VehicleVerdict

2001 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 92 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.2 times the median S4 year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 52% of all reports (48 of 92), far ahead of engine at 12.

92

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted171 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 5 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints2000: 171 complaints2001: 92 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 37 complaints2005: 54 complaints2006: 37 complaints2007: 21 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 73 complaints2011: 34 complaints2012: 27 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 1 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 1 complaints
S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4852%
Engine1213%
Tires & Wheels1011%
Seats67%
Airbags33%
Brakes33%
Lighting33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seat Belts11%
Fuel System11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2001 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.

“MY 2001 AUDI S4 WAS STOLEN IN SPRINGFIELD, NJ AND RECOVERED IN NEWARK, NJ. THE TOTAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS APPROXIMATELY $8000. I BELIEVE THAT THIS THEFT WAS POSSIBLE LARGELY BECAUSE OF A SIGNIFICANT FLAW IN THE SECURITY SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY, THE DOORLOCK MECHANISM IS DIRECTLY TIED TO THE ALARM,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2001 · crash

“CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH BLOWN TURBOS. AUDI HAS MADE ENGINEERING CHANGES TO THE TUBROS WITHOUT NOTIFIYING CUSTOMERS OF IMPENDING FAILURES. THEY ARE ALSO VOIDING CUSTOMER WARRANTIES BLAMING FAILURES ON AFTERMAKET EQUIPMENT WITHOUT VERIFYING THE AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INDEED CAUSED THE FAILURE. I AM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 15, 2001

“BRIDGESTONE-FIRESTONE TIRES SUPPLIED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 2001 AUDI S4 FAILED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES USAGE. THE FIRST EXHIBITED A TREAD SEPARATION BULGE AT APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE SPARE IN THE TRUNK. THE SECOND TIRE (I.E., THE SPARE FROM THE TRUNK) FAILED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 27, 2001

“2001 AUDI S4 DRIVERS SEAT SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING. FIRST INCIDENT WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER BY REPLACING EITHER SEAT FRAME OR SEAT RAILS. SAME FAILURE RESURFACED WITHIN ONE YEAR. SHIFT IS INTERMITTANT AND AND UNPREDICTABLE. CAUSES DISTRACTION AND CHANGES BODY POSITION WHILE MOVING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · May 15, 2004

“DT: 2001, AUDI S4 WAS DAMAGED UPON DELIVERY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM, WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED HEADLAMPS WERE SPRAYED WITH PAINT. UPON DELIVERING THE HEADLAMPS THEY WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, THEY WERE POINTING DOWN, AND CONSUMER COULDN'T SEE TWO FEET IN FRONT OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 15, 2000 · crash

2001 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2001 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 92 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (48 complaints), engine (12 complaints), tires & wheels (10 complaints).

Does the 2001 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.