Research · Small Station Wagons
2002 Audi S4 AvantRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2002 Audi S4 Avant. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and service brakes, hydraulic (9). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Audi S4 Avant as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2003 – Apr 2009
- Electrical system10
- Service brakes, hydraulic9
- Seats3
- Equipment1
- Engine and engine cooling1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
10 reports
“TL*THE CONTACT OWN A 2002 AUDI S4. THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAY INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED HALF OF THE DISPLAY WAS WELL LIT WHILE THE OTHER HALF WAS NOT. OCCASIONALLY THERE WAS ALSO AN ODOR SIMILAR TO ELECTRICAL SMOKE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SINCE THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DO NOT REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STATED THAT A CABLE MAY BE DISCONNECTED WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHICH MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ONE YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
9 reports
“THE BRAKES BOOST/VACUUM ASSIST LINE CHECK VALVE CRACKS APART INTO TWO PIECES. THIS CAUSES THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE POWER ASSISTED BRAKE SYSTEM IN THE CAR AND SUBSEQUENTLY MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO WARNING ABOUT THE PENDING LOSS OF BRAKES. ONE SECOND YOU HAVE BRAKES THE NEXT IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE TRYING TO PUSH A BRICK THRU THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE TRYING TO GET IT TO STOP. *NM”
Seats
3 reports
“THE DRIVER'S SEAT EXPERIENCED A ROCKING MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED POSSIBLE SEAT FRAME DAMAGE. *AK THE SEAT WOULD ROCK FORWARD AND BACKWARD UPON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE. THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHERE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WAS LOCATED.*SCC *JB”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 Avant Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
| S4 Avant Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Audi S4 Avant as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 4520
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2002 S4 Avant questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Audi S4 Avant have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Audi S4 Avant problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), service brakes, hydraulic (9), seats (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Audi S4 Avant get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Audi S4 Avant at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026