2013 Audi S4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 27%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Audi S4, 27% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 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.
“Transmission shifts strange when cold. Acts like it loosed power every shift. Strange clunking as well on slow speeds or number to number traffic. Sometimes it scared me that it will jump forward and hit the car on front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11280436, filed 2019-11, 33,000 miles“The problems started by a warning on my display saying to pull over gear box or transmission failure. You have seconds to pull over before the car no longer functions. Even though you are in gear all that happens is the engine revs and you go no where. My car has only 38,500 miles on it and is out of warranty by a couple of months. I had the car tuned adding somewhere around 100 hp 6,000 miles before this happened and Audi says this is what caused the issue. To fix the sensor error code p179e00 was around $5,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924986, filed 2016-11, 38,500 miles“This vehicle is known for having a faulty mechatronics unit. The mechatronics unit does not work correctly, and causes jerking and instability to the dsg transmission. I have almost rear ended other vehicles at red lights because the transmission will jerk forward unexpectedly and lunge me forward toward the vehicle ahead. This is not only an issue that a prestigious name like Audi should not have, but it is a huge safety issue. Audi of america is aware of this problem, but chooses to ignore it for the sake of not having to cover repairs for all the vehicles reporting this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10618528, filed 2014-08, 25,000 miles“Transmission shifts harshly and makes noise during shifts. Was told the mechatronics need replacement. Sometimes when accelerating the car will jolt as if it it loses power momentarily. When merging into traffic in could be dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11023449, filed 2017-09, 58,000 miles“Transmission error, at first says you can continue driving in limp mode but shortly after says put car into park. Got stuck on the road several times in a single 10 mile trip.”
NHTSA complaint #11032341, filed 2017-10, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10212683Apr 1, 2913Speed S-tronic, leaks from transmission
- 11034638Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM.
- 11033475May 6, 2026The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the…
- 11027358Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
- 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.
- 11005878Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 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.
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 2013 Audi S4
← All problems reported for the 2013 Audi S4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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