2010 Audi S4 Problems
Compared with other Audi S4 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Audi S4 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 12 of its 60 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Jerky shifts, lurching, or surging at low speed (25 complaints, median 65,600 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 58,950miles, 54 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl AWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Audi S4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2010 Audi S4 most often describe the S-tronic (DSG) transmission, with gearbox malfunction warnings, limp mode, or lost reverse, and with jerky shifts or lurching at low speed. A second common group involves water pump failures, coolant leaks, and overheating, which are often reported on cars with fewer miles. Transmission complaints mostly describe cars between roughly 45,000 and 100,000 miles, and the mechatronic unit is named in many of them.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Gearbox malfunction warning, limp mode, or no reverse
- 23 complaints (38%)
- median 67,455 mi at 7.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2020
Owners describe a gearbox malfunction warning on the dash, sometimes with a message that the car can continue driving, followed by limp mode with reduced power. Some report that reverse was not available, or that the car lost drive and acted as if it were in neutral. Some cars stopped moving or shut off in traffic or on the highway. Dealers reportedly found a faulty mechatronic unit, and some owners describe replacement costs in the thousands of dollars. Mileage ranges from about 38,000 to about 123,000 miles, with most between roughly 45,000 and 100,000, and several warnings appeared while driving on highways.
What to check: Ask the dealer to read the stored fault codes and transmission history, and check for any gearbox malfunction or TPMS warning during a test drive, including a reverse test from a stop. Ask for records of any mechatronic unit or gearbox repair, since owners describe costly replacements.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car flashed gearbox malfunction while driving down interstate I-264 in louisville ky. Car seamed fine for about 2 miles and then suddenly went limp and I had no gears. Had to hit flashers and coast into median. Was almost hit by semi truck. Repair shop could not find anything wrong. Happened again 1 day after getting it back from shop. Taking it to Audi now. I have read that this is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11270568, filed 2019-10, 99,000 miles“It happened again today driving down the highway going up to speed, at about 50 MPH I got a gearbox malfunction error message in the cluster and it would not let me accelerate anymore, it was like the car was in neutral and pressing the accelerator pedal would just rev up the engine. The mechatronics unit on these vehicles are faulty, I know 2 other S4 owners with the years of 2011 and 2012 who also had their mechatronics fail on their S4. …”
NHTSA complaint #11217005, filed 2019-05, 67,455 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Jerky shifts, lurching, or surging at low speed
- 25 complaints (42%)
- median 65,600 mi at 6.5 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2020
Owners describe the DSG or S-tronic transmission shifting harshly, with clunks, bangs, or jerks when changing gears and when moving off or stopping. Some say the car lurches forward when it comes to a stop, feels as if it has been rear-ended, or surges in stop-and-go traffic. Some describe hesitation when pressing the accelerator, a shudder, or the engine revving high at a stop. Dealers reportedly recommended replacing the mechatronic unit, and some owners say Audi would not cover the cost. Mileage ranges from about 20,000 to 125,000 miles, with most between roughly 30,000 and 85,000, and several describe stop-and-go traffic or low-speed driving.
What to check: On a test drive, include stop-and-go traffic and a few stops from low speed, and note any clunk, bang, lurch, or surge when moving off or braking to a stop. Ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes and any mechatronic unit work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hard clunk when selecting gears from p to r to d. When coming to a stop in traffic the car lurches forward like being rear ended. Sometimes after a complete stop has been made the car will surge forward a considerable amount which may possibly cause me to hit the car in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10871933, filed 2016-06, 61,700 miles“Car slammed into different gear, wasn't able to shift into 2nd and threw gearbox malfunction and TPMS errors. Thankfully I was near home and able to make it there without an accident or being stranded, but my car is now immobile. I spoke with Audi and they said it will likely be a $4k repair (mechatronics unit). After researching this more, it seems to be a common problem with these cars. It can happen at any time and can be extremely dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320125, filed 2020-04, 102,998 miles - Engine cooling
Water pump failure, coolant leak, or overheating
- 13 complaints (22%)
- median 9,809 mi at 1.2 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2016
Owners describe coolant leaks, a water pump that failed or burst, and engine overheating, often with a coolant warning that asks the driver to stop and check the coolant. Some say the failure came without warning or during highway driving, and some describe loss of power steering or a near-full loss of steering. Dealers reportedly replaced the water pump with a revised metal or redesigned pump. Some say a service advisory for the pump was withdrawn, and the pump was then replaced only if it failed. Most reports with mileage come from cars under about 15,000 miles, and the highest mileage report is near 57,000.
What to check: Look under the car and in the engine bay for coolant residue, and check the coolant level and any coolant odor after a drive. Ask whether the water pump has been replaced and which design was installed, since owners describe revised metal pumps.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2010 Audi S4 in the san fran bay area, after a weekend drive to the snow, found a pool of coolant under car and just med it to the dealer before warning light came on. Dealer told me it was common. No recall to be expected, isn't this illegal? I make pharmaceuticals and if I don't perform a recall this is an illegal action.”
NHTSA complaint #10376526, filed 2011-01, 13,000 miles“My car leaked a large amount of coolant noticed after it had been parked. I managed to drive it to dealer where the water pump was replaced under warranty. I was told that the plastic seal on the pump has failed with other customers and was replaced with a new metal seal.”
NHTSA complaint #10363621, filed 2010-11, 12,000 miles
Buying note. For a used 2010 S4, a pre-purchase inspection should include several stop-and-go and highway drives to check for jerks, warnings, and reverse engagement, and a look for coolant leaks. Ask for service records showing any mechatronic unit or transmission repairs and water pump replacements, since complaints often describe these repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 52 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 60 consumer complaints for the 2010 Audi S4. 54 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 58,950 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 680 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Audi S4 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Engine cooling11 18%
- Electrical system6 10%
- Engine4 6.7%
- Brakes2 3.3%
- Exterior lighting2 3.3%
- Other or unknown2 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 3.3%
- Fuel system1 1.7%
- Steering1 1.7%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Gearbox malfunction and TPMS malfunction while driving on the road within the city about 45mph I felt a slight jerk and immediately following the warnings came on in the dashboard tire pressure! System malfunction & gearbox malfunction: no reverse gear (you can continue driving) throttle response was off and forced me to immediately puller over! While stopped I re-started the vehicle and the warnings went away, I sat there for a couple minutes and then continued driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118724, filed 2018-08, 101,500 milesEngine cooling: “2010 Audi S4 with v-6 3.0t engine. Returning home after a 7 minute drive, I was 300 ft. From my house when I received an engine message coolant low, turn off engine and check coolant. I stopped in driveway to find my water pump had burst, as with several complaints here. I knew about this problem, as more than 50 other Audi S4 owners have experienced it and it is well documented on Audi owner's forums. My car is undriveable, and will be towed to dealer tomorrow under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10369263, filed 2010-12, 9,800 milesElectrical system: “Pulled out of parking lot and received a gearbox malfunction warning along with a TPMS malfunction. Warning on dash indicated that I could continue driving. I drove vehicle for approximately another mile and while going thru a roundabout, the car shut off. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and get the vehicle started again. I continued the rest of the way home for about 2 more miles. The mechatronic unit was determined to be faulty and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10618337, filed 2014-08, 63,000 milesEngine: “Received gearbox malfunction warning, okay to continue driving warning on the dash while driving 45mph, three miles away from home. Arrived 20 feet from my residence and received another error, parking brake malfunction. The car went into limp mode; with pressure being applied to gas pedal, no vehicle movement. Turned the vehicle off and then back on. The car corrected itself and was able to park in garage. Took the vehicle into Audi and the rude and unknowledgeable service advisor took my vehicle and applied a software update. Drove the vehicle home without error that night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10669498, filed 2015-01, 49,265 milesMileage when problems were reported
37% of the 54 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 74,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Audi S4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| S4 Avant · sedan AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2010 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 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 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,900 |
| S4 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Audi S4 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 680 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10212683Apr 1, 2913Transmission and drivetrain. Speed S-tronic, leaks from transmission
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- 11036934Aug 11, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- 11036914Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
- 11035809Jul 9, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
- 11034641Jun 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides information when, after replacing the mechatronic unit/gearbox, the engine only starts when the button has been pressed twice.
- 11032137Apr 22, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11030985Mar 17, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11030984Mar 2, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11028446Jan 22, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
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 2010 Audi S4?
Owners of this 2010 Audi S4 most often describe the S-tronic (DSG) transmission, with gearbox malfunction warnings, limp mode, or lost reverse, and with jerky shifts or lurching at low speed. The issues reported most often: Gearbox malfunction warning, limp mode, or no reverse; Jerky shifts, lurching, or surging at low speed; Water pump failure, coolant leak, or overheating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Audi S4 have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2010 Audi S4 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Audi S4 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 42 complaints (70% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 11.
Has the 2010 Audi S4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Audi S4 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Audi S4 (S4, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Audi S4 reported?
Among the 54 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 58,950 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 74,500 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.