEE THE URL BELOW. *NM HTTP://WWW.S-CARS.ORG/POSTNUKE/MODULES.PHP?OP=MODLOAD&NAME=NEWS&FILE=ARTICLE&SID=183 ”
“WHILE DRIVING DURING A RAINSTORM THE REAR END BROKE HARD TO THE RIGHT SENDING THE VEHICLE INTO A COUNTERCLOCKWISE SPIN, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE HIT A LAMPOST.NLM ”
The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (11 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 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.