Is the 2004 Audi S4 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

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

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Audi S4 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2004 Audi S4

○ Not enough data

2004 Audi S4
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:24.872Z

Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 29
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2004: 29 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

Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

12 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and fan.

Power train

5 of 29 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.

Exterior lighting

3 of 29 total reports mention: exterior lighting.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-10

Also filed under Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 Audi S4. When the weather was cold and the contact took his foot off of the accelerator, the vehicle would not slow down. The dealer could not duplicate the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-12-27

Engine

3 of 29 total reports mention: engine.

Visibility

3 of 29 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing interior.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2005-04-11Exterior lighting05V096000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Audi S4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V096000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Audi S4 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi S4?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 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.