BestCarRank
Audi

2014 Audi S4

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Audi S4 has 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is steering problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2014 audi s4. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel seized and the stop car steering system default warning light illuminated. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering module needed to be replaced. the vehi. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

23

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

6 complaints
26%
  • TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STOP CAR STEERING SYSTEM DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI
  • 2014 AUDI S4 HAS DANGEROUS STEERING BEHAVIOR. THE STEERING SLIPS AT THE CENTER POSITION, WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING INPUT. THIS IS FURTHER EXACERBATED BY A CONSTANT NOTCHY FEELING AT ANY SPEED BETWEEN THE 10 AND 2 OCLOCK POSITION. IT IS PARTICULARLY BAD IN
  • WHILE DRIVING MY 2014 AUDI S4 ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN TURNS, THE STEERING GOES FROM FEELING TIGHT TO VERY LIGHT AND BACK TO TIGHT AGAIN WITHIN A MATTER OF SPLIT SECONDS. THIS CAUSES DRIFTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN CORNERING BECAUSE YOU'RE COMPENSATING FOR THE LACK OF FEELING FOR AN INSTANT AND USING
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STOP CAR STEERING SYSTEM DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Audi S4

Based on 21 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
8
30-60K
5
60-100K
5
100-150K
3
150-200K
0
200K+
0

STEERING

High-mileage issuemedian 52K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
1
60-100K
3
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

AIR BAGS24/10/2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.

Risk: If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Audi S4

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,286
Per month
$191
Per mile
19.1¢
MPG
21
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,824/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Audi S4

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,853
Full coverage / month
$154
Liability only / year
$668
vs US avg
+11%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1853

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi S4 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2014 S4, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 23 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • STEERING: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI S4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STOP CAR STEERING SYSTEM DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: STEPPED IN MY CAR TO GO OUT, STARTED CAR AS I PUSHED THE CLUTCH DOWN. CLUTCH PEDAL SNAPPED TO THE FLOOR. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. PART THAT FAILED WAS SLAVE CYLINDER. CAR ONLY HAS 12,200 MILES. CAR IS USED TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND BACK, NO UNUSUAL STRAIN OF ANY KIND ON THE CAR. I WAS LUCKY THAT I

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: WHILE DRIVING, A SUDDEN BRAKE FOLLOWED BY A QUICK ACCELERATION LEADS TO BUCKING WITH ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE REMAINING REVVED UP. WITH BRAKING, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE IT IS BY SHUTTING THE CAR OFF ENTIRELY. HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 7 TIMES IN PASSED 2.5 YEARS. RESEARCH INDIC

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • FUEL SYSTEM: AFTER 2 ENGINE OIL LEAKS, IN 2.5 YEARS, I SMELLED GAS FUMES IN THE CABIN NUMEROUS TIMES, SCHEDULED AN APPT FOR A CHECK WITH THE WEST ISLIP NY AUDI DEALERSHIP. PICKED UP CAR FROM DEALERSHIP, WITH WORK ORDER AND SERVICE REP. SIMPLY STATING "NO PROBLEM FOUND" UNDER EACH OF MY 5 CONCERNS, WHICH TOLD ME

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
23
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
34

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2014 Audi S4