VehicleVerdict

2019 Audi S4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2019 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other S4 years?

S4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Audi S4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes133%
Driver Assistance133%
Engine133%

Does the 2019 Audi S4 have recalls?

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

21V874000AirbagsNovember 10, 2021 · 208,332 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

Consequence

A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE MESSAGE WAS ALSO DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLETCHER JONES AUDI (1523 W. NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642, [PHONE])…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 1, 2021

“ I don't know because dealer will not allow me to inspect engine or send me a response to what caused failure. Seems by the sounds coming from the top end of the motor most likely cause is that rocker arm (or possibly a valve train)component failed, noise coming from top end. Of course the failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 29, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE MESSAGE WAS ALSO DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLETCHER JONES AUDI (1523 W. NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642, [PHONE])…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 1, 2021

2019 Audi S4 — common questions

Is the 2019 Audi S4 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2019 Audi S4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 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.

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.