VehicleVerdict

2002 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median S4 year — the 2002 model ranks #10 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 52% of all reports (16 of 31), far ahead of electrical system at 10.

31

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1652%
Electrical System1032%
Seats310%
Engine13%
Other13%

Does the 2002 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.

“CAR SHIMMIES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNDER BRAKING. AUTO GALLERY, 21301 VENTURA BLVD., WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364 MACHINED THE FRONT ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY AS A TEMPORARY REPAIR SO I COULD DRIVE HOME TO OVERLAND PARK, KS AND HAVE ROTORS INSTALLED. THEY INDICATED THAT THEY GO THROUGH SO MANY FOR S4S, A6S,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 26, 2002

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED MISSING AND FADED PIXELS, AS WELL AS INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2006

“THE DRIVER'S SEAT EXPERIENCED A ROCKING MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED POSSIBLE SEAT FRAME DAMAGE. *AK THE SEAT WOULD ROCK FORWARD AND BACKWARD UPON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE. THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 18, 2003

“CAM COVER OIL LEAKS DISCOVERED AFTER 50,000 MILE SERVICE AT APPROX 48,500 MILES 11/7/05. AUDI TSB 05-03, NOV. 2, 2005 COVERING 2000-2006 MODELS A4, CABRIOLET, TT, A6, S4, ALLROAD, A8, S8, AND RS6 WITH ENGINES 1.8T, 2.8 V6, 2.7 V6T, AND 4.2 V8 STATES THAT IF A CUSTOMER COMPLAINS AND THE AREA IS WET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 7, 2005

“I BOUGHT MY CAR WITH 36,XXX MILES ON IT. THE CENTER LCD SCREEN DOES NOT WORK. THE CAR IS PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW AND THE CENTER CLUSTER INFORMATION CENTER IS BUSTED. ITS BARELY READABLE, BUT DISPLAY IMPORTANT USER DIAGNOSTIC/INFO ABOUT THE CAR (SERVICE LIGHTS, ETC). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 17, 2008

2002 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2002 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2002 model at #10 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (16 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), seats (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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.