Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Audi S4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Instrument cluster that shows safety information doesn't work so don't know what's issue with car
I had just purchased a 2001 Audi S4 for close to $40,000. With 1100 miles on it my car was stolen in broad daylight approx 3 pm. Upon further research, I learned that the factory passive alarm can be tricked into thinking it has been disarmed. A small hole near the door lock gains access to a rod that when lifted disarms the system as if a key were used, combine this action with the with removal of the ignition, and the vehicle can be started with a screw driver and driven away. I've also learned that vw/Audi had the technology available to equip this model with an engine immobiliser as part of the OEM alarm system. I'm aware of dozens of thefts of the Audi S4 in particular and am reading of more thefts occurring weekly. Just do a search on www.audiworld.com using the word "stolen" and you will see for yourself. My experience has been in the ny/nj metropolitan area. …
My grievance relates to the relative ease that my vehicle was stolen on a Sunday from a street parking space in manhattan, between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, while located on a main throughfare that is regularly traveled by both pedestrians & vehicles. That the vehicle's factory installed theft-deterrent was defeated or failed to operate, given its high visability on a moderately to heavily traveled street, should warrent, at the very least, an investigation into the effectiveness and proper functioning of alarm system operation as represented by the manufacturer. While the theft incident stats kept by Audi, and their us subsidery, Audi of America, show theft to be insignificant, the data provided by other nationwide databases is another matter altogether. In 2002, the S4 was the 25th most stolen car in nj (all intents& purposes: the tri-state area, ny, nj, conn). …
My 2001 Audi S4 was stolen in springfield, nj and recovered in newark, nj. The total damage to the car was approximately $8000. I believe that this theft was possible largely because of a significant flaw in the security system. Specifically, the doorlock mechanism is directly tied to the alarm, including the motion sensors and the ignition kill. Thus, a tiny hole punched in the door to unlock the door simultaneously let's a thief into the car and disables the entire security system. The lack of a true immobilizer system on the car created a reputation for this high-performance vehicle that it is easily stolen and now it is a particular target for thieves, especially in the new jersey area. There have been numerous reports of high-speed joyrides and other dangerous situations with stolen S4's. …
(1) usually in hot weather (2) the instrument cluster (driver information) display is unreadable. This display provides auto-check system information. Malfunctions or urgent repairs are supposed to be displayed by red (priority 1) or yellow (priority 2) light symbols in the instrument cluster. These notifications are there to remind the driver that a problem exists which should be corrected for both convenience & safety, and to prevent the risk of considerable damage to the vehicle. A person could get stranded in the middle of nowhere, or worse get into an accident, if not notified in the correct manner. (3) nothing has been done yet to rectify the problem. The unit replacement costs around $700-$900. I have searched on forums, it seems to be a common problem with this particular model, regardless of the mileage on the vehicle. …
I own a 2001 Audi S4. The center display on the gauge cluster is failing due to missing pixels. The center display normally displays critical safety information regarding failing engine and body components. It is always missing pixels, and is never clear enough to read properly. Recently, I developed an oil leak and the center display wasn't clear enough to see the low oil warning light. As a result I was stranded in sub-zero temperatures without transportation. I am currently repairing the engine far beyond what would have been necessary, had the center display been working correctly. I have not yet repaired the display, because the dealer is asking $1000 for replacement. I know it a common problem with this car, and due to the age, is reaching a very high percentage of failure. …
My vehicles instrument cluster does not work! It is clearly stated in the user manual that it should be replaced because it is for my convenience and safety to prevent considerable damage to my vehicle due to certain malfunctions. I would say that 90% of Audi owners I know, constantly complain about their instrument clusters either fading or going completely out. Something needs to be done about this. I cant even see vital functions that my car is telling me, I hear beeps signaling something is wrong, but I don't know what it is and have to constantly go to the shop to have a diagnostic scan on my car since not even the shop can just look at it and tell me what is wrong. This problem has been ongoing since mid July and bell Audi in rahway wants to change me $800.00 to fix something that should be recalled due to safety.
1) there is no triggering event leading up to the failure. It just appears over time. 2) the lcd screen in the instrument cluster has lines of pixels that do not light up. This is constant, with more lines of pixels going out and permanently staying out over time. As a consequence, important warning messages are not displayed or readable; such as worn out brake pads, fuel low warning, washer fluid low warning, etc. If these warnings are not displayed, the vehicle May run out of gas without warning and stall while operating, or brakes May wear down to the point of losing effectiveness without warning, or be left without washer fluid without warning.
I just happened to look up recalls and saw the complaints on the Audi S4 2001. I noticed my car wasn't the only one where the instrument cluster has lost pixels and ends up unreadable for all warnings and manufacturer programmed safety warnings. It has been like this for years and did ask my dealer how much it would cost to fix it and it was insane. It is a real safety issue. Audi should be responsible for fixing it. I didn't realize other Audi's were having the same issue. Maybe if more people complain, Audi will be forced to fix it.
I both own a 2001 Audi a4 and 2001 Audi S4.. On both the red lcd instrument cluster screen has failed to the point where nothing on that screen is legible. The screen is designed to show mileage, speed warning, run time and other functions. The pixels have ceased to function to the point beyond recognition. I share this problem with a very large group of Audi owners of the same and/or similar model. This group of people expands internationally and Audi clearly knows that this is a prone to failure part.
Electrical complaints in other S4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Audi S4?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Audi S4, 54% of the model year's 87 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Audi S4 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Audi S4, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Audi S4 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.