NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 33 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi S4. Most complaints involve steering (19) and power train (9). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“SERIOUS STEERING ISSUE GOING ON. ENTERED HIGHWAY IN COMFORT MODE, ACCELERATED AND SWITCHED LANES TO PASSING LANE WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING HAD A TORMENTED MOMENT AND DECIDED TO STEER ITSELF FROM THE 12:00 O'CLOCK TO 3:00 O'CLOCK POSITION, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I HAD A CAR ON THE RIGHT OF ME AND MY CAR TRIED TO DRIVE ITSELF INTO THEIR LANE. THE STEERING ALSO HAS NOTCHINESS GOING ON, AND HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BUT ONLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS ISSUE IS LIFE-THREATENING AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY AUDI.”
“Transmission fail while driving and stationary at traffic light. Main DTC: P179F00 - Drive sensor position: malfunction Additional DTC: P179E00 - Drive sensor position: electrical malfunction ABS: 00473 Parking brake: U111300 TCM: 01315 This situation occurred 3 times in the past 3 weeks while driving or being stationary at a traffic light. Event triggers loud warning sounds, red flashing lights/icons in dashboard, total loss of power while engine still running. At this time, this problem creates highly dangerous driving conditions with random total loss of power. The situation is temporarily remedied if engine is shut off and restarted.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,600 | 413 |
| S4 Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,750 | 439 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (19), power train (9), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Audi S4 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Audi S4 5 out of 5 stars overall.