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Which Years Of Used Audi S4s Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability
Yellow Audi S4
Source: Flickr

The Audi S4 is a high-performance vehicle, offering a variant of the classic compact executive selection - the Audi A4. It provides an attractive design and a performance-oriented system, which is appealing to any driver. However, if you want to make the most of your money, it’s vital to land on the most reliable Audi S4 year available. 

If you want to invest in the Audi S4 as your next vehicle, you don’t want to pick any random year. As with any car, not all years are made equal when considering the Audi S4. Keep reading to learn more about the worst years of the Audi S4, which are reliable, the most common issues in the Audi S4, and other valuable information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid Audi S4 Year Models 2005, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2019.

When checking out the most reliable Audi S4 year, we recommend keeping away from the iterations that appeared in 2005, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2019. These have extended unfortunate issues to owners and thus will require more time and money to keep the Audi S4 selections in excellent condition for the long term. Watch out for these choices. 


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Which Year Models of Audi S4 are Most Reliable? 

Unfortunately, some selections of the Audi S4 aren’t very reliable. However, some are worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for these on the market if you determine the Audi S4 is the best selection for your life.

The more reliable choices for the Audi S4 include the following:

  • 2008 Audi S4
  • 2012 Audi S4
  • 2013 Audi S4
  • 2016 Audi S4
  • 2017 Audi S4
  • 2020 Audi S4
  • 2021 Audi S4

These are the most dependable selections for the Audi S4.

The selections on this list have an excellent track record amongst all the releases from the Audi S4 lineup, proving decent reliability compared to their counterparts and fewer reported complaints from those who own them. 

Which Year Models of Audi S4 Are Least Reliable?

Audi S4 vehicles are far from the most affordable on the market, so it’s vital to get your money’s worth. Thus, it’s helpful to understand the most dependable selections the Audi S4 has available for those who love the vehicle. It’s also critical to know the worst.

The worst selections available for the Audi S4 include the following:

  • 2005 Audi S4
  • 2010 Audi S4
  • 2011 Audi S4
  • 2014 Audi S4
  • 2018 Audi S4
  • 2019 Audi S4

These have a poor history on the road.  

Out of these selections, the worst of the Audi S4 years is the 2010 Audi S4. Unfortunately, this model year had significant troubles with the transmission in everything from the system lunging forward to the car getting stuck in park.


ARE AUDIS RELIABLE?

Audis are great cars, known for their sleek style and durable mechanics. Are Audis reliable, and should you consider the brand for your next vehicle purchase?


Common Audi S4 Problems

No matter which vehicle you’re looking at, it’s always helpful to examine the worst issues they face on the road. An understanding of these items will help you know what to prepare for as an Audi S4 owner. 

According to repairpal.com, here are some significant troubles with the Audi S4:

  • Overheating thanks to a failed thermostat
  • Rainwater accumulation
  • Check engine light appearance
  • Bushings deteriorating with age
  • Trouble starting again

These can cause failure in the Audi S4.

If you notice any of these troubles, take your vehicle in for repairs as soon as possible - the longer they sit, the worse they will get, and the more damage will appear in your Audi S4’s system. These are more likely to appear in the less dependable versions of the car.

Is the Audi S4 Expensive to Maintain?

When considering the most reliable Audi S4 year, it’s helpful to look at the maintenance costs. Unfortunately, reliability is not the strong suit of the Audi S4. According to repairpal.com, the Audi S4 gains 2 ⁄ 5, making it 27th out of 31 choices in the competing midsize luxury car arena. 

The annual cost of repairs for the Audi S4 is $1,171, which compares to a much lower $739 for other luxury cars and $652 for all other selections. It will go in for unexpected repairs an average of .9 times every year, compared to .6 and .4. Also, there is a 17% chance the issue will be serious, compared to 12% for other vehicle selections.


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Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Audi S4?

We’ve talked about the most reliable Audi S4 year and the worst ones you can invest in. This leaves one final question - should you bother investing in a used Audi S4?

Generally, we don’t recommend the Audi S4 because it’s low in dependability and high in price. If you decide it’s your dream vehicle, we advise sticking with the more reliable selections on the market.

How Much Does an Audi S4 Typically Cost?

Understanding the price point for a vehicle is also helpful in consideration. With the Audi S4, the price point is high.

The starting price for the 2024 Audi S4 is around $54,500. For used iterations, the vehicle will be priced closer to $25,000-$50,000.

How Long Does an Audi S4 Engine Last?

Engine longevity is also a vital item to check. Without a long-lasting engine, your Audi S4 doesn’t have a very ideal chance at longevity.

The typical Audi S4 engine will last around 100,000-150,000 miles. While this isn’t too long, it’s decent for a luxury vehicle selection.

FAQs: Most Reliable Audi S4 Years

Several excellent years are available for the Audi S4. We recommend the 2008, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021 selections.

Q: What common issues should I be aware of in the less reliable Audi S4 years?

The most common troubles in the Audi S4 appear in the transmission. It faces errors like failing to start and other issues. 

Q: Can I trust the Audi S4 models from the early 2000s?

We recommend steering away from most earlier iterations of the Audi S4. The later versions are more dependable.

Q: Is the 2020 Audi S4 model reliable?

Like most of the newer years, the 2020 Audi S4 is dependable. It boasts an excellent track record.



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