Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF XENON HEADLAMP COATING DEGRADATION OVER TIME. THE LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE OF THE HEADLAMP MAY DECREASE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT A DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
On certain Audi A4 cabriolet and S4 cabriolet, the Xenon headlamp reflectors may experience coating degradation. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time which could negatively affect a driver's field of view. Correction: Dealers will replace the Xenon headlamp reflectors.
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Audi S4 (1 fires reported). Among 24 model years of this model, it ranks #7 for the most complaints (median 17).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | |
| Power train | 5 | |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Electrical system | 2 | |
| Air bags | 1 |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Audi S4.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Audi S4 4-DR. w/SAB | – | – | – | 4★ |
EPA ratings for each 2004 Audi S4 version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 4.2 L Manual 6-spd | 13 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| S4 4.2 L Automatic (S6) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| S4 Avant 4.2 L Manual 6-spd | 13 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| S4 Avant 4.2 L Automatic (S6) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| S4 Cabriolet 4.2 L Manual 6-spd | 13 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| S4 Cabriolet 4.2 L Automatic (S6) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.