The most-reported S4 run is WAUDD68D7YA (2000 builds) with 15 complaints, 7.1× the typical run. Electrical system problems make up 26% of reports; 2000 is the worst model year at 9.1 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for S4 model years 1992–2022.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Audi S4 has 223 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 15% of every S4 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAUDD68D7YA•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WAUDD68D5YA•••••• | 2000 | 1 | — | |
| WAUDD68D0YA•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WAUDD68D2YA•••••• | 2000 | 1 | — | |
| WAUDD68D3YA•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WAURD68D41A•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| WAURD68D31A•••••• | 2001 | 1 | — | |
| WAUDD68D4YA•••••• | 2000 | 3 | — | |
| WAUDD68D9YA•••••• | 2000 | 1 | — | |
| WAUDD68DXYA•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WAUXD68D02A•••••• | 2002 | — | — | |
| WAURD68D91A•••••• | 2001 | — | — |
Each of the other 211 S4 runs has 7 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 50 S4 VINs so far, most often 2018, 2013, 2019 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Audi S4 the gap between build years is 9.1×: a 2000 car draws 9.1 complaints per run, a 1992 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 16 | 10 | — | |
| 2018 | 7 | 6 | — | |
| 2014 | 12 | 10 | — | |
| 2013 | 28 | 21 | — | |
| 2012 | 18 | 13 | — | |
| 2011 | 25 | 14 | — | |
| 2010 | 51 | 27 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 2006 | 27 | 20 | — | |
| 2005 | 33 | 25 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 21 | 14 | — | |
| 2002 | 21 | 8 | — | |
| 2001 | 68 | 16 | 3 | |
| 2000 | 109 | 12 | 6 | |
| 1994 | 5 | 5 | — | |
| 1993 | 14 | 11 | — | |
| 1992 | 4 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2000 at 9.1 complaints per run; lightest is 1992 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything Audi S4 owners report: Electrical System, 116 of 468 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 1 | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | — | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | |
| Tires | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Steering | 2 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 16 recall campaigns on the Audi S4; the 6 below cover build years 1992 to 2020. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 17V032000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2005–2009 |
| 18V427000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2005–2009 |
| 21V874000 | Seats | 2018–2020 |
| 14V667000 | Air Bags | 2013–2015 |
| 21V470000 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module | 2000–2002 |
| 00V068000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 1992–1994 |
17V032000 was opened in 2017 on cars built from 2005: 12 years on the road before the recall.
The S4 against its rivals
The S4 draws 2.1 complaints per production run; the Acura ILX 1.6. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | 468 | 223 | 2.8% | |
| Acura ILX | 256 | 160 | 8.6% |
How serious were they
Of the 468 reports on the Audi S4, 2.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Audi S4 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 468 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 13 (2.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 3 (0.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 8 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 52% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Audi S4 share of that is 468 complaints over 223 runs, 0.04% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Audi S4 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 468 NHTSA complaints from 223 S4 runs and 16 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which S4 production run has the most complaints?
WAUDD68D7YA, a 2000 build, with 15 complaints. The typical S4 run has 2.1.
Which S4 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2000 is heaviest at 9.1 complaints per run and 1992 lightest at 1.
Does the S4 get more complaints than the Acura ILX?
Yes: 2.1 complaints per production run for the S4 against 1.6 for the Acura ILX.
How many S4 complaints involve a crash?
2.8% of 468 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 3 involved a fire.
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