2013 Audi S4

▲ Better than typical
2013 Audi S4
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:31:44.318Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Audi S4 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 5 complaints 1993: 16 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 2000: 143 complaints 2000 2001: 87 complaints 2002: 22 complaints 2003: 1 complaints 2004: 29 complaints 2004 2005: 43 complaints 2006: 30 complaints 2007: 13 complaints 2008: 4 complaints 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 60 complaints 2011: 26 complaints 2012: 22 complaints 2012 2013: 32 complaints 2013 2014: 17 complaints 2015: 1 complaints 2018: 7 complaints 2018 2019: 2 complaints 2020: 16 complaints 2021: 2 complaints 2022: 1 complaints 2022
2013: 32 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
19900
19910
19925
199316
19947
19951
19960
2000143
200187
200222
20031
200429
200543
200630
200713
20084
20090
201060
201126
201222
201332
201417
20151
20187
20192
202016
20212
20221

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 59%

59% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

STARTING AROUND FEBRUARY 2, 2013 MY VEHICLE STARTED DISPLAYING INTERMITTENT BIZARRE STEERING BEHAVIOR. THE ISSUES WERE TWO FOLD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130216

MY 2013 AUDI S4 EXHIBITS AN ALARMING TENDENCY TO WEAVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT A STEERING INPUT. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT A CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL POSITION, VEHICLE SPEED, OR CHANGE IN ROAD SURFACE OR PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130128

POWER TRAIN 25%

25% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

At times Vehicle suddenly loses power and displays “transmission malfunction:you may continue driving” but then fails to accelerate to or maintain highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241125

DSG ISSUES. CLUNKING WHEN DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST / 2ND WHEN STOPPING. SHIFT HESITATION ON UPSHIFT AS WELL .

NHTSA ODI report, 20201011

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS STRANGE WHEN COLD. ACTS LIKE IT LOOSED POWER EVERY SHIFT. STRANGE CLUNKING AS WELL ON SLOW SPEEDS OR NUMBER TO NUMBER TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES IT SCARED ME THAT IT WILL JUMP FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR ON FRONT OF ME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191115

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine mount failure at 60,000 miles

NHTSA ODI report, 20250124

LOST ALL COOLANT DUE TO RADIATOR LEAK FROM ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE CAUSED BY BAD DESIGN OF FRONT LOWER GRILL. IT HAS NO PROTECTIVE MESH AND CLEAR OPENINGS FOR ROCKS TO PROTRUDE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130124

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

My MMI 5F module went out right after an oil change service on Nov 12, 2022 I called them as soon as I got home to inform Leader automotive in Normal Il. I was told I would not be able to be seen until January 5 2023 at 1:pm.

NHTSA ODI report, 20221230

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20141111 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.

Campaign 14V667000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Audi S4 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V667000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ● 2005 ◆ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2001 ◆ 2010

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2013 Audi S4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Audi S4 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi S4?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S4 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.