MotorDeets

2004 Audi S4: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Audi S4: 1 recall, 29 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
29owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2004 Audi S4
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V096000 · 2005 · 9,965 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2005.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling12
Transmission & drivetrain5
Exterior lights3
Visibility (wipers, glass)3
Engine3
Steering2
Electrical2
Airbags1

What owners describe

The 2004 Audi S4 has 29 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 28 S4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2009 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 2005 (43 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.2 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162218Premium
4.2 L 8-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive132016Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Audi S4.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Audi S4 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Audi S4 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Audi S4 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Audi S4 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2004 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Audi S4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2004 Audi S4 problems?

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (12), transmission & drivetrain (5), exterior lights (3).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi S4 get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Audi S4 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other S4 years

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