2018 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 2018 Audi S4 problems
The 2018 Audi S4 has generally been regarded as a reliable vehicle, with many owners reporting few to no issues. However, there are a few common problems that have been reported by some owners.
One of the most notable issues is the potential for rocker arm failures in the 2018 and 2019 models. This issue has affected a relatively small number of vehicles, but it has caused some concern in the Audi community. The rocker arm is a critical component of the engine, and failure can lead to significant damage. While there is no known remedy for this issue, it is recommended that potential buyers keep an eye out for any signs of engine problems and consider purchasing an extended warranty for added peace of mind.
Another issue that has been reported by some owners is the potential for creaks and rattles in the interior, particularly in the early build cars from 2017 and 2018
. These issues have been attributed to cost-cutting measures and are not typically a major concern for most buyers. However, it is recommended that potential buyers inspect the interior of any vehicle they are considering and ensure that everything feels tight and well-built.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the electronics in the 2018 Audi S4, particularly in the early build cars
. These issues have not been widespread, but they have affected some vehicles. It is recommended that potential buyers be aware of these issues and ensure that any vehicle they are considering is in good working order.
Overall, the 2018 Audi S4 is generally regarded as a reliable vehicle, with many owners reporting few to no issues. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for rocker arm failures, creaks and rattles in the interior, and issues with the electronics, particularly in the early build cars. By being aware of these issues and taking the necessary precautions, buyers can ensure that they are getting a reliable and high-quality vehicle.
Is the Audi S4 a reliable car?
The Audi S4 doesn't have a good reputation when it comes to reliability. RepairPal gave it an underwhelming reliability score of only 2.0 out of 5.0. 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.
How many miles will a 2018 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 an Audi S4 a fast car?
0-60 MPH Times
Looking at the numbers, the S4 ranks above most competitors in performance. The 0-60 mph time for the Audi S4 in our testing was 4.2 seconds.
When did they stop making Audi S4?
| Audi S4 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
| Production | 1991–1994 1997-present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
Is the Audi S4 a reliable car?
The Audi S4 doesn't have a good reputation when it comes to reliability. RepairPal gave it an underwhelming reliability score of only 2.0 out of 5.0. 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.
How many miles will a 2018 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 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.
How much horsepower does a 2018 Audi S4 Stage 2 have?
Stock: 350 HP / 391 TQ. Stage 2 91: 454 HP / 542 TQ.
2018 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:
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Audi S4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Audi S4 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Audi S4.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-06
- VIN: WAUB4AF47JA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-19
- VIN: WAUC4AF45JA
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Audi Dealer inspection revealed Rear spring is broken and mounts are deteriorating. Dealer states not common and would result in accident if not repaired. Research indicates broken springs common with certain Audi vehicles (A4/S4, Q5 & Q7), especially 2018 model year. See Audi World forum website. It would appear these springs are defective and will result in accident, injury and death. Audi refuses to acknowledge issue and issue recall.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-08
- VIN: WAUB4AF48JA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S PRE SENSE AUTO-BRAKING AND BRAKING ALERT JOLT HAS BEEN ACTIVATING ERRONEOUSLY AND HAVE ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS AT SPEED. THE SYSTEM CANNOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED, IT DEACTIVATES UPON IGNITION RESTART. THE SYSTEM HAS ERRONEOUSLY AND AGGRESSIVELY JOLTED THE BREAKS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON CURVES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CRESTING A HILL WITH VEHICLES PARKED ON THE DOWNWARD SLOAP. CLEARLY, IT IS MISTAKEN THE PARKED VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL IMPACT, EITHER AGGRESSIVELY JOLTING THE BREAKERS AND/OR BREAKING. THIS IS NOT ONLY VERY FRIGHTENING BUT ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS FEATURE ALSO ACTIVATED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65+ MPH WHILE SAFELY CHANGING LANES, AND ALMOST LED TO MY VEHICLE BEING REAR-ENDED. THERE SHOULD BE A WAY FOR A DRIVER TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS FEATURE TO BETTER ADAPT TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR UNIQUE DRIVER CONDITIONS. AS IS, THIS FEATURE HAS BEEN DANGEROUS!
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-14
- VIN: WAUB4AF41JA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THERE ARE TWO LARGE "UNDERRIDE GUARD" PANELS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ARE FASTENED BY SMALL, LOOSE-FITTING PLASTIC CLIPS. THERE IS ALSO FELT SOUND-DEADENING MATERIAL ON THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF THIS PANEL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN RAIN OR SNOW, THE PANEL COLLECTS SNOW OR WATER UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND BREAKS FREE UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING THE PANEL TO CONTACT THE ROAD AND DRAG ON THE GROUND. THIS DRAGGING CAUSES A "RUDDER EFFECT," PULLING THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY IN AN UNPREDICTABLE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARYING SPEEDS WHEN THIS OCCURS; IT HAS OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR, 40 MILES PER HOUR AND 65 MILES PER HOUR.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-14
- VIN: WAUC4BF43JA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING IN MANUAL MODE AND TRANSITION FROM ON THE THROTTLE TO OFF-THROTTLE, THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE STOPS ACCELERATING AND TRANSITIONS TO DECELERATION. ESPECIALLY IN FIRST GEAR, THIS MEANS THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME. I DROVE ANOTHER MODEL OF AUDI WITH THE SAME ENGINE/TRANSMISSION (2018 S5) AND IT EXHIBITS THE SAME BEHAVIOR. SINCE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PHYSICAL THROTTLE CABLE, THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE CAUSED BY THE THROTTLE NOT CLOSING AS COMMANDED BY THE ECU OR THERE BEING A DELAY IN THE THROTTLE BEING COMMANDED TO CLOSE. THIS HAS NOT CAUSED A COLLISION BUT EASILY COULD.
2018 Audi S4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Audi S4.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
Negative 2018 Audi S4 car reviews
Positive 2018 Audi S4 car reviews
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Apart from the usual cost of the vehicle and the fact that maintenance can be expensive, the Audi driving experience is perfect. I have had the privilege of driving every German make at least once, and my experience with Audi has been nothing but spectacular, even with the loaner '20 A6 I received for a few weeks while my S4 was being serviced. The price tags may be high, but you definitely get what you pay for. It's a cliche, but it's the truth. The seats are incredibly comfortable, which is perfect for my fiance and me since we do a lot of road tripping. Whenever we drive the Audi, it's like a dream come true. I would never recommend buying a luxury vehicle brand new off the line, but with certified pre-owned, you really can't go wrong!
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The Audi offers a luxurious experience with an engine that growls and becomes more serious when switched to sports mode.
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This car is closer in size to the E-Class Mercedes and 5 Series BMW. When comparing, it's best to look at these cars rather than the C-Class MB and 3 Series BMW. It offers much better value than the E-Class and 5 Series for far less money.
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Love the S4! The handling, power, digital cockpit, and looks are all amazing. After trying an S4, why would anybody buy an A4?
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Audi S4 problems:
AUDI S4 COMMON PROBLEMS! - YouTube
Feb 3, 2023 ... IS THE AUDI S4 RELIABLE? YES OR NO? WATCH TO FIND OUT! In this video, we'll be discussing some of the common problems with the Audi S4.
B9 S4 reliability concerns/common issues? : r/AudiS4
Jan 31, 2023 ... IMO the cases of rocker arm issues coming up with 2018-2019 cars is a legitimate concern. $3k+ to address at a shop for a manufacturing error is ...
What happened to my 2018 AUDI S4 (B9)?!?! - YouTube
Jan 5, 2019 ... Wanted to update everyone on all the problems I have had with my new S4 since picking up new in November 2017! Stick around and I hope you ...
B9 S4 Reliability - AudiWorld Forums
Feb 14, 2020 ... Hardware wise I can't say I have any issues either, very reliable. The only thing I foresee as a potential problem (when the miles really pile ...
2018 Audi S4 reliability? : r/Audi
Dec 5, 2022 ... Pretty good as far as German luxury goes. Right now there's a little bit of a panic in the community regarding rocker arm failures on 18 and 19 ...
Other years of Audi S4
Are you having problems with your 2018 Audi S4?
Wilmer Bradtke 2024-09-10
If you're considering buying a sport model from Audi and you're a bit of an Audi enthusiast, it's important to do your research. I personally own a brand new S4 2018 model, and after just one year, in 2019, all four tires had completely worn out and split. As a lady driver who drives carefully, this was a real shock and made me feel quite nervous about driving. What's more, I was never told upfront that S Sport models require a special alignment that costs double due to a camera sensor, which can also cause tires to have a shorter lifespan. When I brought my S4 in for a second recall service, I was told that my tires were split and worn, and that this was a common issue with most S models. They even suggested that I consider getting a regular A model instead. It's frustrating to hear these things, and I've recently heard a lot of bad news about Audi and disappointments from their clients. One person said that their engine light came on just three days after buying their car, while another said that they started hearing strange noises after just a week. And once the 50,000 mile warranty is up, you'll be paying a substantial amount for parts and services. So, it's worth considering alternatives like BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche. Do your research and make an informed decision.