repaired · 2023 Q4
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2018 Audi S4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi S4, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-874 the manufacturer reports only 77% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 6, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Audi S4 has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine
1Power train
1Service brakes
1Structure
1Suspension
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Audi S4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other S4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S4 median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Audi S4 safety ratings
2018 Audi S4 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What S4 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Water pump defect for the 3.0L ea839 turbo engine found across many Porsche and Audi models. Defect causes damage to vacuum lines, thermostat, and can eventually lead to engine failure if not resolved. No way of knowing this is happening until you start to lose coolant (which will throw an engine…
My 2018 Audi S4 has a catastrophic engine failure issue and this is common with the EA839 engine. There is a knocking in the motor that is caused by internal engine parts (rocker arms needle bearings) becoming loose and dislodged. The metal shavings travel in the motor oil and destroy the engine…
PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.
Own a 2018 S4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.