2002 Audi S4 recalls and problems

The 2002 Audi S4 has 1 safety recall and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Audi S4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Audi S4 recalls

Recall 21V-470: Air Bags

Reported Jun 23, 2021 · 62,812 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

2002 Audi S4 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic16
Electrical System10
Seats3
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Equipment1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 5
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 5
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,254 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Audi S4 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 85,000 miles · reported Apr 24, 2009
The contact own a 2002 audi s4. The center instrument panel display intermittently failed to illuminate. When the failure occurred half of the display was well lit while the other half was not. Occasionally there was also an odor similar to electrical smoke. The dealer was not notified of the failure since the lights on the instrument panel do not remain illuminated. The driver stated that a cable may be disconnected within the instrument panel which may be a common problem. The failure has occurred intermittently for one year. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Electrical System · at 57,000 miles · reported Mar 30, 2009
The contact owns a 2002 audi s4. The contact stated that the LCD screen on the instrument panel has lines running through the screen, which prevent him from viewing the information. He has not yet taken the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 5/5/09 updated 05/07/09.
Electrical System · at 60,000 miles · reported Jan 20, 2009
The contact owns a 2002 audi s4. While driving approximately 45 MPH on normal road conditions, the instrument panel displayed missing and faded pixels, as well as incomplete information about the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 120,000.
Electrical System · at 59,600 miles · reported Dec 25, 2008
Instrument cluster on my 2002 audi s4 has failed. Without this display, the potential for a hazardous situation increases due to not being able to read the errors which would normally be displayed. I AM aware of this being a very common faulty part and would recommend looking into a recall.
Electrical System · at 36,254 miles · reported Oct 8, 2008
I bought my car with 36,xxx miles on it. The center LCD screen does not work. The car is practically brand new and the center cluster information center is busted. Its barely readable, but display important user diagnostic/info about the car (Service lights, etc). This is unacceptable and I would like to prompt a recall. It's a 2002 audi s4, 2.7t the previous owner complained to me when I bought the car that it never worked for him either. (He owned car for nearly 2 years+).

Other Audi S4 years

Compare all Audi S4 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Audi S4: 21V-470 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Audi S4?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (16 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,254 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.