2019 Audi S4

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2019 Audi S4, categorized by major components.

The 2019 Audi S4 is a performance-oriented sedan offering a blend of luxury and sportiness. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Owners generally praise the S4 for its quick acceleration, comfortable interior, and sharp handling. Common criticisms include the somewhat sterile driving feel compared to rivals like the BMW 3 Series, and some infotainment system quirks.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged V6

• Thermostat Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak originating from the thermostat housing. This can lead to low coolant levels, engine overheating, and potential engine damage. Visible coolant pooling under the engine bay is also a sign.
  • Solution: Replacement of the thermostat housing, gasket, and potentially the thermostat itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, designed to relieve pressure from the engine crankcase, can fail. Symptoms include rough idling, increased oil consumption, and a potential check engine light. Sometimes a whistling sound can be heard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Tiptronic)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of rough or delayed shifts, particularly during downshifts or when accelerating from a stop. Some owners experience a “clunking” sound during shifting.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $150 - $300; Valve body replacement: $1500 - $3000+; Transmission rebuild/replacement: $4000 - $8000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: If the vehicle is equipped with adaptive dampers (Audi’s Drive Select system), individual dampers can fail. Symptoms include a noticeable change in ride quality, uneven handling, and a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty damper, followed by replacement of the affected unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the control arm bushings can lead to clunking noises from the suspension, imprecise steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or, in some cases, the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushing replacement: $300 - $600+ per arm; Control arm replacement: $500 - $1000+ per arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The MMI infotainment system can experience intermittent freezing, lagging, or unexpected reboots. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, the MMI control unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $300; Control unit replacement: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of parking sensors or blind spot monitoring systems. This can manifest as false alarms, system inoperability, or warning lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor, followed by replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may fail to open or close properly. Possible water leaks. Can be noisy while opening or closing.
  • Solution: Repair or replace sunroof motor. Check and repair any water leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver Information Display (Virtual Cockpit) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent flickering, dimming, or complete failure of the digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit).
  • Solution: Replacement of the Virtual Cockpit display unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters failing to function or overheating.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty heating element or control module, followed by replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Audi S4, while generally reliable, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine-related issues, like thermostat housing leaks and PCV valve failure, can range in severity and cost. Transmission problems, while not widespread, can be expensive to address. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and sensors are also frequently reported. Suspension and interior issues add to the potential maintenance costs. Overall, potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.