2011 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 2011 Audi S4 problems
The Audi S4, produced in 2011, is a powerful and luxurious vehicle that offers a unique driving experience. However, like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. In this article, we will discuss some of the most frequently encountered issues with the 2011 Audi S4, based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Engine Problems:
The engine is both a strength and a weakness of the Audi S4. While it is powerful, refined, and quiet, it is also prone to reliability issues. The most common problems with the engine include issues with the timing chain, variable timing, and increased oil consumption. These engines also prefer running on premium fuel, but many owners drove them on regular fuel, which led to imperfect combustion and carbon buildup in the engines.
- Carbon Buildup:
The carbon buildup on the Audi S4 can cause significant issues. It is mostly unavoidable due to the direct injection nature of the engine. The buildup will restrict the airflow inside the engine and cause misfires, uneven idle, and worse fuel economy. The carbon builds up on the intake valves and the only reliable solution to this problem is removing the intake manifold and cleaning the valves.
- Excessive Oil Consumption:
The 2.0 TFSI engine in the Audi S4 can often suffer from excessive oil consumption. This is a chronic problem of this engine caused by the piston rings, which fail to seal properly and allow oil to leak into the cylinders around the pistons. This problem can cause a variety of issues, such as decreased fuel economy, excessive wear on the engine components and even scoring in the bores of the cylinders, which further amplifies the issues over the long run.
- Timing Chain Tensioner:
The timing chain tensioner is another common problem related to the engine in the Audi S4. When working properly, the timing chain allows the intake and exhaust valves to open and close at the correct intervals. However, with a worn-out tensioner, the timing chain can become loose, causing the engine to run poorly or not at all. This issue can be resolved by replacing the timing chain tensioner.
- Differential Oil Leaks:
Some owners of the 2011 Audi S4 have reported differential oil leaks. This issue can cause the car to leak oil onto the ground, which can be a safety hazard and also lead to expensive repairs. The differential oil leak can be caused by a faulty seal or gasket, which can be replaced to fix the issue.
- Noise from the Fuse Box:
Some owners of the 2011 Audi S4 have reported hearing noise coming from the fuse box. This issue can be caused by a faulty component in the fuse box, which can be replaced to fix the issue. However, this issue can also be caused by a wiring problem, which may require more extensive repairs.
- Wind Noise on Driverside Door:
Some owners of the 2011 Audi S4 have reported wind noise on the driverside door. This issue can be caused by a faulty seal or gasket, which can be replaced to fix the issue. However, this issue can also be caused by a wiring problem, which may require more extensive repairs.
- Suspension Issues:
The suspension of the 2011 Audi S4 is well-built and robust, but the bushings will give in at around 120,000 miles on both axles. The shock absorbers last a bit longer and usually need replacing around the 150,000 miles mark.
- Door Locks:
The door locks of the 2011 Audi S4 are not the most reliable. It’s either the motors operating the locks or the micro switches in them that fail. With this issue, you will not be able to open the doors from the inside. The repair is not too demanding and has been present on various VW vehicles since the 2000s, making it another chronic issue.
In conclusion, the 2011 Audi S4 is a powerful and luxurious vehicle that offers a unique driving experience. However, like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues include engine problems, carbon buildup, excessive oil consumption, timing chain tensioner, differential oil leaks, noise from the fuse box, wind noise on driverside door, suspension issues, and door locks. If you are considering purchasing a 2011 Audi S4, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and to budget for potential repairs.
How reliable is the Audi S4 2011?
It's good in the snow. It's good in the rain. It's great on a back road. Its service history of just over 80,000 miles shows it's reliable.
Is the Audi S4 engine reliable?
Audi S4 Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Audi S4 Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 27th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $1,171 which means it has poor ownership costs.
Is the 2011 Audi S4 supercharged?
The 3.0-liter supercharged 2011 Audi S4 remains an invigorating performance machine in a stealthy sedan body.
What is the 0-60 mph for a 2011 Audi S4?
How fast is the 2011 Audi S4? The 2011 S4 boasts 333 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds.
How reliable is the Audi S4 2011?
It's good in the snow. It's good in the rain. It's great on a back road. Its service history of just over 80,000 miles shows it's reliable.
How many miles can a 2011 Audi 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 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 is the top speed of a 2011 S4?
155.3 mph
Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
2011 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:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Audi S4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2011 Audi S4
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Audi S4. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2011 Audi S4 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-07
- VIN: WAUBGAFL5BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR HAS DEVELOPED A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IN THE MECHATRONIC UNIT. CAR GIVES A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION DISPLAY IN THE CAR. REVERSE WILL NOT WORKING AND THE CAR WILL REPEATEDLY GO INTO NEUTRAL AT ANY SPEED. SOMETIMES THEN IT WILL JERK BACK INTO GEAR VERY VIOLENTLY.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-16
- VIN: WAUBGBFL7BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT TIMES DUE TO THE VEHICLE MAKING SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED MOVEMENTS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: WAUBGAFL1BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION BLEW UP ON THE HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEED. HAS TO GET A TOW AND PAY 12000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WAUKGAFL5BA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR IS HAVING JERKY SHIFTING WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS DRIVER, ESPECIALLY ONCE THE ENGINE GETS HOT. I HAVE HAD FELT THE CAR JERK FORWARD A COUNTLESS AMOUNT OF TIMES AND HAVE GOTTEN WHIPLASH A COUPLE TIMES WHERE I'VE BEEN IN PAIN. TRANSMISSION ON MY AUDI S4 IS GIVING THE SAME ISSUES AS MANY OTHERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON AUDIZINE.COM AND AUDIWORLD.COM, WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. AUDI NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE AND DO A RECALL ON ALL B8/B8.5 S4 VEHICLES!
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-27
- VIN: WAUKGBFLXBA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2011 S4 STARTED GETTING THE "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION CONTINUE DRIVING" LIGHT AT ABOUT 40,612 MILES. AT THE SAME TIME MY VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN STOPPING AND ACCELERATION. WHEN SHIFTING DOWN THE GEARS MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE SPECIALLY FROM 3RD AND 2ND GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO USE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I BOUGHT BECAUSE AUDI DIDN'T WANT TO COVER MY VEHICLE. AUDI SERVICE ADVISORS RECOMMEND CHANGING THE MECHATRONIC AND CIRCUIT BOARD BUT MY WARRANTY ONLY AUTHORIZED THE CIRCUIT BOARD. MY VEHICLE STILL JERKS WHEN STOPPING AS IT DOWNSHIFTS AND WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-06
- VIN: WAUKGAFL5BA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 25 MPH, CAR RANDOMLY SHOWS 'GEARBOX MALFUNCTION' AND 'TPMS' SIMULTANEOUSLY. CAR DROVE IN LIMP MODE FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STANDSTILL AND PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN IT BACK ON TO DRIVE. 'TMPS' SIGN IS STILL SHOWING. POSSIBILITY OF BEING A MECHATRONIC ISSUE, WHICH IS VERY WELL KNOWN AS AN ISSUE WITH THE 2010+ AUDI S4S.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-26
- VIN: WAUBGAFLXBA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS EXITING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER. I HAD TO CUT 3 CARS OFF TO PULL ONTO TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE THE CAR CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED. A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT SAID IT WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS ABLE TO GET ME CAR INTO PARK AND START . AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES I WENT ON MY WAY, HOWEVER, THE CAR SPUTTERED AGAIN OUT OF 1ST GEAR BUT SMOOTHED OUT ONCE I GOT GOING. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP BUT DIDNT COME BACK ON THE NEXT MORNING. I CALLED AUDI USA TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY ACTED LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING HAPPENING AND SAID IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND THAT GEARBOX MALFUNCTION HAS NOW HAPPENED 3 TIMES, THE LATEST OF WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE CALLED A COUPLE MECHANICS, INCLUDING A LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP, AND HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT ITS A BAD MECHATRONICS UNIT AND THAT IT IS EXTREMELY COMMON FOR MY PARTICULAR YEAR, MODEL AND TYPE (THERE IS A TSB FOR IT). WORST OF ALL, IT WILL COST ME $5000 + TO REPAIR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR 6 MONTHS AGO FROM A LARGE, WELL RESPECT DEALERSHIP AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, WITH 75,000 MILES. I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WILL NOT COVER IT. IM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-21
- VIN: WAUKGAFL7BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS (~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~70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE JUST GAVE UP ALL POWER AND INSTANTLY DROPPED TO ABOUT 55-60 MPH ,IN MORNING COMMUTER TRAFFIC, DUE TO BEING IN A STEEP CANYON. IT TOOK A MOMENT BEFORE THE CAR FOUND A GEAR AND GAINED POWER AGAIN. I LIMPED THE CAR TO WORK AND PARKED SOMEWHERE WHERE I CAN EASILY MOVE THE CAR IF THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL STUCK WITHOUT HALF OF THE GEARS.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-08
- VIN: WAUBGAFL5BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING AND THE TPMS MALFUNCTION CAME ON AT SAME TIME. CONTINUED TO DRIVE IN LIMP MODE FOR ABOUT 1 MILE AND THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. START THE CAR BACK UP AND STILL SHOWING WARNINGS. GET IT HOME AND ATTEMPT TO PUT INTO REVERSE AND THE CAR WON'T ENGAGE. I JUST HAPPENED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND ALL LIGHTS WERE GONE. CAR WENT INTO ALL GEARS, DROVE FINE, AND GOT IT TO THE DEALER. TWO HOURS LATER I GET IN TO GO TO THE STORE AND AS SOON AS I SHIFT INTO D, THE TPMS AND GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIGHT FLASH UP TELLING ME I HAVE NO REVERSE AND I'M STILL GOOD TO DRIVE. SO I DECIDE TO DRIVE DOWN THE STREET AND SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS. AS SOON AS THE CAR WENT TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND IT SKIPPED, REVVED IN NEUTRAL FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS THEN DROPPED HARD INTO 3RD GEAR. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO DRIVE THE CAR AND DROVE AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD WITH NO PROBLEM - NO ERROR MESSAGE, NO FAULTY SHIFTING, NO JERKING OR ANYTHING. SO I DECIDED TO RUN TO THE STORE ABOUT 4 MILES AWAY AND SEE HOW IT HELP UP. I MADE IT TO THE STORE AND HALFWAY BACK BEFORE BOOM - IT HAPPENED AGAIN. CAR WILL START IN 1ST GEAR FINE, WENT SHIFTING INTO 2ND IT SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL FOR ABOUT 2-3SEC THEN DROPS ABRUPTLY INTO 3RD, WHEN YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPEED IT DOES THE SAME THING TRYING TO SHIFT INTO 4TH - SKIPS AND DROPS INTO 5TH, SAME THING INTO 6TH - SLIPS OUT OF 5TH AND DROPS HARD INTO 7TH. SLOWING DOWN WAS NOT A HUGE PROBLEM AS LONG AS YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM TO TAKE IT EASY. IF YOU SLOWED TO FAST THE GEARS WOULDN'T KEEP UP AND IT WOULD JERK VERY HARD. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER SINCE IT IS A SYSTEM FACTORY FAILURE WITH THE DSG UNIT SIMPLE AS THAT. REASON WHY I AM CONTACTING THIS AGENCY AS THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE YOU WERE DRIVING IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT/KILLED THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-05
- VIN: WAUKGAFL8BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DEC 5 2016, WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN ROUTE TO A SCHEDULED SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT AUDI OF ASHEVILLE, MY 2011 AUDI S4 LURCHED AND SEVERAL WARNINGS CAME UP INCLUDING "DSG FAILURE, NO REVERSE, TPMS WARNING", FOLLOWED BY "YOU MAY CONTINUE TO DRIVE". WITHIN 5 MILES AND AT A SPEED OF APPROX 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF DRIVE AND CAME TO A STOP IN A TWO LANE ROAD, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT NO CONNECTION WITH THE REST OF THE DRIVE-TRAIN WAS EVIDENT. I BELIEVE THE "MECHATRONICS" CONTROL UNIT FAILED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF DRIVE AND UNCONTROLLED, UNSYNCED GEAR CHANGES. I WAS APPROX 5 MILES FROM BEING ON AN INTERSTATE WITH A 6% GRADE. VEHICLE IS ONE OWNER, ORDERED AND SERVICED EXCLUSIVELY BY AUDI, 70000 MILES, NOT ABUSED. REQUIRES COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT, WITH THE NOTED EXCEPTION OF THE TRANSMISSION THERE WAS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-30
- VIN: WAUBGAFL6BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT ABOUT 49K MILES THE CAR WOULD SOMETIMES LURCH BACKWARDS WHEN IN REVERSE OR GOING FROM REVERSE TO PARK. TOOK INTO MECHANIC. NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES SHOWED UP. AROUND 60K MILES THE CAR OVERHEATED. AUDI STATED IT NEEDED A NEW THERMOSTAT WHICH WAS AROUND $1000. DROVE THE CAR ACROSS COUNTRY FROM CA TO CO. AROUND 62K MILES CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND WOULD NOT GET OUT OF 1ST OR 2ND GEAR. "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION" WARNING CAME ON. STATED NOT TO GO INTO REVERSE. DROVE HOME SLOWLY. NEXT MORNING ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF. TOOK TO MECHANIC. NO PROBLEMS COULD BE FOUND. MAY 2016 AT 69K MILES CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN. COULDN'T GET RPMS UP. RESET CODES USING DIAGNOSTIC TOOL. DROVE FROM UTAH TO CO. CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE PROBABLY 40 TIMES ON I-70. CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. MADE IT TO DEALER (PRESTIGE IN LAKEWOOD, CO). MECHATRONICS FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND CAR IN NEED OF ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION. COST $12,000. DEALERSHIP 'PAID' $8000. I PAID $4000. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-19
- VIN: WAUBGAFL7BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DSG MECHATRONIC FAILURE. WAS REPLACED UNDER CPO WARRANTY. HOWEVER PROBLEM PERSISTS. WHILE DRIVING CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL WITH TPMS + GEARBOX MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH AUDI S4 2010 AND 2011.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-25
- VIN: WAUBGAFLXBA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE SUFFERS FROM A FAULTY MECHATRONICS UNIT, CAUSING THE CAR TO MIS-SHIFT AND SURGE WHILE DRIVING, OR FAIL TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC IN "D" DRIVE, DUE TO PARKING BRAKE DRIVE-SELECT MALFUNCTIONS. IN THESE CASES THE CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF, IN TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD AGAIN. THIS TECHNIQUE HAS WORKED SO FAR BUT I AM AFRAID THIS WILL NOT WORK EVENTUALLY, AND BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE ON THE ROADWAY.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-20
- VIN: WAUBGAFL6BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE - EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (1QT REFILL IS REQUIRE FOR EVERY 750MILES). DSG TRANSMISSION ' GETTING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION, YOU CAN CONTINUE TO DRIVE ON DASHBOARD. THIS IS DUE TO P179E - DRIVE RANGE SENSOR ELECTRICAL ERROR.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-22
- VIN: WAUKGAFL9BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER TURNING MY CAR ON A GEARBOX MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARED BUT SAID I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING THE MESSAGE AND SERVICE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF WITH EVERYTHING GOING BACK TO NORMAL. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE A VERY COMMON MECHATRONIC UNIT ISSUE THAT IS PART OF THE FAULTY DSG THAT AUDI HAS PUT IN THE B8 S4 MODEL.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-08
- VIN: WAUBGAFL9BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT STRANGE SHIFTING BEHAVIOR IN LOW GEARS. WHEN UPSHIFTING OR DOWNSHIFTING FROM 1-2-3 AND VICE VERSA THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SOMETIMES HESITATE OR SHIFT INAPPROPRIATELY. AUDI DEALERSHIP UPDATED SOFTWARE AND CHECKED THE PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS NOT ANY ERROR CODES. PROBLEM WOULD COME AND GO USUALLY WHEN IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE. A LITTLE OVER A YEAR (SEPT 2015) CAR HAS AGAIN BEEN ODDLY SHIFTING IN LOW GEARS AND EVEN REVVING TO HIGH RPMS BEFORE DOWNSHIFTING IN AUTOMATIC MODE. CAR FINALLY THREW AND ERROR CODE SAYING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION AND CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT FIND THE RIGHT GEARS TO SHIFT. CAR HAS BEEN EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF MECHATRONIC UNIT FAILURE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-02
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ROUGH/CLUNKING SHIFTING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD, OR LACK POWER WHEN ACCELERATING.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
- VIN: WAUBGAFL6BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS ACCELERATING, AFTER LEAVING A RESTAURANT, INTO TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED THE "DSG MALFUNCTION LIGHT" AND SUDDENLY AT ABOUT 20MPH MY LURCHED FORWARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE AND SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. CAR RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS BUT DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD GO WITHOUT NOTICE. IF I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND THROTTLE WENT OUT SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-02
- VIN: WAUKGBFL4BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS CRUISING AT APPROX. 55MPH ON MY WAY TO WORK. I HAD NO SYMPTOMS OF ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND DECELERATING AS IF I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I MADE AN EMERGENCY MERGE INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN AND WAS LUCKILY NOBODY REAR ENDED ME. AFTER INSPECTION OF MY TIRES WHICH WERE OK I GOT BACK IN CAR. D OR R WOULD NOT WORK. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-14
- VIN: WAUBGAFLXBA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFTS CLUNK WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM 3, 2, TO 1, AND SHIFTS NOISILY AND ABRUPTLY PARTICULARLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, OR IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES IE MIDDLE OF SUMMER ON A HOT DAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-29
- VIN: WAUKGAFL0BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: AUDI RECENTLY REPLACED MY 2ND THERMOSTAT (1ST WAS 11/2012 AND THE 2ND WAS 11/24/2014), NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND RETURNED MY CAR TO ME AFTER HOLDING ONTO MY CAR FOR TWO WEEKS. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE CHECKED OUT OKAY VIA A DIAGNOSTIC AND MECHANICS REVIEW. I DROVE MY S4 FOR TWO DAYS AND WHILE DRIVING, I RECEIVED AN INDICATOR WARNING THAT READ, GEARBOX MALFUNCTION REVERSE NOT AVAILABLE, YOU CAN STILL DRIVE. I THEN NOTICED THAT THE CAR BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY BUCK WHEN I ACCELERATED. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WHICH WAS ALARMING TO BOTH MY 10YR OLD DAUGHTER AND I. OTHER CARS HAD TO DRIVE AROUND US AND ONE VEHICLE ALMOST HIT MY CAR IN THE REAR. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT A LIMITED SPEED AND IMMEDIATELY, THE TPMS WARNING INDICATOR LIT UP AND THE CAR LOST SPEED. THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE AT 10 MPH AND I LIMPED BACK TO A RELATIVES UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE. ONCE I PARKED I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REVERSE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I CALLED AUDI AND THEY STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST AUDI SERVICE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR THE RESULTS OF THEIR FINDINGS. I HAVE ALREADY INVESTED OVER $1,750 IN VEHICLE REPAIRS (THERMOSTAT AND REAR BRAKES/ROTORS). I DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE TO INVEST MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE PIT. AUDI NEEDS TO RECALL THESE FAULTY PARTS (THERMOSTAT AND MECHATRONIC) AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND ON THIS SITE REFERENCING THESE SAME ISSUES. *JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-29
- VIN: WAUBGAFL7BA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THERE IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE AUDI 3.OT ENGINE'S PLASTIC THERMOSTAT FAILING! I WAS DRIVING AND THE THERMOSTAT FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TEMP TO SKYROCKET TO "H"! I DROVE HOME BECAUSE I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH WITH THE HEATER ON HIGH. THEY FLATBEDED MY CAR ON 9/29/14 FROM MY DRIVEWAY TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS A FAILED THERMOSTAT AND REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER "PLASTIC THEMOSTAT." THE SECOND THERMOSTAT FAILED 2 DAYS LATER. I JUST TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP AGAIN THIS MORNING 10/3/14 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN! THIS PART NEEDS REENGINEERED BECAUSE ITS PLASTIC AND WILL FAIL AT SOME POINT. THANK GOD I WASNT OUT OF STATE WITH MY FAMILY AND IT FAILED BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-19
- VIN: WAUBGAFL9BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2011 AUDI S4 DSG AUTOMATIC VEHICLE. THE CAR BUCKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN GOING FROM STOP TO 1ST-2ND-3RD GEAR OR VICE VERSA. IT USUALLY OCCURS IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND WHEN THE CAR/TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN ON FOR AWHILE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AUDI FOR REPAIR AND THE SOFTWARE AND ADAPTABILITY WAS UPDATED. THIS HELPED SMOOTH OUT THE SHIFTS BUT THE CAR STILL CONTINUED TO BUCK AT TIMES (ESPECIALLY IN DYNAMIC MODE), THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO AUDI AGAIN, BUT THE TECHNICIANS DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY MECHATRONIC UNIT WHICH IS KNOWN TO FAIL IN EARLY 2010-2011 S4'S. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS UNIT WAS REPLACED. AUDI OF AMERICA HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-07
- VIN: WAUBGAFL9BA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A WARNING MESSAGE CAME UP DO THE DASHBOARD SAYING "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION, REVERSE GEAR NOT AVAILABLE, YOU CAN STILL DRIVE". AT THE SAME TIME, THE TPMS WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON. THE CAR BEGAN TO LOOSE SPEED AND WOULDN'T RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE, AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT WOULD SURGE FORWARD, AND THEN LOOSE SPEED AGAIN. THIS REPEATED A FEW TIMES, UNTIL I CAME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. AT THE INTERSECTION, I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THEN ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE NEAREST AUDI DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE CAR IS NOW BEING EVALUATED. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE AT TIMES I WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE SAME SPEED AS THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-09
- VIN: WAUBGAFLXBA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS ISSUE CONCERNS MY AUDI 2011 S4, A CAR THAT I TOOK DELIVERY ON IN APRIL, 2011. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SINCE THE DELIVERY, HOWEVER, IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT HAS CAUSED THIS SPECIFIC FILING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. ON OCCASION, THE CAR WILL STRUGGLE AND "BUCK" IN LOW GEARS AT A VERY SLOW SPEED (OR FROMA COMPLETE STOP) UPON ACCELERATION. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN BUT IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE TAKING DELIVERY. I HAVE TRIED ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WITH AUDI CORAL SPRINGS IN THE PAST BUT BECAUSE I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEY ARE UNABLE TO HELP. CONSEQUENTLY, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ALWAYS DRIVE THE CAR IN THE MANNER THAT I WOULD LIKE TO. HOWEVER, ON OCTOBER 9, 2012, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME, IT OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS IN A MERGE LANE, TRAVELING APPROX 3-5 MPH AND WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE, I ACCELERATED INTO THE TRAFFIC. AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT, THE CAR BUCKED VIOLENTLY (AS IT HAS DONE IN THE PAST) AND I HAD TO LIFT OFF THE THROTTLE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. LET ME EXPRESS THAT I IN NO WAY AM ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR AUDI. I AM ONLY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. ITS QUITE CONCEIVABLE THAT WHEN MY CAR HAS THIS TROUBLE WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC THAT I COULD GET HIT FROM BEHIND AS I MUST IMMEDIATELY LIFT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. *TR
2011 Audi S4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2011 Audi S4.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Positive 2011 Audi S4 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Audi S4 problems:
In market for 2010-2011 S4, high mileage (>100K) concerns ...
May 31, 2017 ... S4 (B8 Platform) Discussion - In market for 2010-2011 S4, high mileage (>100K) concerns? - Hey everyone, New member here.
considering B8 s4 reliability....?
May 29, 2016 ... Anything to look out for any common issues or anything to stay away from? I always buy low mileage CPO or new so this a first buying a car like ...
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Jul 13, 2022 ... motor mounts, thermostat, water pump leak, and pcv valve. https://blog.ecstuning.com/common-problems-with-the-audi-b8-b8-5-s4/ · https:// ...
Don't buy an 2011 Audi s4
Mar 30, 2012 ... I bought a 2011 Audi S4 with nothing but problems!! First thing was the differential oil was leaking after 600 miles and 2 weeks of ...
2011 Audi S4 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 2011 Audi S4 Problems · Overheating Due to Failing Thermostat. 30 people have reported this. 13 · Bushings May Deteriorate With Age and Cause Noise. 17 ...
Other years of Audi S4
Are you having problems with your 2011 Audi S4?
Alexie Trantow 2024-10-26
Originally, I had wanted the A5. However, after driving the S4, I absolutely loved it! The power is always immediately available, and the car is extremely well-refined and quiet, yet can be a beast when necessary. The mileage is great too. I love driving this car every day. I highly recommend test driving it!!
Mitchel Haley 2024-10-22
I've been driving my new S4 for four weeks now and I'm absolutely loving it! It's easy and fun to drive both in town and on the highway. I've already put on 2100 miles - 900 in town and 1200 on a long road trip. The fit and finish are top notch, and the blend of performance, luxury/comfort, and mid-size make this car almost perfect as a daily driver. While it doesn't quite have the surgical handling and steering feel of a BMW 3 series, the S4's power, smooth and responsive drivetrain, top-notch build quality and materials, and extra six inches in length over the 3 series more than make up for it. The S4 is a fast, stylish, higher-end performance vehicle that is well worth its higher price.
Lambert Bogisich 2024-09-11
This car was the most researched vehicle I have ever purchased. My wife and I test drove several models, including the I-G37, M-C350, L-GS 350, A-TL, BMW 335, and the Audi S4. All of the cars were great, but the S4 really stood out with its impressive interior finish and powerful, seamless acceleration with the 7-speed automatic. I actually appreciated the fact that it didn't have much of an exhaust note. The ride is very comfortable, but don't be fooled - this car is a wolf in sheep's clothing. When you ask it to perform, it becomes an animal! We ordered and purchased a red automatic S4 with prestige, driver assist, red and black silk Napa leather, dark birch trim, and Audi drive select.
Bernhard Marquardt 2024-09-06
I took everything that was in the dealership, including the DSG 7-speed, differential, drive select, sound system, and Sat Nav. Normally, I would have only selected the DSG and diff, but I found that they all work well together. The differential is a must-have, but the drive select is also great, especially the comfort mode which has a much softer throttle, compliant suspension, and lighter steering. I use it around town. The most impressive thing about the car is how easy it is to use the performance. It's extremely safe and stable at all times and very comfortable on long trips - no more backaches or numbness. The real-world performance is surprising - no sound or fury at traffic lights - just a gentle right foot, and the car takes off.
Izaiah Hessel 2024-08-26
Complete control in any weather with the best tires. This sports sedan is also very comfortable and gets 26 MPG while cruising at 70. Although it may be lacking in some options at $50K, there are few compromises in design or function.