2004 Audi S4 recalls and problems

The 2004 Audi S4 has 1 safety recall and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Audi S4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Audi S4 recalls

Recall 05V-096: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 15, 2005 · 9,965 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time.

Risk: This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on april 11, 2005. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

2004 Audi S4 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling12
Power Train5
Exterior Lighting3
Visibility3
Engine3
Steering2
Electrical System2
Air Bags1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Seat Belts1
Unknown or Other1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 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 2004 Audi S4 complaints

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

Tires · at 105,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2018
Hankook tires, ventus s1 noble 2 splitting outside sidewall, caused to depressure tire, which caused to crack tire on the inner sidewall subsequently LED to manufacturer claim blame on my vehicle. The tire model is under a recall, but in different size, but identical walls, manufacturing process. My vehicle's tire size 235/40/r18. Recalled: ventus s1 noble2 '245/45r18 96w', '245/40r19 94w', '275/35r19 96w proper tire pressure was maintained and checked weekly for 3years, since the vehicle was purchased.
Engine · at 102,000 miles · reported Oct 24, 2017
After engine cools down, timing chain rattle can be heard upon starting the car. Chain rattle means that plastic guides or adjusters are worn, and might go any second. Spoke with audi rep online, which advises me that this is normal, and expected. Knowing basics of engines and transmission, I didn't believe that something is "life time" and is not serviceable, especially if it's plastic (Which tends to shrink and expand depending on temperatures, and then has fractures which snaps). Two different independent licensed audi shops confirmed that the guides and adjusters has to be replaced in…
Electrical System · reported May 17, 2016
Xenon headlamps wiring all corroded and bare with no insulation left. Check with audi and they said our vehicle and VIN is not part of any recall. Yet rcorrd-05v096-4498 in your database shows a mofification letter from vw to include our VIN. There is no record according to audi service shops that show any recall work done to our headlights. I have attached a picture that shows the deteriation of the electrical wiring and headlamps to our 2004 audi s4. Would appreciate some assistance to having our headlamps replaced for safety reasons.
Exterior Lighting · at 79,000 miles · reported Aug 10, 2015
The contact owns a 2004 audi s4. While driving at night, the low beam head lamps failed to illuminate without warning. While attempting to the head lamp bulbs, the contact noticed that the wiring was burned and damaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Engine · at 111 miles · reported Dec 17, 2014
On saturday morning 12/15/2014 start my card and heard a rattle noise on the engine, first time it make that noise since I bought it. On my way to work I started hearing the rattle noise again but this time it was louder I was driving around 40 MPH when this happened. The car started vibrating and kept making the rattle noise on the engine. I just bought this car not even a week ago, and already started having engine problems. I took it to the mechanic and found out the engine might need to be replace soon, since that's a common problem with this cars and that that's one of the signs that the…

Other Audi S4 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Audi S4: 05V-096 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Audi S4?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (12 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 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.