Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median S4 year — the 2004 model ranks #5 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 41% of all reports (15 of 37), far ahead of transmission at 5.
37
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 41% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AT 44,000 MILES MY CAR HAS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I STATED ABOVE BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE ENGINE REVVING UP. THE TRANSMISSION CAN ALSO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT TYPICALLY HAPPENS UNDER HARD BRAKING WHICH ALL OF YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE IN GEAR…”
“I HAVE A 2004 S4 WHICH CRUNCHES WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. AUDI REPLACED THE SYNCHROS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME ITS NORMAL. THE CRUNCHES OCCURS EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT AND ALSO MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO GET INTO GEAR.…”
“WHILE IN RAIN ALL WINDOWS FOGGING UP FROM INSIDE, UNABLE TO DEFOG, THE A/C WILL NOT TURN ON, CHECKED FOR LEAKS - NO LEAKS OBSERVED, SPORADICALLY THE A/C TURNS ON AND OFF, VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN CARS FROM THIS YEAR, MAY CAUSE DAMAGE AND INJURY. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI S4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE HEAD LAMP BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2004 model at #5 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), lighting (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.