2004 Audi S4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 17%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Audi S4, 17% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 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 have a 2004 S4 which crunches when shifting into 2nd and 3rd gear. Audi replaced the synchros but the problem still persists. I have returned to the dealership numerous times but they keep telling me its normal. The crunches occurs everytime I drive it and also make it difficult to get into gear. The vehicles rpms will sometimes stick, keeping the vehicle moving when not under acceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #10272456, filed 2009-05, 60,000 miles“I have a 2004 Audi S4 that is slipping out of second gear... It is a known second gear synchro problem that Audi is ignoring. I have called Audi of america, and they admit there is an issue but still offer no help. The issue started at 55,000 miles which is 5k miles out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10261380, filed 2009-03, 55,000 miles“I own a 2004, Audi, S4 which I purchased used from my brother, who bought it new. I bought this car from him with 45,000 miles on it. At 55,000 miles the car had catastrophic engine failure. 5,000 miles over the warranty period! The mechanic that is repairing the damage said if one more component would have broke it could have caused me to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The engine and transmission had to be removed from the vehicle to be repaired. I contacted Audi of u.s.a. To,1. Alert them of this problem and possible safety issue, 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443757, filed 2012-01, 55,000 miles“Audi claims that the timing chain on those vehicles are lifetime and does not need to be service. Unfortunate the timing change tensioners are made of plastic which the wear out at about 50k miles, causing a start up rattle and eventually engine explosion from the chain coming of the guides and destroying the entire engine and causing a massive accident at high speed. Hundreds of problems like this one are reported online from thousands of people even youtube videos. …”
NHTSA complaint #10622265, filed 2014-08, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10226530Jun 3, 2014ATF pan leaks
- 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.
- 10122418Jun 3, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 11-19 dated January 31, 2011. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket. As the sump pan gasket…
- 10212703May 29, 2014Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10226529May 28, 2014Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10210679May 28, 2014This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are…
- 10122465May 28, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the…
- 10250453Oct 3, 2012TCM software update for downshift concerns
- 10122793Oct 3, 2012Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 11 ? 31 dated December 1, 2011. Customer may report downshifts not smooth when slowing the vehicle. Improved software…
- 10063871Oct 3, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 14% |
| 2014 | 3 | 18% |
| 2013 | 9 | 27% |
| 2012 | 14 | 64% |
| 2011 | 22 | 85% |
| 2010 | 42 | 70% |
| 2007 | 2 | 15% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 17% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 Audi S4
12 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 30, 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