Research · Compact Cars

2019 Audi S4Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2019 Audi S4. Most complaints involve engine (1) and service brakes (1). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2021
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seats

Free remedy

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.

SeatsReported Nov 10, 2021NHTSA 21V874000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Mar 2025
  1. Engine1
  2. Service brakes1
  3. Lane departure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each S4 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2000143
200187
200222
200429
200543
200630
20084
201060
201126
201222
201333
201417
20151
20187
20192
202017
20212
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

1 report
“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 was just after the 50k warranty by about 17 k miles. So roughly 66-67 k miles. The original estimate was a new long block at approx. 31k cost to me. Eventually after complaining significantly it was settled at 14k plus tax.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025EngineODI 11646713

Service brakes

1 report
“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, (312) 628-4300) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,800.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2021Service brakes, Lane departureODI 11415106

Lane departure

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
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 Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S4
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
213024$3,300371
  • S4
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 30 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Audi S4 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 13697
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2019 S4 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Audi S4 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 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.

What are the most common 2019 Audi S4 problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), service brakes (1), lane departure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Audi S4 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Audi S4 at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026