Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 Audi S4 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1 | 100% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF XENON HEADLAMP COATING DEGRADATION OVER TIME. THE LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE OF THE HEADLAMP MAY DECREASE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT A DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.