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2021 Audi S4Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi S4, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-742 the manufacturer reports only 93% of affected cars repaired.

2021 Audi S4
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 93%Owner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage31kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 25, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Audi S4 has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2021 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.

93%repaired · 2024 Q3

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 22V-742 · Oct 5, 2022 · 170,296 vehicles · 157,718 repaired

Risk. A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2023 Q4

Axle: non-powered axle assembly

Recall 22V-034 · Jan 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles · 30,217 repaired

Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q2

Seat belts

Recall 21V-606 · Aug 5, 2021 · 45,496 vehicles · 43,474 repaired

Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q1

Axle: non-powered axle assembly

Recall 21V-295 · Apr 26, 2021 · 40,993 vehicles · 39,296 repaired

Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2021 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

2021 Audi S4 safety ratings

2021 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: Standard
In owners' words

What S4 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi S4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Drive System Malfunction - Please Contact Service" was displayed. In addition, the vehicle…
Complaint 11689741 · Sep 25, 2025 · 31,000 miles

Own a 2021 S4?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.