2004 Audi S4
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 15 of 29 complaints (52%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2004 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300 | 4,300–4,850 | 4,850 | 4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 16–18 | 16 | 16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15 / 22 | 13–16 / 20–22 | 13–14 / 20–21 | 13–14 / 20–21 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494 | 494–555 | 555 | 555 | |
| Complaints filed | 22 | 29 | 43 | 30 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Audi S4 have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Audi S4?
Engine: 15 of 29 NHTSA complaints (52%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi S4 get?
EPA rates it 16–18 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Audi S4?
EPA estimates $4,300–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | 18 mpg (high) | $4,300 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $4,300 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 16 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $4,300 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 05V096000 · Mar 15, 2005
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT A DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.