2008 Audi S4 problems
The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan. All subsequent S4s since 1997 have been based on the Audi A4; and as the A4 has evolved from one generation to the next, so has the S4.
Like its regular A4 counterpart, all S4 variants have had longitudinally oriented, front-mounted engines. All versions of the S4 have their transmission mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle, and like all Audi "S" cars, are only available as standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, using a Torsen-based centre differential system. A more powerful internal combustion engine, larger upgraded brakes, firmer suspension, larger wheels, and distinctive sheetmetal, styling clues and badging have always been amongst the many upgrades the S4 receives over its mainstream 100 and A4 siblings. In markets where the even higher-performance Audi RS 4 is not offered, the S4 is the top-of-the-line trim of the A4 family.
A single turbocharged 2.2-litre inline five-cylinder powered the original C4 version, and a 2.7-litre twin turbocharged V6 engine was found in the B5 generation. The B6 and B7 versions shared a common 4.2-litre V8 engine, the first time that a V8 engine was placed in a compact executive car, placing it in direct competition with the BMW M3 (3.2 L inline 6) and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG (3.2-litre supercharged V6). The B8 generation uses a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine and competed with the BMW 335i, BMW 335i/340i xDrive, and Mercedes-Benz C350. The current B9 generation is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine, with rivals including the BMW M340i xDrive and Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG/Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC.
All versions of the S4 have been manufactured at Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are, or have been available as a four-door five-seat saloon and a five-door five-seat Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon) body styles since the model's inception in 1991. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible) S4 variant was introduced as part of the B6 and B7 generation A4 lineups. The B8 Cabriolet has now been built off the A5 coupe body style and the "S" variant is marketed under the Audi S5 nameplate.
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Common 2008 Audi S4 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2008 Audi S4, several common problems have been reported:
- Timing Chain Guides: Another significant problem with the Audi S4 is related to the timing chain guides. The 4.2-liter V8 engine in the S4 has been criticized for its timing chain guides, which can lead to serious engine issues. This problem has sparked controversy due to the high repair costs associated with fixing it .
- Dependability Concerns: The V8 Audi S4 has faced challenges with dependability, making it less desirable as a used car option. Issues related to engine reliability have been highlighted, indicating potential costly repairs and maintenance requirements.
These common problems with the 2008 Audi S4 highlight some of the key issues that owners have faced with this particular model. Addressing these concerns promptly and proactively can help owners maintain the performance and reliability of their Audi S4.
Is the Audi S4 engine reliable?
The S4 is known to have a lot of issues like a failed thermostat, turbocharger failure, engine oil leaks, and premature brake wear, among others. Maintaining an unreliable sedan like the Audi S4 can be costly, but facing a few common issues is worth it if owning a high-performance car can give you a lot of joy.
How many miles do Audi S4 last?
A well maintained AUDI can be expected to last a LONG LONG time, as in twenty or thirty years and three or four hundred thousand miles.
Is the Audi S4 quick?
Verdict The Audi S4 is quick and light on its feet, but its clinical personality lacks the passion of leading sport-sedan rivals.
What S4 has a V-8?
The B6 and B7 versions shared a common 4.2-litre V8 engine, the first time that a V8 engine was placed in a compact executive car, placing it in direct competition with the BMW M3 (3.2 L inline 6) and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG (3.2-litre supercharged V6).
Is the Audi S4 engine reliable?
The S4 is known to have a lot of issues like a failed thermostat, turbocharger failure, engine oil leaks, and premature brake wear, among others. Maintaining an unreliable sedan like the Audi S4 can be costly, but facing a few common issues is worth it if owning a high-performance car can give you a lot of joy.
What engine is in the 2008 Audi S4?
All S4 models are outfitted with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 340 hp. A standard six-speed manual transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system transfer power to the ground; a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that allows manual gear selection is optional.
How many miles can an S4 last?
You can expect the average Audi S4 to last up to and potentially over 100,000 miles without the need for significant repairs, but only if you take the time to perform routine maintenance while driving in a safe and controlled manner.
Is Audi A4 or S4 better?
S4 Horsepower. Whichever model you choose, enjoy responsive power delivery and a smooth and quiet ride. The 2023 Audi A4 delivers 201 horsepower or 261 horsepower, depending on the engine option you choose, while the 2023 Audi S4 equipped with the larger V6 engine produces a mighty 349 horsepower.
2008 Audi S4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi S4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Audi S4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Audi S4 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Audi S4.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-02
- VIN: WAUGL78E48A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. HAVE RECEIVED LATEST NOTICE (NHSTA 17V032) INDICATING THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDS INTERIM REMEDY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HAVE CALLED DEALERSHIP (AUDI BURLINGTON MA) 3-4 TIMES TO HAVE REPAIR SCHEDULED OVER LAST 2 MONTHS. WAS ON THE REPAIR SCHEDULE FOR TODAY AT 10:15 AM BUT THEY CANCELLED SAYING PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE (HAVE EMAIL). ACCORDING TO NOTICE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. DEALER REFUSES TO GIVE ME A ORDER NUMBER FOR THE PART FOR MY VEHICLE (CLAIMING THEY ARE ORDERED IN BULK NOT BY VIN), REFUSES TO GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO WHEN PART WILL BE IN. MY VEHICLE IS APPROACHING 10 YEARS OLD, I BELIEVE DUE TO BEING IN MA IN GROUP 5. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN PART IS AVAILABLE BUT WILL GIVE NO TIME ESTIMATE, CLAIMS I AM ON A "SHORT LIST" FOR THE REPAIR. I AM LEFT IN A SITUATION WHERE I CAN'T USE MY PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS FOR THE LAST YEAR AND NOW HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS WILL BE ADDRESSED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-02
- VIN: WAUUL78E08A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. IT HAS BEEN AN EXCEPTIONALLY LONG TIME SINCE FIRST NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL AND AUDI STILL DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL FIX.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-17
- VIN: WUARL48H38K
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-01
- VIN: WUARL48H28K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL GOES FROM PRACTICALLY FROZEN TO BEING LOOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE DRIVING OFF THE ROAD, INTO TRAFFIC, CRASH, ETC. DEALERSHIP, DELTA AUDI, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, CANNOT REPLICATE AND REFUSE TO DRIVE SIMILAR TO THE CONDITIONS IT FAILS, FOR LACK OF STAFF AND RESOURCES. AUDI OF AMERICA AND "STATE REPRESENTATIVE" AND "END OF THE LINE" DECISION MAKER RYAN CONLIN (248) 754-3426, STATES HE WILL OFFER NO FURTHER RESOLVE. HE REFUSES TO PUT IN WRITING EFFORTS MADE TO RESOLVE, TO DATE. HE STATES THAT I MAY NOT SPEAK WITH, NOR HAVE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HIS SUPERVISOR KELLY ROLAND. I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS OPERATIONAL. UNPREDICATABLE ABILITY TO STEER A VEHICLE IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE. AUDI REFUSES TO APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS. *TR
2008 Audi S4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Audi S4.
- 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.
- 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.
Positive 2008 Audi S4 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Audi S4 problems:
6 MT 08 Audi S4: reliability, issue, usability? : r/cars
Sep 20, 2014 ... So, I'm still looking for a good luxury sports car at or around $30k, and a gentleman near me has listed his 2008 Audi S4 for right in my price ...
FAQ: Are you looking to purchase a B6/B7 S4? Here is what you ...
Sep 15, 2009 ... Early B6 Build Date: It is known that some early build date S4's (8/03) had some engine problems. Those problems should have occurred by now or ...
Used B6/B7 S4 Reliability:A nightmare waiting to happen? : r/Audi
Feb 15, 2017 ... Valve cover gaskets, rear timing chain covers and Oil filter housing seals will start leaking eventually. The upper control arm bushings will go ...
Here's Why The V8 Audi S4 Is An Awful Used Car
Dec 30, 2014 ... No problem. The parts alone are three grand, and then you have to consider the hours you'll spend under the car, covered in grease, wondering ...
Should i buy this S4? High mileage reliability issues?
Dec 18, 2014 ... It's a 2005 B6 Audi S4 with 125k miles (Link ... 2008 B7S4tip Avant, 1998.5 B5A4tip 2.8L V6 (retired) ... A Leak down/compression test if you have ...
Other years of Audi S4
Are you having problems with your 2008 Audi S4?
Erling Yundt 2025-01-02
The S4 convertible is a stylish car! You've driven yours for 2000 miles now and just love it. Compared to other convertibles in this high performance range, you get much more car for your money. You looked at the M3, but found the Audi better for every day driving. It has a great and smooth 8 cyl engine.
Elias Price 2024-10-23
I have owned a lot of vehicles and I have to say that my S4 is by far the best I have ever owned. The acceleration is mind-boggling, and the car handles at high speeds better than my old M3. The sound of the motor is music to anyone's ears, especially over 5k on the tach.
Orland Hodkiewicz 2024-07-21
I love the sound and performance of the big V8. The AWD has been impressive in the snow and on ice. Although it can still get stuck if the snow is deep enough, the traction control system is complex and Audi does not provide good information on it. The ride is on the harsh side and unfortunately not adjustable. Additionally, there have been transient squeaks and rattles from the interior body panels, and the rear seat is cramped. However, aside from these minor issues, the car is very quick, handles well and is an absolute blast to drive. I find the navigation and audio system both excellent, and I particularly like the iPod integration, even though the track names do not show up on the screen.
Janick Mertz 2024-07-01
Much smoother, classier, and more fun to drive than the M3 by far! It really gives you a sports car feeling.
Grayce Collins 2024-06-15
I had been considering buying an M3 for a while, but after taking this beauty for a spin, I couldn't resist. It outperforms the competition in power, luxury, and performance, not to mention the gorgeous sound from that V8 engine.