2002 Audi S4 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor (8) · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel (5) · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Audi S4 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2021-06-23 · campaign 21V470000 · 62,812 vehicles
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.
Service bulletins (86)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-10-04 · A0023742052680_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
Structure 2021-06-25 · A0021482021205_6 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this informational bulletin explains how to order replacement vin plates, safety certification labels, etc.
Equipment:electrical 2020-04-16 · A0020362002047_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their tac call goes smoothly.
Electrical System 2019-09-17 · A0019252011732_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
00 software version management (svm), operating instructions
Exterior Lighting 2017-07-31 · A941791 2012749- · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
Equipment 2017-06-28 · SM 44-2017 EN · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
Showing the 6 most recent of 86 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2009-04-24 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel · 85,000 mi“tl*the contact own a 2002 audi s4. the center instrument panel display intermittently failed to illuminate. when the failure occurred half of the display was well lit while the other half was not. occasionally there was also an odor similar to electrical smoke. the dealer was not notified of the failure since the lights on the instrument panel do n…”
2009-03-30 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel · 57,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. the contact stated that the lcd screen on the instrument panel has lines running through the screen, which prevent him from viewing the information. he has not yet taken the vehicle to the dealer. the failure mileage was 57,000. updated 5/5/09 *cn updated 05/07/09.*jb…”
2009-01-20 · Electrical System · 60,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. while driving approximately 45 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument panel displayed missing and faded pixels, as well as incomplete information about the vehicle. the failure occurred without warning. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 120,000. …”
2008-12-25 · Electrical System · 59,600 mi“instrument cluster on my 2002 audi s4 has failed. without this display, the potential for a hazardous situation increases due to not being able to read the errors which would normally be displayed. i am aware of this being a very common faulty part and would recommend looking into a recall. *tr…”
2008-10-08 · Equipment · 36,254 mi“i bought my car with 36,xxx miles on it. the center lcd screen does not work. the car is practically brand new and the center cluster information center is busted. its barely readable, but display important user diagnostic/info about the car (service lights, etc). this is unacceptable and i would like to prompt a recall. it's a 2002 audi s4, 2.7t…”
2007-11-08 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel · 89,000 mi“1. purchased a 2002 audi s4 2.7t. 2. the auto check system in the instrument cluster does not work especially when warm. the lcd ribbon cable looses contact and doesn't display the information it should. critical safety information is no longer displayed. 3. was quoted obscene amounts by audi dealers to replace entire instrument cluster. $250 for…”
2007-11-07 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel · 47,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi s4. the contact stated that the led display on the instrument panel is not working properly and impairs visibility. the dealer stated that the display needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 47,000 and current mileage was 47,500. …”
2007-10-01 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel · 35,000 mi“dashboard instrument cluster led display is burning out. *jb…”
2006-08-16 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · 38,750 mi“the brakes boost/vacuum assist line check valve cracks apart into two pieces. this causes the total loss of the power assisted brake system in the car and subsequently makes it very hard to stop the vehicle. there is no warning about the pending loss of brakes. one second you have brakes the next it feels like you are trying to push a brick thru…”
2005-12-14 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 48,850 mi“cam cover oil leaks discovered after 50,000 mile service at approx 48,500 miles 11/7/05. audi tsb 05-03, nov. 2, 2005 covering 2000-2006 models a4, cabriolet, tt, a6, s4, allroad, a8, s8, and rs6 with engines 1.8t, 2.8 v6, 2.7 v6t, and 4.2 v8 states that if a customer complains and the area is wet with fluid residue or droplets that are not coming…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.