2000 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 171 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.0 times the median S4 year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 52 reports (30% of the total).

171

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Audi S4 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	52	30%	new
Brakes	49	29%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	40	23%	new
Airbags	6	4%	new
Steering	5	3%	new
Engine	4	2%	▲ up
Transmission	3	2%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	1%	new
Lighting	2	1%	new
Seat Belts	1	1%	new
Seats	1	1%	new
Speed Control	1	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	1%	new
Suspension	1	1%	— flat
Fuel System	1	1%	— flat
Driver Assistance	1	1%	new
Other	1	1%	— flat

Does the 2000 Audi S4 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V470000AirbagsJune 23, 2021 · 62,812 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE. FAILURE IS CENTER DISPLAY IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST LINES, AND GOES SO DIM AT TIMES THAT I CAN'T READ ANYTHING ON IT. THE DISPLAY GIVES IMPORTANT INFO FOR FAILURES IN SYSTEM, LIKE BRAKES, HEADLIGHTS, OIL PRESSURE LOSS, ETC. AND IF I CANNOT READ/SEE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 28, 2007

“ON OR ABOUT 11/20/00 I APPLIED BRAKES WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL. CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CAR, WHICH EVENTUALLY CRASHED INTO TELEPHONE POLE. I INJURED MY LEFT LEG. AUDI ADVISED ME THEY KNEW OF NO "DEFECT" THAT COULD CAUSE THIS ACCIDENT. ON 13/21/01 AS I APPLIED BRAKES TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 20, 2000 · crash

“BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS-60 TIRES ARE HIDEOUSLY DANGEROUS ON DRY ROADS, AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55MPH, WHEN THEY BEGIN TO LOSE TRACTION. ABOVE 65MPH, THEY ARE TERRIFYINGLY UNSTABLE AND UNPREDICTABLE. NOTE: THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE LM-25 TIRE MODEL. THESE TIRES PERFORM ADEQUATELY. THE PROBLEM IS SEVERE,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 21, 2009

“A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 50 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. NEITHER THE DRIVER NOR THE ONE PASSENGER WAS INJURED. BOTH PARTIES WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS.*AK *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 27, 2004 · crash

“A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 50 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. NEITHER THE DRIVER NOR THE ONE PASSENGER WAS INJURED. BOTH PARTIES WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS.*AK *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 27, 2004 · crash

2000 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2000 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 171 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (52 complaints), brakes (49 complaints), tires & wheels (40 complaints).

Does the 2000 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi S4 years should you avoid?

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.

How does 2000 compare to other S4 years?

What are the most common 2000 Audi S4 problems?

Does the 2000 Audi S4 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2000 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2000 Audi S4 reliable?

What are the most common 2000 S4 problems?

Does the 2000 Audi S4 have recalls?

Which Audi S4 years should you avoid?

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