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VIN REPORT

WAUMGAFL3AA0379932010 AUDI S4quattro Prestige

Risk Score
20
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
60
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
16 yrs
Made in GERMANY
B-
Score: 80/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2010 AUDI S4 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 60 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
20/100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
AUDI
Model
S4
Year
2010
Trim / Series
quattro Prestige
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 2.967000L 299.00 hp
Transmission
Manual/Standard
Doors
4
Manufacturer
AUDI AG
Assembly
INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 INGOLSTADT, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 5 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~192,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2010 AUDI.
Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
55
Brakes
2 crash2
Other
1
Electrical
1
Steering
1
2011
4
2013
2
2014
7
2015
8
2016
12
2017
7
2018
2
2019
7
2020
2
2025
1
47% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Accelerating +100%
1
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

33% of complaints filed in Aug & Sep — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling1
Sudden acceleration1
Brake failure1
Electrical failure1
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (22)Highway/high-speed (13)Startup (5)Rain/wet (1)Cold weather (1)
60HIGH VOLUME
2
Crashes
ODI #11688973POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Unknown

ODI #11320167POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #11320125POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11270568POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

ODI #11251998POWER TRAIN

MECHATRONIC ISSUES.

ODI #11232383POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11229466POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11217005POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

ODI #11210713POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

ODI #11180272POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #11128756POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11118724POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

ODI #11051893POWER TRAIN

GEARBOX MALFUNCTION

ODI #11039221POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11022732POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10985522POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10971272POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

ODI #10959707POWER TRAIN

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).

ODI #10939780POWER TRAIN

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!

ODI #10928737POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10906235VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

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.

ODI #10903489POWER TRAIN

POSSIBLE DSG TRANSMISSION FAILURE GEARBOX MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE ON DASH.

ODI #10894981SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

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.

ODI #10894986SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

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

ODI #10895174POWER TRAIN

"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?

ODI #10875368POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10875054UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

ODI #10871933POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10860866POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10850245POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10819076POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10785832POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10778791POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10778837POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #10747931POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10705174POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10703811POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10703702POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10669498ENGINE

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

ODI #10651114POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10641516POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10639545ENGINE

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

ODI #10631318POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10618472POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10618337POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

ODI #10561980POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10556427POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10551886POWER TRAIN

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

ODI #10418207EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

ODI #10380975ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

ODI #10376526ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S4 IN THE SAN FRAN BAY AREA, AFTER A WEEKEND DRIVE TO THE SNOW, FOUND A POOL OF COOLANT UNDER CAR AND JUST MED IT TO THE DEALER BEFORE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS COMMON. NO RECALL TO BE EXPECTED, ISN'T THIS ILLEGAL? I MAKE PHARMACEUTICALS AND IF I DON'T PERFORM A RECALL THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ACTION. *TR

ODI #10375607ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S4. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW IN THE WATER PUMP. *TGW AUDI ISSUED A SERVICE ADVISORY TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP DUE TO A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THREE WEEKS LATER BY THE DEALER, THAT AUDI REMOVED THE ADVISORY DUE TO LACK OF SUPPLY AND THAT THE WATER PUMP WOULD ONLY BE REPLACED IF THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN. *JB

ODI #10369955ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON DEC 8, MY AUDI S4, MODEL YEAR 2010, BUILT END 2009, 11,000 MILES, STRANDED WITH A LEAKING COOLANT SYSTEM "OUT OF THE BLUE", DURING MODERATE HIGHWAY DRIVING. WARNING SYSTEM INDICATED TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND CHECK COOLANT. NOT NECESSARILY SAFE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ON A 8 LANE HIGHWAY. AUDI SERVICE DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED A DEFECT WATER PUMP WITH AN "UPDATED MODEL" (METAL BODY, REPLACING THE "PLASTIC BODY MODEL"), AND REFERS TO THIS A DESIGN FLAW. THIS ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN TO AUDI FOR THE LATE-2009 BUILT 2010 S4S, BUT ALSO FOR Q5 AND A6 MODELS. YET AUDI DOES NOT INFORM THE OWNERS, WHILE THEY RECEIVE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS ON A REGULAR BASIS. AUDI SERVICE WAS WELL PREPARED AND REPORTS THAT THEY CAN HARDLY MEET DEMAND OF NEW WATER PUMPS WITH INCOMING CASES. THE WATER PUMP FAILURE SEEMS TO BE PROMOTED BY COLD WEATHER (<-5C). ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE FROM THE TOWING COMPANY CONFIRMS THAT 2010 AUDI'S ARE PRONE TO BEING TOWED THIS EARLY 2010/2011 WINTER. CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL SAFETY AND ENGINE DAMAGE IMPACT OF A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE COOLING, IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE TO NOT INFORM OWNERS SO THEY CAN WATCH THEIR COOLANT LEVEL AND SEEK REPLACEMENT OF THE WATER PUMP. *TR

ODI #10369263ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S4 WITH V-6 3.0T ENGINE. RETURNING HOME AFTER A 7 MINUTE DRIVE, I WAS 300 FT. FROM MY HOUSE WHEN I RECEIVED AN ENGINE MESSAGE COOLANT LOW, TURN OFF ENGINE AND CHECK COOLANT. I STOPPED IN DRIVEWAY TO FIND MY WATER PUMP HAD BURST, AS WITH SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HERE. I KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AS MORE THAN 50 OTHER AUDI S4 OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED IT AND IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON AUDI OWNER'S FORUMS. MY CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND WILL BE TOWED TO DEALER TOMORROW UNDER WARRANTY. AUDI OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE PUMPS SLOWLY, BUT REFUSES TO RECALL DESPITE THE POSSIBILITY OF ENDANGERING DRIVERS. AT THE VERY LEAST, WE SHOULD BE WARNED OF THIS POSSIBILITY. IT IS ONLY THROUGH OUR OWN RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION THAT OWNERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

ODI #10365874ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM NEWARK AIRPORT ON NJ TURNPIKE AT 1 A.M., THE WATER PUMP FAILED ON MY 2010 AUDI S4. THE COOLANT WARNING INDICATED A PROBLEM. I MADE IT TO A SERVICE AREA WITHIN A FEW MILES. I DID NOT WANT TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND COOLANT SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE ENGINE WITH STEAM RISING UP. THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER IN EDISON, NJ. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BY A REDESIGNED UNIT. AUDI HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THIS DEALER HAD OVER 100 VEHICLES RECENTLY TOWED IN THE LAST WEEK OR SO. I BELIEVE THAT IN CANADA AUDI VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED. THE WATER PUMP SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH THE NEW UNIT BEFORE CARS GET STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR

ODI #10363621ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MY CAR LEAKED A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT NOTICED AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO DEALER WHERE THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PLASTIC SEAL ON THE PUMP HAS FAILED WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS AND WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW METAL SEAL. *TR

ODI #10362075ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S4 WATER PUMP FAILURE. *TR

ODI #10358825STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S4 WATER PUMP FAILURE -- THIS COMPLAINT IS IDENTICAL TO THE PREVIOUS TWO COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THIS MODEL'S WATER PUMP FAILURE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT A NEAR FULL LOSS OF STEERING DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME. IN MY CASE THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED, HOWEVER LIKE OTHERS WHO HAVE DETAILED THEIR EXPERIENCES, AUDI HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A SYSTEMIC ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL, NOR IS THE REPAIR SATISFACTORY AS THE DISTINCT ODOR OF G-12 (G-30 IN EUROPE) IS PRESENT. THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FIRST, IT IS ALSO A CONSUMER PROTECTION MATTER AS THE BOTH THE DEALER AND AUDI OF AMERICA WHO I HAVE BEEN IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH HAS NOT BEEN CLEAR ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

ODI #10352656ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE TO MANY 2010 AUDI S4 OWNERS. MANY OF THEM REPORTED A WATERPUMP FAILURE BASICALLY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, I.E., HIGHWAY DRIVING, CORNERING, AND LOW SPEED DRIVING. 2010 AUDI S4 PRODUCED IN 2009 CLEARLY HAVE A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP, WHICH TEND TO MOSTLY FAIL PRIOR TO 10K MILES ON THE CAR. MANY S4 OWNERS AND FORUM MEMBERS REPORTED MANY KINDS OF HAZARD THAT THIS FAILURE CAN BRING, INCLUDING COOLANT SPILLING THAT CAN POTENTIALLY HARM THE SURROUNDING MOTORISTS (SLIPPERY SURFACE CAUSED BY OILY COOLANT) AND THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY. MY WATER PUMP HAS NOT FAILED YET, BUT FROM THE FAILURE RATIO SHOWN ON A AUDI S4 OWNER FORUM, IT CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN THAT MOST OF THESE WATER PUMPS WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL AT ANY MILEAGE. I AM SERIOUSLY WORRIED ABOUT ENDANGERING OTHERS, MYSELF, OR MY FAMILY MEMBERS BECAUSE OF THIS POTENTIAL FAILURE ON THE WATER PUMP OF 2009-PRODUCED 2010 S4. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN OVER THIS ISSUE. *TR

ODI #10352596ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A DESIGN FLAW THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE WATERPUMP USED IN THE 2010 AUDI S4 3.0T. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED A WATERPUMP FAILURE WHICH RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING AND PARTIAL OR FULL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FAILURE HAVE HAD THEIR 'BLACK PLASTIC' WATERPUMPS REPLACED WITH A REVISED 'ALUMINUM WATERPUMP'. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON VARIOUS ENTHUSIAST FORUMS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE WATERPUMP IS A TICKING TIME BOMB THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SO INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT 1) LEFT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, 2) SUBJECT TO AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING, OR 3) AT RISK DUE TO AN OVERHEATING VEHICLE. I PERSONALLY HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON MY VEHICLE, BUT I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT NHTSA WILL WORK WITH AUDI TO ISSUE A PROMPT RECALL FOR ALL AFFECTED OWNERS. I DO HAVE THE OLD REVISION OF THE WATERPUMP ('BLACK PLASTIC') ON MY VEHICLE AND I AM WORRIED THAT I MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME POSTS ON VARIOUS ENTHUSIAST BOARDS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/382525-ANOTHER-WATERPUMP-BITES-IT...?HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/317505-B8-S4-WATER-PUMP-FAILURE?HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/352343-PROBLEMS-SO-FAR...-TODAY-THE-WATER-PUMP-BLEW?HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/349318-MY-COOLANT-BROKE!!?HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://FORUMS.AUDIWORLD.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=2789310&HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://FORUMS.AUDIWORLD.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=2789742&HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://FORUMS.AUDIWORLD.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=2774524&HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP HTTP://FORUMS.AUDIWORLD.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=2773666&HIGHLIGHT=WATERPUMP. *TR

Annual complaints and reliability score for AUDI S4 — recall years marked in red
0612050100201020122014201620182020202220242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 60 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 2016 (12 complaints, including 2 crash reports).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 92/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 60 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2016, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$48,614
~$810/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$23,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify this vehicle has received the EPA-approved emissions fix or was bought back
VW TDI Dieselgate vehicles without the EPA fix may fail emissions in California, NY, and other CARB states. Confirm modification was performed at a VW dealer and obtain written documentation.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
16-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINWAUMGAFL3AA037993
Model Year2010
MakeAUDI
ModelS4
Trimquattro Prestige
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)2.967000
Horsepower299.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUDI AG
Assembly CityINGOLSTADT
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WAU
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)A
Plant Code (Char 11)A
Sequence (Chars 12–17)037993

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count60
W
1
A
2
U
3
M
4
G
5
A
6
F
7
L
8
3
9
A
10
A
11
0
12
3
13
7
14
9
15
9
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
U
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
MGAFL
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
A
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
A
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
037993
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"A" → 2010
Could also be 1980
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/21/2026, 12:05:41 AM.