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.
Negative 2008 Audi S4 car reviews
Positive 2008 Audi S4 car reviews
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The Audi is a fantastic car, with exceptional comfort and outstanding conveniences. The engine performance and torque are massive, without being peaky, and the front to rear bias is absolutely terrific with neutral steering. The transmission is precise with positive shifting, and the sound system is perfectly matched to the Audi without being harsh and overbearing. Although the throttle can be quite abrupt, with careful modulation, it can be operated smoothly. In my opinion, this is the best car I've owned to date, and I can't wait to drive the RS4. The fit and trim are perfect, making it a great car to own and drive.
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Hello! I'm someone who loves cars and I've had the pleasure of owning some great ones in the past, like the 3-Series BMW's, Sabb 9-3 Viggen, and Lexus IS300 - all bought new. I always seem to find a reason to buy a new car, and this time I spent a lot of time considering the Audi S4, BMW M3, Lexus IS 350, and Infiniti G35 coupe. After some considerable test drives, the German cars stood out for their fun-to-drive feel and style. For us non-professional drivers, the Audi S4 was the clear winner, especially for off-track use and overall driving pleasure. It's been 3 months now and I can confidently say that it was the best choice, from the dealership experience to the outstanding driving pleasure it provides.
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This AWD sports sedan with a high-revving V8 engine boasting 300+ hp and torque is a true gem. Its luxurious appointments, stunning looks inside and out, and exclusivity make it a desirable choice. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option out there, it's on par with other V8 sedans in its class. I may not use all 340hp often, but it's reassuring to have the option when I need it. And that sound? It's pure music to my ears. The interior is typical Audi fashion - business-like, but the materials, design, fit, and finish are the best in the bunch. So far, I haven't received a single complaint about the backseat room.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car. It's been quite a ride! I've owned many different cars in my time, but this one is special. I used to be into American muscle cars back in the day, and this car has a great sound to it. Unfortunately, something happened to the exhaust and it started sounding a bit too loud. I had to get it fixed to pass inspection, but it still turns heads wherever I go. The all-wheel drive is amazing in the snow, which is a huge plus. I'm a bit nervous to use the paddle shifters since I got it with over 100k miles, but I always drive in S. The car gets respect from everyone, regardless of nationality or color, and it's definitely a hit with the ladies! There are a few minor issues, like the oil burn, broken glove box and center console, and a noisy heater, but overall I still love the car. The gas mileage isn't great, but that's to be expected with a V8 AWD monster! I've heard that repairs can be expensive, so I'm considering picking up an 05 Acura RL AWD to save some money. Thanks for listening!
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This is simply the best car I have ever owned! Let me tell you about my previous cars: 07 M5, 05 M3, 06 Cayman, 03 M5. I recently purchased a 07 S4 convertible with only 24k miles and it is an outstanding car for the money. It performs exceptionally well, goes exactly where you point it, and is blazing fast. Every time I turn the key in the morning, I can't help but smile. Gas mileage is what it is, but if you baby it, you can average over 20mpg in the city. As a dad with a family of 4, this car is the perfect machine for a daily driver and fun for the whole family. And let's not forget about that Audi craftsmanship, you can't go wrong there either!
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?
Brando Tillman 2025-06-22
The S4 Avant is a great car for those who prioritize comfort and convenience. However, the air circulation system in the car could be improved to better accommodate passengers in the back. While there are air vents in the back, they are only for defrosting and do not provide adequate cooling. This issue can be particularly frustrating for those living in hot climates like Phoenix. It is important to consider these factors before purchasing the car, especially if you frequently travel with passengers. Overall, the S4 Avant is a reliable and stylish choice for those seeking a comfortable driving experience.