MotorDeets

2020 Audi S4: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2020 Audi S4: 3 recalls, 16 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
16owner complaints
0mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2020 Audi S4
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Suspension Vehicle recall #21V295000 · 2021 · 40,993 vehicles

What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 q7, q8, q5 sportback, sq5 sportback, rs6 avant, rs7, rs q8, 2020-2021 Audi s6 sedan, q5, a8, s8, a7, a6 allroad, a5 cabriolet, a4 sedan, a4 allroad, sq5, s7, a6 sedan, s5 coupe, s4 sedan, s5 cabriolet, a5 coupe, 2019-2021 rs5 coupe, a5 sportback, s5 sportback, rs5 sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle May break due to…

Why it matters: A broken lock nut May misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021.

Airbags, Seats Vehicle recall #21V874000 · 2021 · 208,332 vehicles

What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 a4 allroad, a4 sedan, 2018-2019 rs5 coupe, 2019 rs5 sportback, 2018-2020 a5 cabriolet, a5 coupe, a5 sportback, s4 sedan, s5 cabriolet, s5 coupe, and Audi s5 sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the passenger occupant detection system (pods) May have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and…

Why it matters: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022.

Tires, Suspension Vehicle recall #22V034000 · 2022 · 31,058 vehicles

What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi a5 sportback, rs5 coupe, rs5 sportback, s5 sportback, 2020-2021 a4 allroad, a4 sedan, a5 cabriolet, a5 coupe, a6 allroad, a6 sedan, a7, a8, q5, s4 sedan, s5 coupe, s5 cabriolet, s6 sedan, s7, s8, sq5, 2021 q5 sportback, q7, q8, rs6 avant, rs7, rsq8, sq5 sportback, sq7, and sq8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment May not have been inspected…

Why it matters: Rear axle misalignment May cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.

Most-reported problems

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

Electrical14
Backup camera9
Other / unknown5
Visibility/Wiper1
Forward collision avoidance1
Lane departure1

What owners describe

The 2020 Audi S4 has 16 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 28 S4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2025 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 2019 (2 complaints, 1 recalls), 2021 (2 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive202723Premium

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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Audi S4 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2020 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2020 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 2020 Audi S4 problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (14), backup camera (9), other / unknown (5).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi S4 get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2020 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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