2001 Audi S4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 Audi S4. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2001 Audi S4. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
87 complaints4 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
I took the vehicle into the dealer (Westwood Audi) for a Safety Recall repair as requested by Audi. It was for a Driver Front Airbag Inflator replacement. The work was done but when the car was returned the airbag warning light was on. I went back in to the service department and was told that the…
I took the vehicle into the dealer (Westwood Audi) for a Safety Recall repair as requested by Audi. It was for a Driver Front Airbag Inflator replacement. The work was done but when the car was returned the airbag warning light was on. I went back in to the service department and was told that the airbag module had failed and that the part was no longer available from Audi. An aftermarket part could be installed but I would have to pay for part and the repair. No cost estimate has been given. I called Audi of America and they said that the Dealer told them that they didn't break it so they will not cover the cost of repair. I have owned this car for 20 years and it is in exceptional condition. I took it to the Dealer in perfect condition for an airbag repair and got it back with an air bag warning light on and they say they didn't do it? Now I have a car without functioning airbags. Anything that you can do to help resolve this?
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster that shows safety information doesn't work so don't know what's issue with car
- Electrical system
I just happened to look up recalls and saw the complaints on the audi S4 2001. I noticed my car wasn't the only one where the instrument cluster has lost pixels and ends up unreadable for all warnings and manufacturer programmed safety warnings. It has been like this for years and did ask my…
I just happened to look up recalls and saw the complaints on the audi S4 2001. I noticed my car wasn't the only one where the instrument cluster has lost pixels and ends up unreadable for all warnings and manufacturer programmed safety warnings. It has been like this for years and did ask my dealer how much it would cost to fix it and it was insane. It IS a real safety issue. Audi should be responsible for fixing it. I didn't realize other audi's were having the same issue. Maybe if more people complain, audi will be forced to fix it.
- Tires
Yokohama yk520 335/45r/17 tires... driving along with my 2001 audi S4 and started noticing a wobble or shimmy in the steering wheel. Kept getting worse. The tires have less than 20K miles on them so I though I needed an alignment. (Entire front suspension has been upgraded).. I took the tires…
Yokohama yk520 335/45r/17 tires... driving along with my 2001 audi S4 and started noticing a wobble or shimmy in the steering wheel. Kept getting worse. The tires have less than 20K miles on them so I though I needed an alignment. (Entire front suspension has been upgraded).. I took the tires off to make sure I didn;t have a bent rim and noticed both front tires were worn out/cut on the outer corner/lip of the tires. I first thought it was caused by the control arms. My mechanic looked at them and told me that the belts had separated on both tires causing the tire to "deform" and then hit my control arms/wishbone. He said it looks like another 100 miles and both front tires would have blown apart. That really sounded like fun on the freeway at freeway speeds...! I rotated the front tires with the "good" rear tires, and have checked them every 20 miles. Absolutely no hitting or rubbing on anything. So yes, the belts had separated. *tr
- Air bags
Cold start on a cold january morning (5 degrees f); upon starting the car the air bag warning light came on and would not shut off. research (discussions with the dealer and air bag repair businesses) indicate that this IS a very common defect for audi S4, model year 2001 and that to repair the…
Cold start on a cold january morning (5 degrees f); upon starting the car the air bag warning light came on and would not shut off. research (discussions with the dealer and air bag repair businesses) indicate that this IS a very common defect for audi S4, model year 2001 and that to repair the problem the air bag control module (computer) would need to be replaced at an exorbitant cost. airbag system IS completely inoperable with the warning light in a lit state. on line audi forums indicate that this IS a huge problem on these cars. *Tr
- Electrical system
1. All the time 2. The failure makes me unable to see the warning icons due to the dead pixels in my cluster (dash computer) 3. No repair was done. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Information display on instrument cluster IS failing; pixels no longer operate rendering the display useless. Display IS used to inform the driver of vital safety information but with failed display the important safety information cannot be read! *Tr
- Electrical system
1) there IS no triggering event leading up to the failure. it just appears over time. 2) the lcd screen in the instrument cluster has lines of pixels that do not light up. this IS constant, with more lines of pixels going out and permanently staying out over time. as a consequence, important…
1) there IS no triggering event leading up to the failure. it just appears over time. 2) the lcd screen in the instrument cluster has lines of pixels that do not light up. this IS constant, with more lines of pixels going out and permanently staying out over time. as a consequence, important warning messages are not displayed or readable; such as worn out brake pads, fuel low warning, washer fluid low warning, etc. if these warnings are not displayed, the vehicle may run out of gas without warning and stall while operating, or brakes may wear down to the point of losing effectiveness without warning, or be left without washer fluid without warning. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Information display on instrument cluster IS failing; pixels no longer operate rendering the display useless. display IS used to inform the driver of vital safety information but with failed display the important safety information cannot be read! *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I own a 2001 audi S4. the center display on the gauge cluster IS failing due to missing pixels. the center display normally displays critical safety information regarding failing engine and body components. it IS always missing pixels, and IS never clear enough to read properly. recently, I…
I own a 2001 audi S4. the center display on the gauge cluster IS failing due to missing pixels. the center display normally displays critical safety information regarding failing engine and body components. it IS always missing pixels, and IS never clear enough to read properly. recently, I developed an oil leak and the center display wasn't clear enough to see the low oil warning light. as a result I was stranded in sub-zero temperatures without transportation. I am currently repairing the engine far beyond what would have been necessary, had the center display been working correctly. I have not yet repaired the display, because the dealer IS asking $1000 for replacement. I know it a common problem with this car, and due to the age, IS reaching a very high percentage of failure. I don't think that failing safety equipment should be a routine maintenance item for anyone, especially when it IS a high dollar item. *Tr
- Electrical system
Dead pixels in instrument warning display. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
1. Purchased a 2001 S4 2. The auto check system in the instrument cluster does not work especially when warm. Critical safety information IS no longer displayed. 3. Was quoted obscene amounts by audi dealers to replace entire instrument cluster. *Tr
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster has lost pixels and ends up unreadable for all warnings and manufacturer programmed safety warnings. *tr
- Electrical system
I both own a 2001 audi A4 and 2001 audi S4.. On both the red lcd instrument cluster screen has failed to the point where nothing on that screen IS legible. The screen IS designed to show mileage, speed warning, run time and other functions. The pixels have ceased to function to the point beyond…
I both own a 2001 audi A4 and 2001 audi S4.. On both the red lcd instrument cluster screen has failed to the point where nothing on that screen IS legible. The screen IS designed to show mileage, speed warning, run time and other functions. The pixels have ceased to function to the point beyond recognition. I share this problem with a very large group of audi owners of the same and/or similar model. This group of people expands internationally and audi clearly knows that this IS a prone to failure part. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 audi S4. when the vehicle was started, the contact was unable to see the entire instrument panel display. while driving 40 mph, the instrument panel eventually appeared in full view. the failure later recurred. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. the current mileage was 83,000 and failure mileage was 78,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Cluster led lighting failure.. Pixels are either dimmed or not working correctly leaving difficulty to see the speed of vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The B5 (2000-2002) audi S4, lcds on gauge cluster which display valuable safety information, IS faulty on every S4 I've ever seen. Everyone on every forum I frequent, they all have the same problem. This IS a problem and needs to be recalled. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 audi S4. the contact stated that the lcd screen on the instrumental panel (driver information display) continues to vanish, preventing him from reading the information on the display. the current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 90,000. updated 03/13/08. *lj
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My "driver information display" hasn't worked since I bought the car in 2005. it's a 2001 audi S4. the display in the instrument cluster displays important vehicle information vital to the drivers safety and vehicle maintenance. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 audi S4. the contact stated that the pixels on the instrumental panel failed, which prevents him from reading the auto check system. the current and failure mileages were 7,200.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 audi S4. the lights for the center led screen failed. the screen was used to display warning indicators, independently of the instrument panel. the dealer stated that the center cluster needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was 35,000 and current mileage was 49,000. *Updated 12/27/07 *lj updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My 2001 audi S4 developed problems with its gauge cluster, and the problems have grown progressively worse, causing a serious safety issue with operation of the vehicle. The information display IS a very important part of the car which directly affects the operation of the vehicle and the safety of…
My 2001 audi S4 developed problems with its gauge cluster, and the problems have grown progressively worse, causing a serious safety issue with operation of the vehicle. The information display IS a very important part of the car which directly affects the operation of the vehicle and the safety of daily driving. Vehicle warnings are displayed on the cluster which IS now unreadable. it was the intent of audi for this part to serve the purpose of providing the driver with needed safety information. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Center of the dash gauge cluster failure. lines of information (pixels) disappear little by little until the gauge readout IS unreadable. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Missing pixels in the center dash cluster display. the display seems to be degrading over time. over time I will no longer be able to see useful information on the display. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The instrument cluster on my 2001 audi S4 no longer functions properly, which means I cannot read vital safety information. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250430Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA)
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 10243930This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10231127ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
- 10228314The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10228302High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10226529Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10224993The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10224981High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10221966The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10221954High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
- 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216638If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10212703Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10210679This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the accelerator is depressed, and/or the vehicle hesitates (lacks power on take-off).
- 10210650This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who consciously or unconsciously drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. As a result, application of the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time (brake pedal with left foot and accelerator pedal with right foot) results in the following: ? Brake pedal function (normal at all times) overrides any throttle application. ? Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will not be stored. ? When the brake pedal is applied while the accelerator is depressed, engine RPMs will return to idle speeds of 1400 RPMs after approximately two seconds. ? When the accelerator is applied while the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle accelerates slower than usual (reduced engine torque).
- 10198567This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- 10184530This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128399Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10128350This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10128222Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support dealers in USA and Canada.
- 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10127856This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
- 10124898This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
- 10124882High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. Audi of America has started to host its TSB videos outside of ElsaPro. Doing so provides higher-quality videos, more reliable access to the videos, and the ability to view the videos on different devices.
- 10124751Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
- 10123901Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center
- 10123882Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123764Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10123656Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013. The fuel tank has been removed from the vehicle and must be neutralized before shipment or disposal. When the fuel tank in a vehicle is replaced, the original tank must be properly flushed to neutralize the remaining gasoline or diesel fuel.
- 10123650Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10-05 dated June 14, 2010. VIN plate and/or B-Pillar Safety Certification label requires replacement.
Every Audi S4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.