2001 Audi S4
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 87
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
54% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 87 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 2000 | 143 |
| 2001 | 87 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 29 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 30 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 26 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
54% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and control module.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2001 Audi S4 was stolen in springfield, nj and recovered in newark, nj. The total damage to the car was approximately $8000. I believe that this theft was possible largely because of a significant flaw in the security system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-08
Instrument cluster that shows safety information doesn't work so don't know what's issue with car
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-23
I just happened to look up recalls and saw the complaints on the Audi S4 2001. I noticed my car wasn't the only one where the instrument cluster has lost pixels and ends up unreadable for all warnings and manufacturer programmed safety warnings.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-01
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and catalytic convertor.
Tires
11% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
Bubble on the inside sidewall. *ak( DOT number: tire size: 225/45 17 )
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-28
Seemed to be a defect at the very top of the sidewall - 1 inch separation( DOT number: tire size: 225X45X17 )
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-06
Seats
7% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing recliner and seat heater/cooler.
Exterior lighting
3% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: 2001, Audi S4 was damaged upon delivery. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer to fix the problem, when the problem was fixed headlamps were sprayed with paint.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-06-08
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2001Complaint volume 87 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2021-11-02Air bags21V470000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Audi S4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V470000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Audi S4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Audi S4 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Audi S4?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Audi S4 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.