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2004 Audi S4 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2004 Audi S4 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (15) and the transmission & drivetrain (5). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in March 2005 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2003 has 6 and the 2005 has 43.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical S4 year, for its age

#181 most complained-about 2004 vehicle

Complaints
29
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2004 Audi S4 problems

Share of all 29 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2004 Audi S4 recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: headlights

05V0960009,965 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time.
The risk
This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on april 11, 2005. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

What owners say

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29 complaints about the 2004 Audi S4

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Wheels & tires

Hankook tires, ventus s1 noble 2 splitting outside sidewall, caused to depressure tire, which caused to crack tire on the inner sidewall subsequently led to manufacturer claim blame on my vehicle. The tire model is under a recall, but in different size, but identical walls, manufacturing process. My vehicle's tire size 235/40/r18. Recalled: ventus s1 noble2 '245/45r18 96w', '245/40r19 94w', '275/35r19 96w proper tire pressure was maintained and checked weekly for 3years, since the vehicle was purchased.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11114564
Engine & cooling

After engine cools down, timing chain rattle can be heard upon starting the car. Chain rattle means that plastic guides or adjusters are worn, and might go any second. Spoke with audi rep online, which advises me that this is normal, and expected. Knowing basics of engines and transmission, I didn't believe that something is "life time" and is not serviceable, especially if it's plastic (which tends to shrink and expand depending on temperatures, and then has fractures which snaps). Two different independent...

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licensed audi shops confirmed that the guides and adjusters has to be replaced in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Chain skipping a tooth might mean bent valves, scored cylinder walls and the list goes on. What is lifetime, should be covered by audi. If it's promised to be lifetime and needs no service, shouldn't break. If it breaks that only means design flaws, which are obvious in this engine. Yes, car isn't new, but the parts were lifetime, so I'm expecting them to last until engine is worn out, not the parts that are lifetime. If nhtsa will do full scale investigation. Will be obvious that large amount of s4's ranging from 2004 to 2007 are affected. Even 10% is large number, considered the costs of fixing what is "lifetime" according to audi, and when it fails they leave their designs flaws for you to figure out. Hopefully justice can be brought to light as to what audi tries to turn it's back to. Symptoms: chain rattle upon start. Chain rattle doesn't go away while driving. Check engine light, loss of power or catastrophic engine failure.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11036013
Electrical systemLights

Xenon headlamps wiring all corroded and bare with no insulation left. Check with audi and they said our vehicle and vin is not part of any recall. Yet rcorrd-05v096-4498 in your database shows a mofification letter from vw to include our vin. There is no record according to audi service shops that show any recall work done to our headlights. I have attached a picture that shows the deteriation of the electrical wiring and headlamps to our 2004 audi s4. Would appreciate some assistance to having our headlamps replaced for safety reasons.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10865507
Electrical systemLightsFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi s4. While driving at night, the low beam head lamps failed to illuminate without warning. While attempting to the head lamp bulbs, the contact noticed that the wiring was burned and damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but the vin was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10747523
Engine & cooling

On saturday morning 12/15/2014 start my card and heard a rattle noise on the engine, first time it make that noise since I bought it. On my way to work I started hearing the rattle noise again but this time it was louder I was driving around 40 mph when this happened. The car started vibrating and kept making the rattle noise on the engine. I just bought this car not even a week ago, and already started having engine problems. I took it to the mechanic and found out the engine might need to be replace soon, since that's a common problem with this cars and that that's one of the signs that the engine might go bad soon. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10666999
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Audi claims that the timing chain on those vehicles are lifetime and does not need to be service. Unfortunate the timing change tensioners are made of plastic which the wear out at about 50k miles, causing a start up rattle and eventually engine explosion from the chain coming of the guides and destroying the entire engine and causing a massive accident at high speed. Hundreds of problems like this one are reported online from thousands of people even youtube videos. Not to mention that every time you bring your vehicle and complaint to audi the claim that the rattle is normal; just to find out that is the first clue of future engine failure. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10622265
SteeringBrakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi s4. The contact was driving 25 mph when the steering wheel failed and became stiff and hard to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed there was a punctured hose causing the steering to fail. The contact also mentioned on a separate occasion that he heard a squealing noise after the brakes were depressed. The failure caused the brakes to malfunction when they were applied. The dealer stated the brakes needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage was 114,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10451955
Engine & cooling

2004 Audi s4. Consumer states vehicle failed while driving, engine, power brakes and steering locked up *tgw the dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle had suffered catastrophic engine failure, which was most likely due to the failure of the timing chain or adjusters. The consumer was quoted a price of $24,000 for the repairs. The consumer has since learned it was a relatively common problem for his model and year. The specific mechanical flaw seemed to be that the timing chain coordinated the action between the pistons and the valves. The timing chain was supported by several plastic guides. The guides pushed against the chain by the adjusters. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10446471
Transmission & drivetrain

I own a 2004, audi, s4 which I purchased used from my brother, who bought it new. I bought this car from him with 45,000 miles on it. At 55,000 miles the car had catastrophic engine failure. 5,000 Miles over the warranty period! The mechanic that is repairing the damage said if one more component would have broke it could have caused me to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The engine and transmission had to be removed from the vehicle to be repaired. I contacted audi of u.S.A. To,1. Alert them of this problem...

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and possible safety issue, 2. Because the car is only 5,000 miles over the warranty and it had such massive failure I believe it only reasonable to ask for some help in the cost of repairs. The repair cost are going to be between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars. 3. I work in quality assurance for a company and I really wanted to speak with their quality assurance and alert them to this big problem. It is crucial they (audi) understand the problem. The reps at audi of u.S.A. That I spoke with would not help (except to listen, they are good at that), and were not cooperating with me in the process of trying desperately to alert their quality people of this failure that occurred to my car. I believe I was completely ignored and I need to find out how I can effectively report this. Not only to audi but also other people who own the same vehicle. This is a major issue that needs to be made public. Thank you. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10443757
Body, doors & structure

2004 Audi s4 convertible - 40k - rear window of convertible top has separated from top - appears to be glue, attachment method failure. Called audi of america requesting assistance, v. Nice - wanted to initiate conversation / inspection 'at dealer level'. Local dealer looks at it and quote $4350 to replace entire roof. Discussions between audi of america and dealer apparently ensure where 'level of participation' to assist is discussed. We had previously purchased a new s4 at this dealer in 2000 and tried to...

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purchase s4 convertible from them in 2007. We had owned 10 (ten) vws prior. Further, asst svc mgr at audi of tysons corner advised that I should have garaged my vehicle, problem would not be failure of adhering property, but clearly not maintained properly by me. My request for assistance was refused by the dealer because of 'dealer loyalty'. Audi of america said they could not offer any help either. I see on this site that many have had this problems with 03 convertible products and prior to reading thought that this issue is somewhat if not entirely the responsibility of audi - after all - should we anticipate replacing an entire roof for almost $5000 at only six years ???? As a humorous endnote - the dealer called me today - we had looked at cars while there - they want me to come by - test drive and buy :-) *tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10371992
Other & unknown

In january 2009 I attempted to change the right front tire on my 2004 audi s4. I used the car jack that comes with the car. After lifting the car up on the proper position (as explained in the audi users manual) the car jack broke apart under the weight of the car. The ground in my garage is even and made out of concrete and the automatic transmission was in p and the emergency brake was fully applied so that movement of the car while lifted was impossible. The audi dealer I complained to replaced the car jack and...

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fixed the damage on the right lower side of my car without any charges. Two weeks ago I had a flat on the right front side of my car again coming up interstate I 55 from cape girardeau mo. When using the new car jack (same model) that the audi dealer had given me after the prior incident. And as you probably guessed the same happened again. This time I was on the side of the road but the circumstances were not much different. After I stopped the car, I selected park on the automatic transaction and applied the emergency car brake. After loosening up the bolts I placed the car jack as explained in audis user manual under the car on the front right side and lifted the car up. Then I attempted to take of the tire when the jack suddenly gave in as done in the first situation explained above. Fortunately the car dropped with the rotor onto the inside of the rim of the tire I was about to pull of. I had to call a friend who was bringing me a different car jack so I could put on the spare tire. Later I found out that the right rotor was slightly damaged after dropping onto the inside of the tire rim. Nobody was hurt but I truly believe that this car jack is dangerous as it doesnt seem to be made to carry the weight of my car. I worked for bmw as a licensed car mechanic in the past as well was a maintenance crew chief working on fighter jets well capable of changing a tire; if this happens to me then I believe it can happen anytime to anybody using this car jack

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10307525
Engine & cooling

Engine failure going 45mph due to broken valve spring. Faulty part documented in 5/2005 usa today but audi will not repair. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10297853
Engine & cooling

Car engine was misfiring - was informed a faulty coil pack was causing the issue. One week later the misfires started again. Two more coil packs were replaced. 2 Weeks later another misfiring episode. Car died at intersection so was towed in for inspection. Camshaft adjuster/cam guides had failed. Parts were replaced for 5k and then 2 weeks later cylinder 3 failed when valve and piston interacted - car died again on the highway. Car engine is going to need total engine replacement. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10295044
Engine & cooling

See the nhtsa odi complaints: 10267048, 10263937, 10262201, 10261864, 10261281, and 10294798. My second experience with the catastrophic engine failure of the "cam chain tensioner" components was in nov of 2009 on the bank 1 cam. Fault code "set point not reached (over-retarded)." With misfires to all cylinders on bank 1 - less than one year from the same failure on bank 2 (see nhtsa odi complaint #10294798). There was approximately 70,000 miles on the odometer. As I mentioned before, although the s4 is a low...

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volume car the 4.2L engine is used in many of their products; and if this complaint venue any indication the engine appears to suffer a high percentage of expensive and dangerous failures. The cost to drop the engine and transmission in order to make the repair was another ~$4,500. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10294801
Engine & cooling

See the nhtsa odi complaints: 10267048, 10263937, 10262201, 10261864, and 10261281 my first experience with the catastrophic engine failure of the "cam chain tensioner" components was in dec of 2008 on the bank 2 cam. Fault code "set point not reached (over-retarded)." With misfires to all cylinders on bank 2 - all but rendering the vehicle unable to drive. There was approximately 54,000 miles on the odometer. Though out of warranty I contacted audi to no avail. I am sorely disappointed in audi for engineering...

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such shoddy design, and not standing by their product. In fact criswell audi charged $300 for an ecu update that did nothing. Although the s4 is a low volume car the 4.2L engine is used in many of their products; and if this complaint venue any indication it appears to suffer a high percentage of expensive and dangerous failures. The cost to drop the engine and transmission in order to make the repair was ~$4,500. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10294798
Visibility & wipers

While in rain all windows fogging up from inside, unable to defog, the a/c will not turn on, checked for leaks - no leaks observed, sporadically the a/c turns on and off, very common problem in cars from this year, may cause damage and injury. *Tr

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 10278370
Visibility & wipers

2004 S4 wipers stop working (stop in the middle of windshield) in rain, motor works seems as something sized, in some situations may cause big damage and injury. *Tr

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 10278368
Transmission & drivetrain

I have a 2004 s4 which crunches when shifting into 2nd and 3rd gear. Audi replaced the synchros but the problem still persists. I have returned to the dealership numerous times but they keep telling me its normal. The crunches occurs everytime I drive it and also make it difficult to get into gear. The vehicles rpms will sometimes stick, keeping the vehicle moving when not under acceleration.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10272456
Engine & cooling

At 44,000 miles my car has catastrophic failure due to defective parts. It is a safety issue as I stated above because many people experience the engine revving up. The transmission can also be a safety issue because it typically happens under hard braking which all of you know if you are in gear you slow down better if all of a sudden you pop out of gear you car does not have as much holding you back. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10267048
Seats & seat belts

Rear seat belt buckle has interior defects after 33,000 miles. Car is outside of warranty due to year of vehicle. The female receptor of the buckle has some of the inner mechanism hanging outside of the lip of the buckle, much different than the other buckle next to it which is in normal working order. *Tr

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10266569
Engine & cooling

Catastrophic engine failure and seize at 70mph. Previous the failure, audi replaced bent valves due to timing chain tensioner failure. Less than 300 miles from new heads being installed, the engine failed completely. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10263937
Engine & cooling

I got in my car this past friday to leave for work and then my car starts rumbling and sounds like what can best be described as a muscle car. I only live a mile from my office so I drive my car in. While driving it seems like the car has lost low end power and is still idling with a rumble. When I get to work I pop the hood and notice the entire motor shifting back and forth and my buddy sees my exhaust is moving up and down. So I decide to get it to the local garage that has worked on my car before. He is only...

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about 2 blocks down from my office. When I pull out from my parking lot the car throws a cel and about 500 ft from the garage it starts flashing. So I coast the car into the garage and get the codes read. They're coming up as cyl. 4, 5, 6, And 7 misfires and p0021 cam timing adjust bank 2 not reached. So the mechanic clears the codes and takes the car around the block and once again the cel comes on and this time it says cyl. 1,3,7, And 8 misfiring and the p0021 code for the cam timing and also a new code p1317 bank 2 cam/crank angle sensor wrong combo of ecu's....To make a long story short the car was towed over 100 miles away to the nearest audi dealer and was diagnosed as having a faulty cam tensioner. The whole motor needs to be removed and tore apart and the tensioner replaced. The bill is $6286.18. My car is a 2004 audi s4 with only 67,000 miles on it and I just purchased it about 5 months ago. It is not under warranty. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10262201
Engine & cooling

I drive a 2004 audi s4. My car suffered a major failure. The motor failed due to a design by audi and that is unacceptable. The car failed due to these plastic guides that audi uses as timing chain guides. The guides are never supposed to be serviced although when they fail you have to pay at least 4 thousand dollars to get them replaced because the motor needs to be pulled to replace them. They are on the back of the motor so there is no way to know when it is going to happen. When the timing chain tensioner...

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or the guides fail it can and will result in a major motor failure. If the motor needs to be rebuilt it will cost at least $10,000. Luckily I had an extended warranty and it was covered, but I would still like to note that this is unacceptable and audi should be doing something because this is not a failure that one would expect on a 4 year old car. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10261864
Engine & cooling

2004 Audi s4, build date 09/03 : 1. 24 Aug 06- 16,500 miles- a/c stopped working- replaced entire a/c system (compressor, hoses, pipes, drier, restrictor) under warranty. 2. 10 Apr 07- 23,253 miles- car won?T start- starter replaced under warranty. Pealing shift knob (chrome surround was pealing and the edges were like a razor blade), replaced under warranty. Center console latch broken- replaced under warranty. 3. 22 Feb 08- 31,992 miles- engine replaced due to faulty valve seat. Seat broke allowing valve...

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to be sucked into cylinder and then punched out the side of the block. Engine replaced under warranty. 4. 10 Sep 08- 37,448 miles- a/c stopped working. High pressure switch replaced under warranty. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10261478
Transmission & drivetrain

I have a 2004 audi s4 that is slipping out of second gear... It is a known second gear synchro problem that audi is ignoring. I have called audi of america, and they admit there is an issue but still offer no help. The issue started at 55,000 miles which is 5k miles out of warranty. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10261380

Audi S4: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20080200-C
20070200-C
200630200LightsF
200543220LightsF
200429101Engine & coolingF
20036100Transmission & drivetrainD
200222100Electrical systemF
200187140Electrical systemF
2000143160Electrical systemF
All S4 years

2004 Audi S4 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2004 Audi S4

Does the 2004 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Audi S4: headlights (March 2005). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi S4?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (15), transmission & drivetrain (5), lights (3).

How many complaints has the 2004 Audi S4 had?

29 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 16, 2007 and the latest on July 30, 2018. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2004 Audi S4 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 7 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Audi S4 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Audi S4 years have the most complaints?

2000 (143), 2001 (87), 2005 (43). See every Audi S4 year compared.

What should I do if my 2004 Audi S4 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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