2010 Audi S4 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.1 times the median S4 year — the 2010 model ranks #3 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 57% of all reports (42 of 73), far ahead of engine at 15.
73
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2010 compare to other S4 years?
What are the most common 2010 Audi S4 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 42 | 58% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 15 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE WHOLE CAR JERKED WHEN GOING TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN THETPMS, NO REVERSE, AND GEAR MALFUNCTION LIGHTS COMES ON. 2ND, 4TH, 6TH, AND REVERSE GEAR ARE GONE. RESTARTING THE CAR CLEARED THE WARNING AND DROVE FINE FOR 10 MILES BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. TRY RESTARTING AGAIN TO CLEAR THE WARNING BUT LIGHT…”
“2010 AUDI S4 IN THE SAN FRAN BAY AREA, AFTER A WEEKEND DRIVE TO THE SNOW, FOUND A POOL OF COOLANT UNDER CAR AND JUST MED IT TO THE DEALER BEFORE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS COMMON. NO RECALL TO BE EXPECTED, ISN'T THIS ILLEGAL? I MAKE PHARMACEUTICALS AND IF I DON'T PERFORM A RECALL…”
“MY CAR FLASHED GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE I-264 IN LOUISVILLE KY. CAR SEAMED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES AND THEN SUDDENLY WENT LIMP AND I HAD NO GEARS. HAD TO HIT FLASHERS AND COAST INTO MEDIAN. WAS ALMOST HIT BY SEMI TRUCK. REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HAPPENED…”
“GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIGHT, LIMITED FUNCTION, CAR DROPS TO 10 MPH WITH NO WARNING. CAR REMOVES DRIVERS ABILITY TO CONTROL CAR IN SITUATION ON HIGHWAY LIMP MODE IS NOT SAFE AND CAN NOT BE DISABLED. CAR PERFORMS NORMAL EXCEPT FOR LIMP MODE SENSOR KNOWN FAULT”
“MY AUDI S4 2010 IS HAVING A MECHATRONIC ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN THE STREET IT DROPPED A GEAR AND A ERROR MESSAGE POPPED UP STATING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION: NO REVERSE GEAR. MY VEHICLE WAS THEN UNABLE TO REVERSE AND ALSO KEPT DROPPING AND JUMPING TO DIFFERENT GEARS. IT MADE A VERY UNSAFE…”
2010 Audi S4 — common questions
Is the 2010 Audi S4 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 2010 model at #3 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2010 S4 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (42 complaints), engine (15 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Does the 2010 Audi S4 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Audi S4.
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.