Audi S4 ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2000–2025)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Audi S4 we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the S4 across generations.
Average AutoScore
67/100
Best Year
2022 Audi S4
Score 88
Weakest Year
2001 Audi S4
Score 45
Every Audi S4 Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A high-performance machine with commendable reliability, provided you commit to its premium maintenance demands.
Top risks: MMI/Infotainment System · Advanced Driver-Assist Systems (ADAS) · Brake System Wear
A powerful, refined, and largely reliable luxury sport sedan, provided you budget for premium maintenance.
Top risks: Advanced Electronics & MMI · Adaptive Suspension Components · Engine Accessory Components
A thrilling luxury performance sedan with solid engineering, but expect premium ownership costs and a watchful eye on its advanced electronics.
Top risks: Electrical/Infotainment System · PCV Valve & Oil System · Cooling System Components
A compelling blend of performance and luxury with solid underlying mechanics, but prepare for sophisticated electronics and high-performance components to require specialized attention and budget.
Top risks: Electronics & Infotainment · Adaptive Suspension System · PCV System / Carbon Buildup
A potent German sedan that offers strong reliability for its class, but expect premium repair costs when issues arise.
Top risks: Cooling System · Electrical/Infotainment · Engine (Auxiliary Components)
A thrilling luxury performance sedan that demands a premium for its upkeep, rewarding diligent owners with an engaging driving experience.
Top risks: Engine Cooling System · MMI Infotainment & Electrical · Suspension Components
A thrilling performance sedan that delivers, but demands respect for its complex German engineering and associated service costs.
Top risks: S tronic Transmission (DSG) · Engine Cooling System · PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System
A supremely capable and enjoyable performance sedan, provided you budget for its specific maintenance needs.
Top risks: Engine Cooling & PCV System · S-tronic Transmission · Carbon Buildup
A thrilling luxury sport sedan that demands significant maintenance investment to ensure its long-term health.
Top risks: Cooling System · PCV System · S-tronic Transmission (Mechatronic)
A superb performance machine that demands diligent maintenance and a healthy repair budget to truly shine for the long haul.
Top risks: S-tronic (DSG) Transmission · Engine (3.0T Supercharged V6) · Electrical/Electronics
A thrilling luxury sport sedan that demands proactive maintenance and a healthy repair budget to truly enjoy long-term.
Top risks: Engine (PCV/Thermostat) · Electrical/Infotainment · Adaptive Suspension (if equipped)
A potent sport sedan that requires diligent maintenance and a healthy repair budget to truly enjoy long-term.
Top risks: Engine Accessory Systems · Advanced Electronics & MMI · Adaptive Suspension Components
A high-performance luxury sedan with compelling driving dynamics, but one that absolutely requires proactive maintenance and a significant reserve for inevitable, expensive repairs.
Top risks: Transmission (DSG S-Tronic) · Engine (Timing Chain Components) · Engine (Carbon Buildup)
An exciting performance sedan that demands diligent maintenance and a healthy repair budget to truly enjoy.
Top risks: S-Tronic (DSG) Transmission · Engine Intake System · Cooling System
A high-performance luxury sedan that's rewarding to drive but can be punishingly expensive to maintain or repair.
Top risks: Cooling System / PCV · S-Tronic (DSG) Transmission · Engine Carbon Buildup
A potent, luxurious sports sedan that demands a vigilant owner and a readiness for costly, but often preventable, repairs.
Top risks: S-Tronic Transmission · Engine Carbon Buildup · PCV System / Thermostat Housing
An exhilarating performance machine with a well-known, potentially engine-destroying flaw that requires serious financial commitment.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Suspension Components · Carbon Buildup
A thrilling performance sedan with a ticking time bomb under the hood if not properly managed.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Engine Oil Leaks & PCV System · Front Suspension Components
A high-performance legend that will reward proper care but punish neglect with crippling repair bills.
Top risks: Engine (Twin-Turbo System) · Timing Belt Service · Front Suspension Components
A high-performance legend that demands high financial commitment and mechanical aptitude.
Top risks: Twin-Turbocharger System · Engine Auxiliary Systems · Timing Belt Service
A wolf in sheep's clothing that delivers thrills but demands a substantial financial commitment to keep its fangs sharp.
Top risks: Turbocharger System · Front Suspension Components · Electrical Systems (ABS Module & Instrument Cluster)
A high-performance thrill ride that demands a deep wallet and a tolerance for significant mechanical risk.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Engine Accessory Belt System · Suspension & Steering Components
A glorious V8 soundtrack comes at the cost of potential four-figure repair bills and constant vigilance.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Engine Carbon Buildup · Oil and Coolant Leaks
A glorious beast that demands a truly committed owner with a very substantial repair budget for its inevitable major engine service.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Power Steering System · Front Suspension Components
An exhilarating V8-powered luxury sport sedan with a known, potentially catastrophic mechanical flaw that demands significant financial readiness.
Top risks: Engine Timing Chain System · Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) Suspension · Engine Carbon Buildup
A thrilling performance machine with a major Achilles' heel, demanding serious financial commitment and mechanical foresight.
Top risks: Engine Timing System · Fuel System & Intake · Oil Leaks & PCV System
Problems That Follow the S4 Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Engine Timing Chain System
Appears in 6 model years · 23% of generations
Front Suspension Components
Appears in 4 model years · 15% of generations
Engine Carbon Buildup
Appears in 4 model years · 15% of generations
Cooling System
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Timing Belt Service
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Suspension Components
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Carbon Buildup
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
S-Tronic (DSG) Transmission
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
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