TireKick

Model-year record

2010 Audi S4
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2010 Audi S4

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

60

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

21

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (70% of 60 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (17%).

Power Train70% · 42 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling17% · 10 reports
Engine3% · 2 reports
Service Brakes3% · 2 reports
Exterior Lighting2% · 1 report
Steering2% · 1 report
Unknown Or Other2% · 1 report
Vehicle Speed Control2% · 1 report

Share of all 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11688973, ODI 11320167, ODI 11320125, ODI 11270568, ODI 11251998.

Individual complaint reports(60)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Power TrainSep 2025 · ODI 11688973Details +

Unknown

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Dec 1969
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11688973 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2020 · ODI 11320167Details +

ONCE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT LAUNCHES BACK ? ALSO IN FIRST ONE PUT IN COST IT WANTS TO MOVE PRACTICALLY FORWARD .

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11320167 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2020 · ODI 11320125Details +

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. THERE'S ALSO A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TO GET AUDI TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THEM.

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11320125 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2019 · ODI 11270568Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11270568 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2019 · ODI 11251998Details +

MECHATRONIC ISSUES.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11251998 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11232383Details +

THE WHOLE CAR JERKED WHEN GOING TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN THETPMS, NO REVERSE, AND GEAR MALFUNCTION LIGHTS COMES ON. 2ND, 4TH, 6TH, AND REVERSE GEAR ARE GONE. RESTARTING THE CAR CLEARED THE WARNING AND DROVE FINE FOR 10 MILES BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. TRY RESTARTING AGAIN TO CLEAR THE WARNING BUT LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON WHEN GOING TO 2ND OR REVERSE.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11232383 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11229466Details +

GEARBOX FAILURE SEEMS TO BE COMMON ISSUE ON THE 2010 MODEL. SEEMS A REPLACEMENT MECHATRONICS UNIT OR FULL TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO BE DONE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11229466 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2019 · ODI 11217005Details +

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. ALONG WITH THE GEARBOX MALFUNCTION ERROR ALSO COMES "PARKING BRAKE ERROR" WHO KNOWS WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN HAPPEN WHEN THAT MESSAGE COMES UP. IS IT GOING TO SUDDENLY APPLY THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE GOING 50-70 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE A POSSIBILITY OF A VERY BAD ACCIDENT? THE REPAIR IS VERY PRICEY FOR THE MECHATRONIC UNIT THAT GOES BAD, IT IS NO COINCIDENCE MANY OF THESE S4 MODELS HAVE THESE GO BAD.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11217005 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2019 · ODI 11210713Details +

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE MECHATRONICS UNIT ON MY CAR IS FAILING AND JUST MANY MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. THE VEHICLE CAN STOP ENGAGING GEARS AT ANY SPEED AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AT ANY SPEED, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11210713 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2019 · ODI 11180272Details +

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. LURCHING FROM A STOP AND LURCHING DURING SHIFT CHANGES.

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11180272 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2018 · ODI 11128756Details +

VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH BRAKE ENGAGED AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ENGAGED INTO GEAR AND TRIED TO SURGE FORWARD. HAD TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL TO DISENGAGE GEAR. IN OTHER INSTANCES, VEHICLE WILL SLAM INTO GEAR ABRUPTLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP, AND ALSO LUNGES FORWARD UNPREDICTABLY. THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALL RELATED TO A FAILING AUTOMATIC DSG TRANSMISSION.

Reported
Sep 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11128756 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2018 · ODI 11118724Details +

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. FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE JERKED AGAIN AND WARNINGS CAME BACK ON, I NEEDED TO GET TO WORK SO I CONTINUED DRIVING; THE CAR WOULD TAKE VERY LONG TO SHIFT GEARS AND IT WOULD JUMP FROM 1ST TO 3RD, FROM 3RD TO 5TH AND 5TH TO 7TH GEAR JERKING KIND OF VIOLENTLY EVERY-TIME AND THROTTLE RESPONSE BETWEEN SHIFTS WAS VERY LETHARGIC TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN SEVERELY AND I FELT UNSAFE DUE TO CARS GETTING REALLY CLOSE TO MY REAR AND THEM HAVING TO SLOW DOWN DRASTICALLY WHILE THE CAR SHIFTED GEARS. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I STRONGLY FEEL THAT AUDI SHOULD BE LIABLE AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL REPAIRS NECESSARY AND ACCIDENTS THAT THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE. IF THIS ISSUE WOULD OF PRESENTED ITSELF WHILE TRAVELING AT 75MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I BELIEVE IT COULD OF BEEN A CASE OF LIFE & DEATH. AUDI IS PUTTING THE PEOPLE DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES AND OTHERS AROUND AT RISK BY NOT RECALLING AN UNIT OR UNITS KNOWN TO CAUSE PROBLEMS.

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11118724 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2017 · ODI 11051893Details +

GEARBOX MALFUNCTION

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11051893 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2017 · ODI 11039221Details +

AUDI 7SP DL501 'S-TRONIC' TRANSMISSION FOR: 2010-2015 AUDI S4 AND S5, 2013-2015 AUDI RS5, S6 AND S7. VEHICLES EXPERIENCE MECHATRONIC UNIT FAILURE AND CLUTCH FAULTS. RESULTING IN: SUDDEN SHAKING AND VIOLENT 'JUDDERING,' HESITATION FROM THE CAR WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, A 'SURGE' FORWARD THAT FEELS LIKE THE CAR HAS BEEN REAR-ENDED, AND HARD DOWNSHIFTING OR CLUNKING WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ALSO CLUNKING AND TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS, DIFFICULTY ENGAGING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. VEHICLE SHOWING "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION, YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING" "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION, DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING" VEHICLE GOING INTO "LIMP MODE" IN ANY DRIVING SITUATION. CLUTCHES NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY, SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS. ISSUES CAN OCCUR WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, DRIVING UP A HILL, SHIFTING GEARS AT A LOW SPEED. MY EXPERIENCE: WHILE SWITCHING VEHICLES IN DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE WHEN INTO REVERSE AND I BACKED UP, THEN STOPPED, PUT TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND AFTER A JOLT FORWARD, VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT STALLED, HOWEVER ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT NO FORWARD GEAR, (EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED) VEHICLE THEN ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO PARKED VEHICLE, BUT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC HAD IT JUMPED BACK INTO DRIVE AS 3RD CAR, FATHER, AND GARAGE WERE IN FRONT PATH. 2ND TIME: VEHICLE COULD NOT REVERSE,(EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED) RAN INTO PARKING CURB WHILE EXPECTING TO GO BACKWARDS. 3RD TIME: AFTER FINALLY GETTING OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT (RESTARTING CAR FOR THE 4TH TIME AND EPC LIGHTS) PUT INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, THEN TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED,(EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED) LEAVING ME AND VEHICLE VULNERABLE FOR REAR COLLISION,WITH LEG OUT OF THE DOOR I WAS ABLE TO PUSH AND COAST MY VEHICLE OUT OF THE WAY, JUST TO MISS BEING REAR ENDED, AS CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS OF CYCLING IGNITION.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Oct 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11039221 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2017 · ODI 11022732Details +

VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION BECAME NON-OPERATIONAL WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS WAS DUE TO MULTIPLE FAILED SENSORS IN THE "S TRONIC TRANSMISSION INTEGRATED SENSORS" MODULE. EARLY SENSOR FAILURE HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE AS AUDI ISSUED TSB 35 12 08 2032211/1 ON DECEMBER 21, 2012 (ONLY 3 YEARS AFTER ORIGINAL MODEL PRODUCTION BEGAN) OUTLINING THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSES AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11022732 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2017 · ODI 10985522Details +

MY S4 THREW THE "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION, REVERSE DISABLED" AS WELL AS A TPMS ERROR CODE WHILE IN TRAFFIC, AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE. VERY DANGEROUS, AND INCONVENIENT. LIMPED HOME AT VERY SLOW SPEED WHILE TRANSMISSION CLUNKED AND STRUGGLED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CODE HAS GONE AWAY SINCE I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND NOW IT LUNGES FORWARD WHEN YOU'RE COMING TO A STOP, WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'VE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. TAKING OFF FROM A STOP IS BOUNCY AND SUPER JERKY. IF I HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, IT WILL SOMETIMES GO SMOOTHLY. THE ENGINE RPM'S SURGE WHILE COASTING TO A STOP, OR GOING DOWN, HILL ESPECIALLY WITH FOOT OFF THE PEDAL.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10985522 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2017 · ODI 10971272Details +

WHEN DRIVING IN REGULAR DRIVE BOX INDICATOR COMES ON. SAYING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIMITED FUNCTION. I ONLY HAVE 63125 MILES AND KEEP MY CAR MAINTENANCE.

Reported
Apr 2017
Incident date
Apr 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10971272 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2017 · ODI 10959707Details +

ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING CAR, CAR EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF MECHATRONICS UNIT FAILURE (BANG/JERK WHEN STOPPING, RPM JUMPY IN 1/2ND GEAR, REVERSE IS JUMPY).

Reported
Mar 2017
Incident date
Mar 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10959707 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2017 · ODI 10939780Details +

TPMS & GEARBOX MALFUNCTION CAR WILL NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE AND JERK IN FORWARD GEARS WHILE ALSO INCREASING REVS ALL BY ITSELF. MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A MAJOR BUSY ROAD!

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10939780 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2016 · ODI 10928737Details +

MY S4 LUNGES AT STOPS, OR IT FEELS LIKE I'VE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. TAKEOFF FROM A STOP IS BOUNCY, BOUNCY REVERSING, ESPECIALLY UPHILL. IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAKS AND HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING, SOMETIMES IT'S SMOOTH. THE TAC BOUNCES WHILE COASTING TO A STOP, OR GOING DOWN HILL WITH FOOT OFF THE PEDAL. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, BUT ARE NOW MORE PROFOUND. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. VERY FRUSTRATING TO PAY 50K FOR A CAR THAT DRIVES LIKE THIS, WHILE AUDI PRETENDS IT'S NOT A PROBLEM. LOTS OF THESE ISSUES IN VARIOUS FORUMS.

Reported
Nov 2016
Incident date
Nov 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10928737 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2016 · ODI 10906235Details +

MY AUDI S4 2010 IS HAVING A MECHATRONIC ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN THE STREET IT DROPPED A GEAR AND A ERROR MESSAGE POPPED UP STATING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION: NO REVERSE GEAR. MY VEHICLE WAS THEN UNABLE TO REVERSE AND ALSO KEPT DROPPING AND JUMPING TO DIFFERENT GEARS. IT MADE A VERY UNSAFE AND SCARY DRIVE,I HELD UP ALOT OF TRAFFIC TRYING TO DRIVE BACK TO MY HOUSE. TO GET A NEW MECHATRONIC COST BETWENN 3-8 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ALSO THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF AUDI OWNERS ON THE WEB WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I THINK AUDI SHOULD RECALL THIS PART THAT IS CAUSING SO MANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE.

Reported
Sep 2016
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10906235 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2016 · ODI 10903489Details +

POSSIBLE DSG TRANSMISSION FAILURE GEARBOX MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE ON DASH.

Reported
Sep 2016
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10903489 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2016 · ODI 10894981 · crashDetails +

AUDI S4 2010, ELECTRONIC PARKING BREAK RANDOMLY DISENGAGED WHILE PARKED IN A SLOPED PARKING LOT. CAR ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING 1800 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE.

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Aug 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10894981 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2016 · ODI 10894986 · crashDetails +

FOLLOW UP ON AUDI S4 2010: ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED WHILE PARKED IN SLOPED PARKING LOT. CAR ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE CAUSING 1800 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE. CALLED THE AUDI DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY CLAIM "THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT. " I DID SOME RESEARCH AND APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY APPROXIMATELY 6 OTHER PEOPLE ON AUDI FORUMS SUCH AS AUDIFORUM.COM

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Aug 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10894986 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2016 · ODI 10895174Details +

"WARNING: GEARBOX MALFUNCTION- YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING" APPEARS AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE CAR DOES NOT MALFUNCTION, CHANGES GEARS WITHOUT PROBLEMS, AND WARNING REMAINS ON SCREEN. CAR HAS 58K MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. TOOK TO AUDI DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED MODULE G676 IS BAD. COST TO REPAIR: $5334.39. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS WARNING ON THIS ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OF AUDIS. AUDI WILL NOT COVER ANY OF THE COSTS TO REPAIR ALTHOUGH THEY REALIZE THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AMONG THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE!! WHY ARE THEY NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE?

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Aug 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10895174 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2016 · ODI 10875368Details +

MECHATRONIC FAILURE. CAR WAS FULLY SERVICED AND MAINTAINED BY AUDI HOWEVER AUDI WILL NOT PAY FOR COST OF REPLACEMENT. COST OF REPLACEMENT IS $3,000 USD. CAR DISPLAYED GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIMITED DRIVING ABILITY, PARKING BRAKE FAILURE THEN LOST ALL DRIVE AND CAR WAS STUCK IN N. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10875368 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2016 · ODI 10875054Details +

GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIGHT, LIMITED FUNCTION, CAR DROPS TO 10 MPH WITH NO WARNING. CAR REMOVES DRIVERS ABILITY TO CONTROL CAR IN SITUATION ON HIGHWAY LIMP MODE IS NOT SAFE AND CAN NOT BE DISABLED. CAR PERFORMS NORMAL EXCEPT FOR LIMP MODE SENSOR KNOWN FAULT

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Mar 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10875054 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2016 · ODI 10871933Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10871933 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2016 · ODI 10860866Details +

AT 57K MILES GOT TRANS OVERHEATING WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON BACK ROADS AND CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER. AFTER A FEW SECS WENT AWAY. ON WAY HOME SAME THING HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO DEALER. DEALER DIAGNOSED W/ BAD MECHATRONICS UNIT WHICH APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM W/ EARLY B8 DSG TRANSMISSIONS.

Reported
Apr 2016
Incident date
Mar 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10860866 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2016 · ODI 10850245Details +

HARD CLUNK WHEN SELECTING GEARS FROM P TO R TO D. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD ALMOST LIKE BEING REAR ENDED. SOMETIMES AFTER A COMPLETE STOP HAS BEEN MADE THE CAR WILL BUCK FORWARD SLIGHTLY

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Mar 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10850245 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2016 · ODI 10819076Details +

MECHATRONICS ISSUE. CAR WILL SURGE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN OPERATING AT COLDER ENGINE TEMPERATURES. COMMON ISSUE AMONGST THE 2010-2012 MODELS.

Reported
Jan 2016
Incident date
Jan 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10819076 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2015 · ODI 10785832Details +

JERKY DSG TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, WHETHER DOWNSHIFTING OR UP SHIFT. GOING SLOW OR FAST, THIS ONLY HAPPENS ONCE TRANS IS UP TO TEMP, I'M PRETTY SURE MY MECHATRONICS UNIT IS FAILING.

Reported
Oct 2015
Incident date
Jun 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10785832 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2015 · ODI 10778791Details +

AT APPROX 55K MILES, MECHATRONICS UNIT FAILED. EXTREMELY ROUGH SHIFTS FROM 1-2 AND 2-1, LURCHING FORWARD AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED MECHARONICS UNIT. AT 74K MILES ENTIRE DSG GEARBOX FAILED, WHILE ON HIGHWAY WITH VIRTUALLY NO POWER OR ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. LUCKILY TRAFFIC WAS AT NEAR STOP DUE TO RUSH HOUR, WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO NEXT OFFRAMP IN WHAT THEY CALL 'LIMP MODE'. DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING ENTIRE TRANSMISSION.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Sep 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10778791 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2015 · ODI 10778837Details +

THE S-TRONIC/DSG TRANSMISSION IS HAVING ISSUES DOWNSHIFTING. IT WILL REV UP HIGH WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS WELL. THERE IS ALSO A HARSH CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL-DRIVE-PARK. AUDI RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE MECHATRONICS UNIT IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHATRONICS CIRCUIT BOARD HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT OWNERS COST AND NOW THEY WANT ME TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MECHATRONIC UNIT AT MY COST ($3800+). THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS. IT IS KNOWN THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAULTY AND AUDI DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE ISSUES.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Jun 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10778837 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2015 · ODI 10747931Details +

SYMPTOMATIC DSG ENGAGEMENT ISSUES. BRAKING DOWN TO 0 MPH FROM GEARS ABOVE 1ST WILL HOLD THE GEAR UNTIL THE LAST SECOND BEFORE TOTAL STOP WHERE IT FEELS THE CAR IS REAR ENDED AND LOUD BANG IN THE TRANSMISSION. MOVING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND BACK CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE LOUD BANG IN TRANSMISSION. UPSHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND SOMETIMES HAS TROUBLE GETTING INTO GEAR

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10747931 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2015 · ODI 10705174Details +

I HAVE JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM AN OLDER MAN WHO WAS VERY KIND TO THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR THE WHOLE TWO MONTHS WHEN I ENTERED MY GARAGE TO LEAVE FOR THE DAY I RECEIVED A"GEAR BOX MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING: LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY CODE" I HAVE DONE MY HOURS OF RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND OUT THIS IS A SIMPLY A PROBLEM LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING. THIS IS SOMETHING AUDI IS SELLING ON THEIR CARS KNOWING THESE HAVE ISSUES!!!!! I WANT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION, AUDI SHOULD STEP UP AND REPAIR ALL THE BROKEN UNITS THEY HAVE BEEN SELLING. THESE UNITS HAVE GIVEN 95 PERCENT OF AUDI OWNERS PROBLEMS. REALLY MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER. *TR

Reported
Apr 2015
Incident date
Apr 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10705174 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2015 · ODI 10703811Details +

I WAS DRIVING AND CAME UP TO STOP LIGHT. CAR FLASHED UP WARNING SAYING GEARBOX MALFUNCTION LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY. CAR WOULD NOT CHANGE UP OR DOWN SMOOTHLY OR QUICKLY. LOSS OF POWER ON EVERY SHIFT FOR OVER A SECOND. HAD AUDI OF STEVENS CREEK CHANGE DSG FLUID A COUPLE OF WEEK PRIOR. *TR

Reported
Apr 2015
Incident date
Apr 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10703811 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2015 · ODI 10703702Details +

THE DSG TRANSMISSION IS VERY JERKY IN 1-2 GEARS IT OPERATES AS THOUGH THE CLUTCH IS NOT ENGAGING/DISENGAGING PROPERLY. WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE ENGINE RPMS WANDER AS THOUGH THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING. STARTING FROM A DEADSTOP OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DUE TO THE JERKY-NESS. *TR

Reported
Apr 2015
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10703702 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2015 · ODI 10669498Details +

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. MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE NEXT DAY AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME MALFUNCTION ERRORS BUT THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND ALMOST ENDED UP BEING REAR ENDED. SHE NOW FEARS FOR HER SAFETY AND WILL NO LONGER DRIVE OR BE A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE NOW SITS AT AN AUDI DEALERSHIP. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO PICK UP THE FULL COST OF REPAIR ($5628) BEING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND I HAVE REPORTED AND HAD AUDI DOCUMENT THE SYMPTOMS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATES THERE IS A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) THAT DOCUMENTS MY ISSUE BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE VEHICLE ON THEIR DIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN I REPORTED THE ISSUE BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY KNEW OF THE TSB. *JS

Reported
Jan 2015
Incident date
Dec 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10669498 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2014 · ODI 10651114Details +

WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC THE 2010 AUDI S4 WITH THE DSG S-TRONIC TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY JERKY, CAUSING IT TO SURGE WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. AS A RESULT IT IS HARD TO CONTROL, ESPECIALLY IN TIGHT TRAFFIC, PARKING AREAS, OR AROUND PEDESTRIANS. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN IN THIS CONDITION THE SHIFT FROM 2ND GEAR TO FIRST HAPPEN IN SUCH A WAY THE IT GIVE THE FEELING THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN REAR ENDED. *TR

Reported
Oct 2014
Incident date
Oct 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10651114 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2014 · ODI 10641516Details +

I WAS DRIVING ON A NORMAL STRETCH OF FLAT HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 65MPH AND THE DASH LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE OUT OF THE BLUE. CAR INDICATED REVERSE GEAR NOT AVAILABLE, TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS, AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM PROBLEM ALL AT THE SAME TIME. CAR WENT IN TO A "LIMP MODE" AND IT ONLY SHIFTED IN EVEN NUMBER GEARS, AND FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS DANGEROUSLY UNSTABLE DUE TO ERRATIC MISSED SHIFTING. THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN IN PRIOR FOR A SERVICE CHECK AND HAD NO CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS AT ALL! AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH IT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM THAT THE MECHATRONICS FAILS ON THIS VEHICLE RATHER OFTEN. THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. COST OF REPAIR WAS NEAR 3300$. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 4K MILES OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AFTER NUMEROUS PERSISTENT EXCHANGES WITH AUDI OF AMERICA THEY FINALLY DECIDED TO COVER THE FAILURE AS I WAS CONSIDERING SEEKING LEGAL ACTION. ( I HAD THE PART IN HAND AND COULD SUBMIT IT TO FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEERING FOR CAUSE). ON AN POLL ON A POPULAR AUDI WEBSITE, APPROXIMATELY 15% OF THESE MECHATRONICS HAVE FAILED. THE DESIGN ISSUE IS A CIRCUIT CARD EMBEDDED IN HOT TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT AFFECTS THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL OF THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS DAMAGED IT CAN BE OVER A +10K$ REPAIR. *TR

Reported
Oct 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10641516 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2014 · ODI 10639545Details +

WITHOUT WARNING MY 2010 AUDI S4 OVER HEATED WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. LUCKILY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME BECAUSE I HAD TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLED DOWN. FROM WHAT I GATHERED ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL HUNDRED AUDI'S HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. ONLY A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) WAS ISSUED. AUDI MAKES THE CUSTOMER PAY THE BILL, EVEN THOUGH THEY REPLACED THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT WITH AN ALUMINUM ONE AND SOMETIMES THE WATER PUMP. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE IF YOU ASK ME. FIRST AND LAST AUDI I WILL EVER OWN. BAD EXPERIENCE. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Sep 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10639545 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2014 · ODI 10631318Details +

DSG TRANSMISSION (AUTO) IS JERKY. DOES NOT ENGAGE SMOOTHLY AND IS VERY ERRATIC. CAN SLAM INTO THE NEXT GEAR. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Feb 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10631318 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2014 · ODI 10618472Details +

WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC THE 2010 AUDI S4 WITH THE DSG S-TRONIC TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY JERKY, CAUSING IT TO SURGE WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. AS A RESULT IT IS HARD TO CONTROL, ESPECIALLY IN TIGHT TRAFFIC, PARKING AREAS, OR AROUND PEDESTRIANS. ADDITIONALLY, HEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN IN THIS CONDITION THE SHIFT FROM 2ND GEAR TO FIRST HAPPEN IN SUCH A WAY THE IT GIVE THE FEELING THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN REAR ENDED. *TR

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10618472 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2014 · ODI 10618337Details +

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. *TR

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Jul 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10618337 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2014 · ODI 10561980Details +

MECHATRONICS UNIT FAILURE IN DSG TRANSMISSION. HARD SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 1ST WHILE STOPPING. (VEHICLE MAKES LOUD DRIVETRAIN BANG NOISE, SHAKES AND STOPS ABRUPTLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND TRYING TO COME TO A STOP, ALMOST AS IF YOU SLOWED DOWN TO 5-10MPH AND THEN SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES.) *TR

Reported
Jan 2014
Incident date
May 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10561980 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2013 · ODI 10556427Details +

MECHATRONICS UNIT FAILED IN THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION FAILURE MESSAGE LISTED ON CAR DASHBOARD. CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR AND THERE WAS NO REVERSE GEAR. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. MULTIPLE WEB FORUM POSTS STATED THE AUDI B8 MODELS SUFFERED THIS FAILURE FREQUENTLY. *TR

Reported
Dec 2013
Incident date
Oct 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10556427 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2013 · ODI 10551886Details +

THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO JERK AND SLAM CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE JUST PRIOR TO STOPPING IN STOP/GO TRAFFIC. NOTICED THAT THIS HAPPENS ONLY AFTER DRIVING IN STOP/GO SITUATIONS AND USUALLY AROUND 5MPH. ALSO CLANKS/JERKS WHILE IN REVERSE. DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE. *TR

Reported
Nov 2013
Incident date
Nov 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10551886 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingAug 2011 · ODI 10418207Details +

CONDENSATION BUILD-UP IN HEADLIGHT HOUSING ON VARIOUS AUDI VEHICLES THAT DOES NOT DISSIPATE REGARDLESS OF WEATHER OR DURATION OF HID LIGHTS BEING ON. *TR

Reported
Aug 2011
Incident date
Aug 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10418207 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2011 · ODI 10380975Details +

MY COOLANT PUMP BLEW AROUND 10K MILES. I LIVE IN BOSTON. IT WAS COLD THAT MORNING - SINGLE DIGITS. I STARTED THE CAR AND HEARD A FLAPPING NOISE. I IGNORED IT AND DROVE TO GET COFFEE. WHEN THE CAR WARMED UP, THE FLAPPING NOISE WENT AWAY SO I STARTED OUT TO MY DESTINATION. ABOUT 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE INSIDE WAS WET. I CALLED AAA AND THEY TOWED THE CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I LEARNED THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE. COUNT ME AMONG THOSE THAT ARE UPSET THAT AUDI IS NOT FIXING THIS BEFORE IT HAPPENS. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A PUBLIC RECALL BUT A SIMPLE CALL FROM MY DEALERSHIP ASKING ME TO COME IN SO THEY CAN FIX A POTENTIALLY FAULTY PART. *LN

Reported
Feb 2011
Incident date
Jan 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10380975 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2010 Audi S4 4-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
S43.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive182721
S43.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive182821

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2010 Audi S4: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 Audi S4?

Owners filed 60 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Audi S4. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 Audi S4?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (70% of complaints) and engine and engine cooling (17%).

How many recalls does the 2010 Audi S4 have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2010 Audi S4 as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Audi S4 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Audi S4 at 21 mpg combined.