VehicleVerdict

2011 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median S4 year — the 2011 model ranks #7 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 65% of all reports (22 of 34), far ahead of engine at 5. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2265%
Engine515%
Electrical System39%
Other26%
Speed Control13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2011 Audi S4 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V019000Fuel SystemJanuary 20, 2015 · 26,008 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER TURNING MY CAR ON A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARED BUT SAID I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING THE MESSAGE AND SERVICE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF WITH EVERYTHING GOING BACK TO NORMAL. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE A VERY COMMON MECHATRONIC UNIT ISSUE THAT IS PART OF THE FAULTY DSG THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 22, 2015

“I WAS ACCELERATING, AFTER LEAVING A RESTAURANT, INTO TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED THE "DSG MALFUNCTION LIGHT" AND SUDDENLY AT ABOUT 20MPH MY LURCHED FORWARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE AND SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. CAR RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS BUT DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD GO WITHOUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2015

“AFTER TURNING MY CAR ON A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARED BUT SAID I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING THE MESSAGE AND SERVICE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF WITH EVERYTHING GOING BACK TO NORMAL. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE A VERY COMMON MECHATRONIC UNIT ISSUE THAT IS PART OF THE FAULTY DSG THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 22, 2015

“DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 25 MPH, CAR RANDOMLY SHOWS 'GEARBOX MALFUNCTION' AND 'TPMS' SIMULTANEOUSLY. CAR DROVE IN LIMP MODE FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STANDSTILL AND PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN IT BACK ON TO DRIVE. 'TMPS' SIGN IS STILL SHOWING. POSSIBILITY OF BEING A MECHATRONIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 6, 2018

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 AUDI S4 SEDAN AND HAD A SUSPENSION AND/OR ALIGNMENT ISSUE WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLOW OUT ON THE HIGHWAY, RESULTING IN TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. I GOT THREE PROFESSIONAL OPINIONS (INCLUDING THAT OF A CERTIFIED AUDI TECHNICIAN) AND ALL AGREED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 23, 2012

2011 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2011 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2011 model at #7 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (22 complaints), engine (5 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 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.

How safe is the 2011 Audi S4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Audi S4 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.