This page covers 1 recall, 32 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Audi S4.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering complaints dominate what 2013 Audi S4 owners report, though the narratives point heavily toward the transmission as the most-described mechanical concern. Owners frequently report the dual-clutch transmission (DSG) producing clunking sounds during low-speed downshifts, hesitation on upshifts, and sluggish or jerky engagement, particularly when the transmission is cold or in stop-and-go traffic. Several owners describe the vehicle displaying a transmission malfunction warning and entering a reduced-power state, with some reporting the car became undrivable mid-trip, requiring them to pull over. Delayed engagement when pulling away from a stop, especially on inclines, is a recurring theme. The powertrain complaints cluster almost entirely around these DSG behaviors rather than mechanical engine failures. Engine complaints make up a smaller share and don't show a clear pattern across multiple reports.
32
Total Complaints
By System
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control module has a flawed algorithm. If side air bags deploy during a crash, a second front-end impact may fail to trigger the front air bags.
What the fix does
Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software at no charge to correct the algorithm.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
