Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1994 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.
8
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 | 6 | 75% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 13% | 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
DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN CAUSE SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence
SOME ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS, TURN SIGNALS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LAMPS, POWER WIND0WS AND AIR CONDITIONERS CAN MALFUNCTION WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECALL OOV068000; KY CONSUMER CONTACTED T MANUFACTURER, MANUFACTURER STATED THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. CONSUMER NOTED IN COLD WEATHER FUEL LEAKS AT THE LINE, LINES ARE VERY WET. ALSO, A GAS SMELL IN PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. *AK”
“THERE IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUDI 94S4, OTHER MODEL YEAR S CARS AND OTHER AUDI CARS WITH THE 100 BODY. WHEN THE PLASTIC PART THAT CONNECTS THE THROTTLE BODY TO THE THROTTLE CABLE BREAKS, THE ENGINE GOES UP TO 7000 RPM (OVER RED LINE). IF IN HEAVILY CONGESTED TRAFFIC AS I…”
The record is thin — 8 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 1994 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.