Audi Rs4 problems
The Audi RS 4 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A4 range produced by Audi Sport GmbH for AUDI AG, a division of the Volkswagen Group. It sits above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused car based on the A4's "B" automobile platform. The RS 4 was reintroduced in 2012, based on the A4 Avant instead of the sedan as did the original model.
The original B5 version was produced only as an Avant, Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon. The second version, the B7, was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added.
The "RS" initials are taken from the German RennSport—literally translated as "racing sport", and is the Audi marque's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification of Audi's regular model line-up. Like other Audi "RS" cars, the RS 4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology. It is only available with Audi's Torsen-based "trademark" quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
Its main market competitors include the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63, Lexus IS-F (formerly) and Cadillac ATS-V (now Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing).
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Common Audi Rs4 problems
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance vehicle that is known for its power and speed. However, like any car, it can have its fair share of problems. Here are some of the common issues reported by RS4 owners, based on the search results:
- Tumble Flap Failure: The intake manifold flap motor can fail, causing the tumble flap to fail. Fitting a replacement intake manifold flap motor will fix the problem.
- Engine Misfiring: The coil pack can fail, causing the engine to misfire. This problem is subject to a recall, and Audi should fix it for free.
- Lack of Power: The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can fail, causing a lack of power. They have Bosch sensors fitted as standard and have a higher than normal failure rate. The first thing to try is removing and cleaning the MAF sensor, otherwise replacing the MAF sensor will be the way to fix the problem.
- Overheating: The engine is known for overheating, which can be caused by the coolant sensor failing or the thermostat sticking. The first thing to check is the coolant sensor, and if this is not the issue, it will most likely be the thermostat, which will need to be replaced to resolve the issue.
- Carbon Build-up: The engine can suffer from carbon build-up, which can cause pinging (knocking/detonation). This can be a significant issue, and if noticed, the car should not be driven until the problem is resolved. Audi claims that the car has in-built protection against this, but the timing can only be pulled back so far. The pistons can become damaged if the problem is not resolved.
- Cylinder Head Failure: There have been reports of failed cylinder heads on stock motors, with most of the damaged motors being replaced due to cylinder head failures. Dealer reports show that most cylinder heads have some sort of valve guide failure on almost all heads.
It is important to note that the Audi RS4 has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 28th out of 32 for all car brands. The average annual repair cost for a Audi is $987, which means it has average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Audi reliability include an average of 0.8 visits to a repair shop per year and a 13% probability of a repair being severe.
Is the Audi RS4 reliable?
Audi RS4 Avant reliability will be very good. Audi is a class act when it comes to building cars and this RS4 Avant looks and feels like it has been made to the same high standards that the company is renowned for. Audi usually fares well when it comes to reliability surveys.
Is an Audi RS4 expensive to maintain?
RS variants of Audi models, such as the RS4 and RS6, are usually more expensive to run too. These are performance-focused models with engines that don't prioritise efficiency and so sit in higher insurance groups.
Which is better S4 or RS4?
So the plus points for the B9 RS4 are the looks, sound, electronics packages, handling, comfort & power and decent brakes. The fuel consumption is much better than the S4 too. The best I ever saw on my S4 was 32mpg on a run doing 60-65mph. The RS4 has returned 42mpg under the same conditions.
Is the Audi RS4 fast?
The RS4 is 0.6sec quicker than its predecessor from 0-62mph, at 4.1sec (two tenths slower than the lighter RS5 Coupe) and tops out at 174mph, if you opt for the flagship Vorsprung model (or spec the optional RS Dynamic package on pre-facelift cars). Otherwise, it's electronically limited to 155mph as standard.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi Rs4 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi Rs4 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Audi Rs4 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi Rs4 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi Rs4 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi Rs4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi Rs4 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi Rs4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi Rs4 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi Rs4 vehicles.
List of Audi Rs4 complaints
Audi Rs4 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2010-08-18
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST FOR SERVICE LODGED ON 4 AUGUST 2010. AS PROMISED, I HAVE PROVIDED TO MY DEALERSHIP HERE IN ALASKA. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ONCE AGAIN IN YOUR LACK OF ATTENTION. I'M NOW GOING TO THE FOLLOWING SITE TO POST THIS COMPLAINT SO OTHERS MAY BE FOREWARNED AT THE LACK OF SERVICE. HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/IVOQ/COMPLAINT.CFM MY MESSAGE FROM 4 AUG 2010 THAT WENT UN-ADDRESSED: I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY AUDI IS HANDLING THE INJECTOR AND MISFIRE ON MY 08 RS4. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL AUDI'S AND YOU HAVE NOW PUT MY DEALER IN A POSITION OF NOT ADDRESSING THE REAL ISSUE ON THE POOR RUNNING OF MY AUDI. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MISFIRING ON SEVERAL CYLINDERS BUT RATHER THAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTORS OR A THOROUGH CLEANING/INSPECTION OF THE VALVES, I'VE BEEN SENT AWAY WITH WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN ENGINE TREATMENT SOLUTION. YOU HAVE NOT ALLOWED MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO PROPERLY INVESTIGATE AND CURE THE PROBLEM. YOU HAVE RATHER CHOSEN TO TAKE PROGRESSIVELY FUTILE ATTEMPTS TO PLACATE ME AND THE ISSUE COSTING ME TIME AND MONEY. BY NOT ALLOWING THE DEALER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, YOU NOW THREATEN TO RUIN WHAT WAS ONCE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP. I DEMAND THAT THE FUEL INJECTION AND MISFIRE PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 AUDI BE CORRECTED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FURTHER, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU AUTHORIZE MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY DIAGNOSIS, AND TO EFFECT REPAIRS AT ONCE. AUDI OF NORTH AMERICA BUSINESS MODEL FOR SERVICE HAS SOURED ME ON THE BRAND AND WILL WEIGH HEAVILY IN MY FUTURE PLANS FOR PURCHASE OF ANOTHER CAR. VERY DISAPPOINTED, VOCAL, AND CONNECTED WITH MANY CAR/MOTORCYCLING ENTHUSIASTS VIA BLOGS AND WEB SITES. I PROMISE YOU I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH IF AUDI DOESN'T. I HAVE SAVED A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE AND WILL PROVIDE TO MY DEALER AND ASSOCIATES ALONG WITH ANY RESPONSE FROM AUDI NORTH AMERICA. *TR
Audi Rs4 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2010-06-04
- VIN: WUADU78E98N
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I DRIVE A 2008 AUDI RS4, AND MY MPH AND ODOMETER READINGS ARE 10-12% HIGHER THAN ACTUALS. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS SEVERAL WAYS. USING POLICE RADAR VEHICLES, USING GPS, AND USING OTHER CARS TO PACE, AS WELL AS USING THE SPEED CHECK SYSTEMS. ALL OF THEM SHOW I AM DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE ACTUAL DISPLAYED VALUE BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT. THIS CAUSES A FEW ISSUES. FIRST I AM RACKING UP MILES ON THE CAR THAT ARE NOT ACTUAL, AFFECTING THE VALUE. SECOND I AM BEING PUT OUT OF VEHICLE WARRANTY 10-12% EARLIER THAN I WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE, A BOON FOR AUDI. THIRD I AM NOT TRAVELING SPEEDS I SAY I AM, WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES. I AM NOT THE ONLY RS4 OWNER WHO HAS NOTICED THIS ISSUE, IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL OWNERS NOW AND AUDI HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING. ALSO I AM CONCERNED I WILL BE FORCED OUT OF WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE EARLIER THAN I PAID FOR, BECAUSE OF THIS. 12% OF THE 48K MILES IS NEARLY 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING. THE 2007 AND 2008 AUDI RS4 APPEAR TO BE THE AFFECTED VEHICLE FROM AUDI. *TR
Audi Rs4 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-27
- Date Complaint: 2009-07-27
- VIN: WUADU98E28N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAN CAUSE HANDLING/CONTROL ISSUES. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL RECALL. AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION INCLUDES A COMPONENT CALLED DRC (DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL) WHICH HAS AN OIL-FILLED BUSHING ON TOP OF THE SHOCK STRUT. THIS COMPONENT FAILS REGULARLY AND LEAKS OIL DOWN THE STRUT (SOMETIMES POOLING ON THE GROUND AS IN MY CASE). THE FAILURE CAN AFFECT HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Audi Rs4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Audi Rs4.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi Rs4 2007
- Report Received Date: 2018-06-22
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
- Model: Audi Rs4 2008
- Report Received Date: 2018-06-22
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
- Model: Audi Rs4 2008
- Report Received Date: 2018-01-30
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
- Model: Audi Rs4 2007
- Report Received Date: 2017-01-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
- Model: Audi Rs4 2008
- Report Received Date: 2017-01-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
Latest negative Audi Rs4 car reviews
Latest positive Audi Rs4 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
I've owned the car for just about 6 weeks, and it's been a blast! There's no other car at this price that combines elite sports car-level performance, 5-passenger capability, top-notch luxury features, 5-star safety, and all-wheel-drive.
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Vehicle year: 2008
Congratulations on your new 2008 RS4 in Daytona Grey! The colour is truly amazing and the fit and finish of the car is excellent. I'm glad to hear that you're having a great time driving it and that the handling is excellent. It's also great to know that the back seat is comfortable, although it could use a bit more leg room. The engine is truly amazing and the carbon under the hood is beautiful. I completely agree that the RS4 is much more engaging than the new M5 or M3, from first-hand experience. You never get bored driving it, especially with the confidence of Audi's all-wheel drive. Nothing beats all-wheel drive in the rain! Overall, I'm very pleased for you and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the next generation RS4. Thank you for sharing your experience with me!
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Vehicle year: 2007
This car is pure exhilaration. It's extremely quick, hugs the corners and has a rock-solid build quality. The engine sounds great, too. This is a fantastic every-day car and it's not too thirsty given its 420 hp engine.
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Vehicle year: 2008
You've owned her for almost 4 years now and have made some great mods. She's better than ever and definitely worth a visit to the garage. The package is so sweet now with JHM down pipes with cats, Supersprint X-tube and rears, and the best sound ever. You've also added GruppeM, deflapped and ported manifold, 034 sway bar, HR coilovers and OEM Ceramics. And those Exclusive buckets with Imola inserts are the cherry on top. It's no wonder you'll never sell her. She keeps you smiling every time you think about her.
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Vehicle year: 2007
Transitioning from a B5 500 hp S4, my key concern was the performance. However, after owning the car for about a month, I am impressed with Audi's execution of everything else. The car is blazing fast and so solid, smooth, and easy to drive every day. Unlike my old S4, which was getting tough, this car is much happier at 135 and really smooth. It's amazing how it wants to do 190. I strongly suggest this car to any modified S4 owner; they won't want to go back to turbos.
Are you having problems with your Audi Rs4?
Luigi Mohr 2024-06-11
Vehicle year: 2008
I have extensive experience with Evos, and unfortunately, this car does not meet my expectations. The gear box is clunky and can be concerning during cold shifts. The acceleration is not as responsive as I would like due to the low torque output. The brakes could be improved and can upset the balance of the car during hard braking. The engine note is not to my liking, and the high-pitched whining noise during acceleration is not accompanied by a corresponding feeling of acceleration. The steering is not as responsive as I would prefer, requiring constant adjustments in corners. The car tends to understeer in corners. Additionally, the gas mileage is not ideal, comparable to cars with larger engines and more horsepower. Unfortunately, the in-dash CD player stopped working within 500 miles.