2006 Audi S4
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
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 | 32 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
73% of complaints: exterior lighting — 22 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HID XENON HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY FLICKER AND SHUT OFF DURING DRIVING. IT'S GETTING WORSE. DEALERS "NEVER FOUND" PROBLEM WHICH RECURS CONTINUALLY SO THEY NEVER FIXED THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY AFTER BEING ASKED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120314
INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION. OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR AND A HALF OF OWNERSHIP, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS MALFUNCTIONED (TURNED OFF), WITH NO CONSISTENT CAUSE APPARENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091221
23% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
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TAKATA RECALL RECALL ISSUED JUNE '18, LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY STILL DON'T HAVE PARTS TO COMPLETE RECALL WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180713
TAKATA RECALL NHSTA RECALL HV032, AUDI RECALL 69P6, JAN '17, LOCAL DEALER SAYS CANNOT COMPLETE RECALL WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED MY FIRST NOTICE OF THIS RECALL ON 1/17/17. IT IS CURRENTLY 10/31/17 WITH THE REPAIR NOT YET AVAILABLE. I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171031
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HID XENON HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY FLICKER AND SHUT OFF DURING DRIVING. IT'S GETTING WORSE. DEALERS "NEVER FOUND" PROBLEM WHICH RECURS CONTINUALLY SO THEY NEVER FIXED THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY AFTER BEING ASKED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120314
3% of complaints: visibility — 1 distinct report on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HID XENON HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY FLICKER AND SHUT OFF DURING DRIVING. IT'S GETTING WORSE. DEALERS "NEVER FOUND" PROBLEM WHICH RECURS CONTINUALLY SO THEY NEVER FIXED THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY AFTER BEING ASKED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120314
3% of complaints: steering — 1 distinct report on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I LEASED ON BRAND NEW 2006 AUDI S4 ON JULY 29,2006. IN DECEMBER 14,2006 THIS CAR DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING OF CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THIS TOOK FOUR DAYS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070403
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 17V032000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 18V427000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Audi S4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V032000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V427000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Audi S4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Audi S4 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi S4?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 73% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Audi S4 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.