2004 Audi S4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 41%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Audi S4, 41% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I got in my car this past friday to leave for work and then my car starts rumbling and sounds like what can best be described as a muscle car. I only live a mile from my office so I drive my car in. While driving it seems like the car has lost low end power and is still idling with a rumble. When I get to work I pop the hood and notice the entire motor shifting back and forth and my buddy sees my exhaust is moving up and down. So I decide to get it to the local garage that has worked on my car before. He is only about 2 blocks down from my office. …”
NHTSA complaint #10262201, filed 2009-03, 67,641 miles“I drive a 2004 Audi S4. My car suffered a major failure. The motor failed due to a design by Audi and that is unacceptable. The car failed due to these plastic guides that Audi uses as timing chain guides. The guides are never supposed to be serviced although when they fail you have to pay at least 4 thousand dollars to get them replaced because the motor needs to be pulled to replace them. They are on the back of the motor so there is no way to know when it is going to happen. When the timing chain tensioner or the guides fail it can and will result in a major motor failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10261864, filed 2009-03, 66,000 miles“Catastrophic engine failure and seize at 70mph. Previous the failure, Audi replaced bent valves due to timing chain tensioner failure. Less than 300 miles from new heads being installed, the engine failed completely.”
NHTSA complaint #10263937, filed 2009-04, 34,000 miles“Car engine was misfiring - was informed a faulty coil pack was causing the issue. One week later the misfires started again. Two more coil packs were replaced. 2 weeks later another misfiring episode. Car died at intersection so was towed in for inspection. Camshaft adjuster/cam guides had failed. Parts were replaced for 5k and then 2 weeks later cylinder 3 failed when valve and piston interacted - car died again on the highway. Car engine is going to need total engine replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10295044, filed 2009-12, 94,000 miles“2004 Audi S4, build date 09/03 : 1. 24 aug 06- 16,500 miles- A/C stopped working- replaced entire A/C system (compressor, hoses, pipes, drier, restrictor) under warranty. 2. 10 apr 07- 23,253 miles- car won?t start- starter replaced under warranty. Pealing shift knob (chrome surround was pealing and the edges were like a razor blade), replaced under warranty. Center console latch broken- replaced under warranty. 3. 22 feb 08- 31,992 miles- engine replaced due to faulty valve seat. Seat broke allowing valve to be sucked into cylinder and then punched out the side of the block. …”
NHTSA complaint #10261478, filed 2009-03, 31,992 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123764Sep 8, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been…
- 10128399Jul 7, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10119945Mar 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10119946Mar 6, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505…
- 10120682Feb 13, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase…
- 10231130Jun 30, 2014Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10122415Jun 20, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10210680Jun 3, 2014As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket.
- 10121324Sep 5, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10123587Jun 20, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Audi S4
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Audi S4
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology