Most common 2004 Audi S4 problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S4 complaints by model year
Best S4 years: 2009, 2008, 2007. Years to avoid: 2010, 2000, 2001, 2005. Compare all years →
2004 Audi S4 recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp May decrease over a period of time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2005. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
What 2004 Audi S4 owners say
Engine & cooling
After engine cools down, timing chain rattle can be heard upon starting the car. Chain rattle means that plastic guides or adjusters are worn, and might go any second. Spoke with Audi rep online, which advises me that this is normal, and expected. Knowing basics of engines and transmission, I didn't believe that something is "life time" and is not serviceable, especially if it's plastic (which tends to shrink and expand depending on temperatures, and then has fractures which snaps). Two different independent licensed Audi shops confirmed that the guides and adjusters has to be replaced in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Chain skipping a tooth might mean bent valves, scored cylinder walls and the list goes on. What is lifetime, should be covered by Audi. If it's promised to be lifetime and needs no service, shouldn't break. …
I got in my car this past Friday to leave for work and then my car starts rumbling and sounds like what can best be described as a muscle car. I only live a mile from my office so I drive my car in. While driving it seems like the car has lost low end power and is still idling with a rumble. When I get to work I pop the hood and notice the entire motor shifting back and forth and my buddy sees my exhaust is moving up and down. So I decide to get it to the local garage that has worked on my car before. He is only about 2 blocks down from my office. When I pull out from my parking lot the car throws a CEL and about 500 ft from the garage it starts flashing. So I coast the car into the garage and get the codes read. They're coming up as cyl. 4, 5, 6, and 7 misfires and p0021 cam timing adjust bank 2 not reached. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I own a 2004, Audi, S4 which I purchased used from my brother, who bought it new. I bought this car from him with 45,000 miles on it. At 55,000 miles the car had catastrophic engine failure. 5,000 miles over the warranty period! The mechanic that is repairing the damage said if one more component would have broke it could have caused me to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The engine and transmission had to be removed from the vehicle to be repaired. I contacted Audi of U.S.A. To,1. Alert them of this problem and possible safety issue, 2. Because the car is only 5,000 miles over the warranty and it had such massive failure I believe it only reasonable to ask for some help in the cost of repairs. The repair cost are going to be between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars. 3. …
I have a 2004 Audi S4 that had catastrophic failure at only 40,000 miles due to defective parts. The car has a problem where a tensioner I am told allows the motor to rev up even when your foot is not on the gas pedal and it causes damage to the motor. This has happened to many owners, most were under warranty because this part fails at such a low mileage, in some cases under 100 miles. Not only does this cause un safe situations for the driver as the engine can have this rev up happen multiple times before the engine fails, it also causes repairs that are very very costly and not worth while. When I took my car to the dealership they also discovered that my transmission is needing to be completely replaced. This is also due to defective metals used in the syncros is what I am told. …
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Audi S4. While driving at night, the low beam head lamps failed to illuminate without warning. While attempting to the head lamp bulbs, the contact noticed that the wiring was burned and damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Xenon headlamps wiring all corroded and bare with no insulation left. Check with Audi and they said our vehicle and VIN is not part of any recall. Yet rcorrd-05V096-4498 in your database shows a mofification letter from vw to include our VIN. There is no record according to Audi service shops that show any recall work done to our headlights. I have attached a picture that shows the deteriation of the electrical wiring and headlamps to our 2004 Audi S4. Would appreciate some assistance to having our headlamps replaced for safety reasons.
2004 Audi S4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 20 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Audi S4 a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 S4 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the S4 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Audi S4?
The engine & cooling — 15 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 Audi S4 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Audi S4, the most recent from March 15, 2005 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi S4?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2008 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2000, 2001 and 2005. See the full Audi S4 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Audi S4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.