VehicleVerdict

2013 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 2013 model ranks #7 of 29 S4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 56% of all reports (19 of 34), far ahead of transmission at 8. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1956%
Transmission824%
Engine412%
Electrical System26%
Other13%

Does the 2013 Audi S4 have recalls?

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

14V667000AirbagsOctober 24, 2014 · 101,938 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.

Consequence

If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS CENTERED. THERE APPEARS TO BE A "NOTCH" AT THE CENTER, REQUIRING CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT PATH AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED TO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 8, 2016

“At times Vehicle suddenly loses power and displays “transmission malfunction:you may continue driving” but then fails to accelerate to or maintain highway speeds. Other times when vehicle is stopped in traffic the transmission delays engaging when pressing in the accelerator and thus causes an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 25, 2024

“TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARSHLY AND MAKES NOISE DURING SHIFTS. WAS TOLD THE MECHATRONICS NEED REPLACEMENT. SOMETIMES WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL JOLT AS IF IT IT LOSES POWER MOMENTARILY. WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC IN COULD BE DANGEROUS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2017

“THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. NOT WITH THE "KEY" OR THE BUTTON STARTER. AUDI SERVICE CLAIMS ITS THE BATTERY BUT WHEN THE ROADSIDE SERVICE SHOWS UP ITS NOT THE BATTERY, SO NOW A TOW TRUCK HAS TO BE CALLED. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME AND ANY PLACE. AUDI DENIES IT IS A COMPUTER ISSUE BUT YET THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 5, 2013

“FOUND VEHICLE LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. RADIATOR INTERCOOLER WAS AT FAULT. IF ALL OR MOST COOLANT LOST WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ENGINE MAY HAVE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO OCCUR WITH POSSIBLE INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. VW AUDI HAS KNOWN OF THIS ISSUE WITH THE INTERCOOLER AND HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 25, 2013

2013 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi S4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2013 model at #7 of 29 S4 years. It is one of the S4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 S4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (19 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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 2013 Audi S4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Audi S4 earned an overall rating of 5 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.