2000 Audi S4 Problems
- Complaints
- 143filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles, 63 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Audi S4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: a failed ABS control module that lights the ABS and brake warnings and disables anti-lock braking, and a fading center instrument cluster display that loses pixels until warnings can no longer be read. Both tend to appear in the first 50,000-80,000 miles, and many owners say the dealer quoted four-figure repair bills for parts that are out of warranty.
- Brakes
ABS control module failure (ABS and brake lights, 3 beeps)
- 34 complaints (24%)
- median 67,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,293 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2000–2010
Complaints describe the ABS warning light coming on, often with a flashing brake light and three chimes, sometimes randomly while driving. Owners say anti-lock braking stops working when the lights are on, and several report the rear wheels locking or the car spinning during hard braking. According to complaints, dealers and independent shops diagnosed a failed ABS control module or pump assembly, with quotes commonly in the $750-$1,700 range; some owners had the module rebuilt instead of replaced. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 85,000 miles, with some as early as 13,000-18,000 miles.
What to check: Before buying, confirm the ABS and brake warning lights illuminate normally at startup and go out after the self-check, and ask for any records of ABS module replacement or rebuild. A diagnostic scan for stored ABS module codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Communication failure from the ABS module, it causes the ABS light to stay lit and the brake light flashes, when this happens the ABS does not work on the car, it's a very common problem with these units but Audi hasn't done a recall. This will be the second time I have to replace this unit out of pocket since I've owned my 2000 Audi S4.”
NHTSA complaint #10350707, filed 2010-08, 119,562 miles“I just had my rotors and pads replaced on all four wheels of my 2000 Audi S4. Less than three weeks after that repair, the ABS computer failed. I don't know if the two incidents are related but I am worried about the failure of the ABS controller at such a young age. Computer parts do not take wear and tear and should be designed for the expected life of the car- not four years like for me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10079163, filed 2004-07, 70,100 miles - Electrical system
Instrument cluster display losing pixels (unreadable
- 31 complaints (22%)
- median 65,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2007–2012
Owners describe the center digital display in the gauge cluster developing dead pixels or lines that grow over time until the display is unreadable. Complaints say this hides warnings such as low coolant, brake pad wear, brake light failure, oil level and engine messages, and in some cases speed readouts. According to complaints, dealers told owners the whole cluster had to be replaced, and some were quoted costs near $1,900. Reported from about 20,000 to over 100,000 miles, with many appearing in the 45,000-90,000 mile range; owners often note it worsened gradually over years.
What to check: Sit in the car with the key on and look closely at the center cluster display for missing pixels, lines or dim segments; check it again after the car has warmed up, since complaints describe deterioration with heat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The center display on my 2000 Audi S4 started having missing pixels several years ago. Now it has gotten so bad that I cant even read the auto-check system. 9 out of the 10 people that I know with this exact same make and model vehicle have this same problem. I really think that something should be done about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10204596, filed 2007-10, 45,000 miles“My 2000 Audi S4 has many bad pixels on the instrument cluster that warns me about safety related items. Audi will not fix the item without charge. Updated 02/15/11 the consumer stated he had to 70% of the repair which cost $ 1,894.99 and it should have been fixed for free. Updated ivoq 02/23/11”
NHTSA complaint #10209253, filed 2007-11, 111,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag not deploying in a crash; open inflator recall
- 5 complaints (4%)
- median 46,500 mi at 8.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2023
A few complaints describe frontal impacts where the airbags did not deploy, including one where the steering wheel came away from the column. Other owners filed about the driver airbag inflator recall, saying parts were unavailable for the repair. The recall on file concerns non-azide driver inflators that may absorb moisture and deploy improperly; several complaints mention difficulty getting the recall performed. Reported from about 46,000 to 71,000 miles, in crash or recall-notification circumstances.
What to check: Ask for proof that the driver airbag inflator recall has been completed on the specific car, and confirm whether the airbag warning light behaves normally at startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hit icy patch on freeway and crashed into concrete median barrier. Air bags for my wife and myself failed to depoly. My Audi 2000, model S4 was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10213814, filed 2008-01, 46,500 miles“Hit icy patch on freeway and crashed into concrete median barrier. Air bags for my wife and myself failed to depoly. My Audi 2000, model S4 was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10213820, filed 2008-01, 46,500 miles
Buying note. These cars are old enough that condition and service records matter more than mileage, so focus on whether the ABS module and instrument cluster have already been addressed and get a pre-purchase scan for stored codes. Confirm the open airbag inflator recall has been completed before driving it.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2000 Audi S4. 63 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 68 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system49 34%
- Brakes41 29%
- Tires37 26%
- Air bags6 4.2%
- Engine cooling4 2.8%
- Steering4 2.8%
- Equipment3 2.1%
- Exterior lighting2 1.4%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Pixels on my instrument cluster began to get scrambled the car was serviced last month and because I could not read the warning light indicating low oil my motor was nearly blown. All warning lights come across that part of the cluster and no warning is viewable.”
NHTSA complaint #10244257, filed 2008-10, 60,000 milesBrakes: “After having my front brake pads and rotors replaced on my 2000 Audi S4 at 92,671 miles, my ABS and brake lights continued to come on intermittently, but each time I drove the vehicle. After having the diagnostic system scanned, it was determined that my ABS control module needed replaced with parts and labor costing $742.58. I've done research to find that this has been a common problem with Audi. I contacted Audi, but they declined responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10185595, filed 2007-03, 92,671 milesTires: “I discovered a sidewall buldge while washing the car. I changed the one affected tire with the spare and I am monitoring the other tires. I don't know if this is a safety concern or not. However on a high performance car I don't wish to take any risks with my tires.( DOT number: tire size: 245/45/17 )”
NHTSA complaint #729077, filed 2000-08Air bags: “A frontal collision with another vehicle at 50 MPH. Upon impact, driver's air bag did not deploy, and the steering wheel came off the steering column. Neither the driver nor the one passenger was injured. Both parties were wearing seat belts.”
NHTSA complaint #10108897, filed 2005-01, 71,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 63 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 87,285 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Audi S4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 4WD/AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| S4 4WD/AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V470000Jun 23, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi S4 2000–2002, A4 2000–2002, TT 2000–2001
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)…
Recall details for the 2000 Audi S4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 68 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243930Oct 4, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10198567Jun 25, 2021Equipment, Body and structure. This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- 10184530Apr 16, 2020Equipment. This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- 10127856Jul 31, 2017Exterior lighting. This 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…
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128350May 10, 2017Engine. This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10128222Mar 3, 2017Equipment. Due 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…
- 10128009Oct 19, 2016Wheels. This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10123656Dec 10, 2015Fuel system. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013. The fuel tank has been removed from the vehicle and must be neutralized before shipment or disposal. When the…
- 10123650Dec 10, 2015Equipment. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10-05 dated June 14, 2010. VIN plate and/or B-Pillar Safety Certification label requires replacement.
Other model years of the Audi S4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 7 | 4,000 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 17 | 42,430 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 33 | 5,100 | 1 | 5 | 21 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 22 | 70,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 26 | 61,897 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 60 | 58,950 | 0 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 13 | 73,428 | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 30 | 49,325 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 43 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 29 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 35,627 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 87 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 143 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 7 | 165,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 16 | 121,500 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Audi S4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Audi S4?
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: a failed ABS control module that lights the ABS and brake warnings and disables anti-lock braking, and a fading center instrument cluster display that loses pixels until warnings can no longer be read. The issues reported most often: ABS control module failure (ABS and brake lights, 3 beeps); Instrument cluster display losing pixels (unreadable; Airbag not deploying in a crash; open inflator recall.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Audi S4 have?
NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2000 Audi S4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Audi S4 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 49 complaints (34% of the total), followed by brakes with 41.
Has the 2000 Audi S4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Audi S4 get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Audi S4 (S4, 2.7L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Audi S4 reported?
Among the 63 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 87,285 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.