2011 Audi S4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 85%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,897miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Audi S4, 85% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,897 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After turning my car on a gearbox malfunction warning appeared but said I could continue driving. After driving the message and service light eventually went off with everything going back to normal. The car appears to have a very common mechatronic unit issue that is part of the faulty dsg that Audi has put in the b8 S4 model.”
NHTSA complaint #10767556, filed 2015-09, 50,000 miles“I was cruising at approx. 55mph on my way to work. I had no symptoms of anything prior to the transmission failure. Suddenly the car started vibrating and decelerating as if I had a flat tire. I made an emergency merge into the center median and was luckily nobody rear ended me. After inspection of my tires which were ok I got back in car. D or r would not work. The car would not move.”
NHTSA complaint #10670345, filed 2015-01, 61,794 miles“I was accelerating, after leaving a restaurant, into traffic. I received the dsg malfunction light and suddenly at about 20mph my lurched forward and failed to respond to the throttle and shut off in traffic. Car restarted after about 30 seconds but definitely not something that should go without notice. If I was on the interstate and throttle went out situation could have been much worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10670583, filed 2015-01, 87,453 miles“I was exiting off of the interstate and the car began to sputter. I had to cut 3 cars off to pull onto to the shoulder, where the car continued to lose power and eventually died. A gearbox malfunction warning light came on, but said it was still safe to drive. I was able to get me car into park and start . After sitting for a few minutes I went on my way, however, the car sputtered again out of 1st gear but smoothed out once I got going. The light remained on the remainder of the trip but didnt come back on the next morning. …”
NHTSA complaint #11065848, filed 2018-01, 80,000 miles“My 2011 S4 started getting the transmission malfunction continue driving light at about 40,612 miles. At the same time my vehicle would jerk when stopping and acceleration. When shifting down the gears make a clunking noise specially from 3rd and 2nd gear. I was able to use my extended warranty that I bought because Audi didn't want to cover my vehicle. Audi service advisors recommend changing the mechatronic and circuit board but my warranty only authorized the circuit board. My vehicle still jerks when stopping as it downshifts and when I accelerate from a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #11071676, filed 2018-02, 40,612 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10212683Apr 1, 2913Speed S-tronic, leaks from transmission
- 11034703Jun 23, 2026This bulleitn provides information when there are running problems/restricted functions, 0B5 gearbox.
- 11034706Jun 22, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is restricted function with DTC P141D (8940), 0B5 gearbox.
- 11012486Dec 2, 2024This TSB provides information when event memory entries cannot be deleted (Mode$0A error) on gearboxes: DL501, DL382/DL382E and DQ500.
- 11007305Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007224Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11005861Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 10210760Apr 15, 2022This Document informs dealers on the new DSG transmission warranty extension for 2010-2012 S4 & S5 vehicles
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 2011 Audi S4
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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