2002 Audi S4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 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 2002 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
22 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*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…
Tl*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 › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*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 *cn updated 05/07/09.*jb
- Electrical system
Tl*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
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. *Tr
- Electrical system · Equipment
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…
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+). *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
1. Purchased a 2002 audi S4 2.7T. 2. The auto check system in the instrument cluster does not work especially when warm. The lcd ribbon cable looses contact and doesn't display the information it should. Critical safety information IS no longer displayed. 3. Was quoted obscene amounts by audi…
1. Purchased a 2002 audi S4 2.7T. 2. The auto check system in the instrument cluster does not work especially when warm. The lcd ribbon cable looses contact and doesn't display the information it should. Critical safety information IS no longer displayed. 3. Was quoted obscene amounts by audi dealers to replace entire instrument cluster. $250 for a used cluster that would need the odometer adjusted for an additional fee. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 audi S4. the contact stated that the led display on the instrument panel IS not working properly and impairs visibility. the dealer stated that the display needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 47,000 and current mileage was 47,500.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dashboard instrument cluster led display IS burning out. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The brakes boost/vacuum assist line check valve cracks apart into two pieces. this causes the total loss of the power assisted brake system in the car and subsequently makes it very hard to stop the vehicle. there IS no warning about the pending loss of brakes. one second you have brakes the next it feels like you are trying to push a brick thru the floor of the vehicle trying to get it to stop. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Cam cover oil leaks discovered after 50,000 mile service at approx 48,500 miles 11/7/05. audi tsb 05-03, nov. 2, 2005 covering 2000-2006 models A4, cabriolet, tt, A6, S4, allroad, A8, S8, and RS6 with engines 1.8T, 2.8 V6, 2.7 V6T, and 4.2 V8 states that if a customer complains and the area IS wet…
Cam cover oil leaks discovered after 50,000 mile service at approx 48,500 miles 11/7/05. audi tsb 05-03, nov. 2, 2005 covering 2000-2006 models A4, cabriolet, tt, A6, S4, allroad, A8, S8, and RS6 with engines 1.8T, 2.8 V6, 2.7 V6T, and 4.2 V8 states that if a customer complains and the area IS wet with fluid residue or droplets that are not coming off, to clean the oil stained area and tell the customer that it could be the result of spillage when topping off or normal gasket "sweating" and IS not indication of a malfunction. if found and no customer complaint, no action IS to be taken. if found and only if a customer complains, then replace gaskets and leak test the engine. this IS an unacceptable policy of hiding by lack of disclosure, the leak and unfairly shifting the cost of a manufacturing or design defect to the customer. audi needs to be held accountable and forced to cover these leaks for an extended period of time and notify owners to bring their cars in for inspection and repair. *jb
- Electrical system
Had a check engine light come on when diagonal, found fault 16985 aesis advised to replace ecm. ecm was replaced, since then have been losing power during acceleration to the point where the car does not have any power then kicks back in. taking to the dealer several times and they say they can not find anything wrong. *la
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Consumer stated while driving at 30 mph and when depressing brakes they vibrated/ pulsated. Vehicle was serviced, and dealer replaced front brake rotors and pads. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Ongoing complaint: brakes vibrate when stopping. dealer reported front rotors warped and pads have chunks missing. dealer replaced with part nos. 8D0-615-301-m front brake discs and 4b3-698-151 front brake pads/linings. the car was returned to me with the vibration still present. I contacted…
Ongoing complaint: brakes vibrate when stopping. dealer reported front rotors warped and pads have chunks missing. dealer replaced with part nos. 8D0-615-301-m front brake discs and 4b3-698-151 front brake pads/linings. the car was returned to me with the vibration still present. I contacted the dealer service advisor who advised me to drive a few hundred miles to see if the brakes bed and the vibration smoothes out. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Brakes continued to pulsate after last attempt to correct the problem. the dealer found that the rear rotors were out of spec and replaced them with part number 8d0-615-601-d.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Pulsation felt when braking. dealer road tested and reported that the pulsation was felt, they inspected and replaced front rotors with part number 8d0-615-301-m. after picking up the car, the condition still existed.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Brakes pulsate when stopping. dealer road tested vehicle to confirm condition. dealer reported that front and rear brake rotors had excess radial axial run-out. replaced front rotors under warranty with part number 8d0-615-301-m. replaced rear rotors with part number 8d0-615-601-d.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Brakes pulsate/vibrate when applied. dealer service technician found that both front rotors have excessive run-out. replaced both front rotors with part no. 8D0-615-301-k. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Car shimmies at highway speeds under braking. auto gallery, 21301 ventura blvd., woodland hills, ca 91364 machined the front rotors under warranty as a temporary repair so I could drive home to overland park, ks and have rotors installed. they indicated that they go through so many for S4S, A6S, and A8S (same brakes) that they cannot keep enough in stock.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
I purchased my audo S4 avant new on nov. 10, 2001. it has 26,000 miles on it. there have been at least 6 repairs performed to correct brake pulsation or vibration. pads and/or front and/or rear rotors have been replaced. the car leaves the dealership service facility operating normally, but within a few thousand miles the condition returns. IS there a real fix for this?*ak
- Electrical system · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
The driver's seat experienced a rocking motion when the vehicle accelerated. the consumer suspected possible seat frame damage. *ak the seat would rock forward and backward upon acceleration and deceleration. the dealer refused to do any further repairs. the problem gradually became worse. there was a coolant leak and an electrical short where the oil pressure switch was located.*scc *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Driver's seat experienced a rocking motion when vehicle accelerated. owner suspected possible seat frame damage.*ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Drive's seat experienced a rocking motion when vehicle accelerated.consumer suspected possible seat frame damage.*ak
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
- 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
- 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.
- 10228297This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 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.
- 10221949This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 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.
- 1016628400 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 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
Every Audi S4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.