Owners have filed 18 complaints
about the 1993 Audi S4 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2018.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Audi S4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1999peak 4Nov 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Audi S4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE99065Opened 28 Oct 1999Closed 31 Mar 2000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL SUPPLY LINE LEAK
Recalls on the 1993 Audi S4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2000097565 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, a fuel feed line connecting the fuel filter to the engine can prematurely age and shrink through exposure to high under hood temperature caused by the turbocharger. Such shrinkage could cause a clamp connection adjacent to the turbocharger to loose its clamping force resulting in fuel seepage. Correction: Dealers will replace the entire fuel feed line from the filter to the engine with a fuel line of shrinkage-proof material.
Recall 19971751,328 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE AIR BAG SENSOR ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR ACCIDENT. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CORRECTION: AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Salt Lake City, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS WAS A CONSUMER CALL RECEIVED BY REGIONAL OFFICE STAFF, AND IS BEING RELAYED. VEHICLE HAS AN ACTIVE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL, AND DEALER IN SALT LAKE CITY, UT SCHEDULED REPAIR, BUT CANCELLED THE REPAIR APPOINTMENT DUE TO NOT HAVING PROPER BILLING CODE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR BY THE MANUFACTURER. PLEASE CONTACT CONSUMER DIRECTLY FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO ASSIST HIM IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11149954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesEL Granada, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I OWN TWO OF THE ORIGINAL AUDI S4'S, BOTH 1993 MODELS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ONE OF THESE CARS IN 2007 AND THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN SO THAT THE ENGINE RACED UNCONTROLLABLY. SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CLUTCH IN AND STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THEN SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A PLASTIC PART ON THE TIP OF THE THROTTLE CAM HAD BROKEN OFF AND AS A RESULT THE THROTTLE CABLING MECHANISM STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY "OPEN" POSITION. I HAD THE THROTTLE CAM REPLACED WITH AN ALL STAINLESS STEEL CAM WHICH CANNOT BREAK DOWN AS A RESULT OF HEAT, AS PLASTIC OR A SIMILAR PRODUCT CAN DO. I HAD OEM CAMS REPLACED IN BOTH S4'S. AUDI DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM IN OCTOBER 2007. I HAVE RECOMMENDED TO AUDI THAT ALL 1992-1997 S4 AND S6 MODELS BE RECALLED AND THAT ALL THROTTLE CAMS BE REPLACED WITH AN ALL STAINLESS STEEL CAM (FOR EXAMPLE, ONE FABRICATED BY 034 MOTORSPORT IN FREMONT, CA.) AT LEAST ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, DUE TO FAILURE OF THE OEM THROTTLE CAM, HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THE "WEB" -- IN FACT THAT REPORT LED ME TO 034 MOTORSPORT'S SOLUTION. I KNOW I NEVER RECEIVED, FROM AUDI, A NOTICE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. DATE SHOWN BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I WOULD HAVE TO FIND THE TOWING BILL TO BE PRECISE.
NHTSA complaint #10329785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesEL Granada, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I OWN TWO OF THE ORIGINAL AUDI S4'S, BOTH 1993 MODELS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ONE OF THESE CARS IN 2007 AND THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN SO THAT THE ENGINE RACED UNCONTROLLABLY. SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CLUTCH IN AND STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THEN SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A PLASTIC PART ON THE TIP OF THE THROTTLE CAM HAD BROKEN OFF AND AS A RESULT THE THROTTLE CABLING MECHANISM STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY "OPEN" POSITION. I HAD THE THROTTLE CAM REPLACED WITH AN ALL STAINLESS STEEL CAM WHICH CANNOT BREAK DOWN AS A RESULT OF HEAT, AS PLASTIC OR A SIMILAR PRODUCT CAN DO. I HAD OEM CAMS REPLACED IN BOTH S4'S. AUDI DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM IN OCTOBER 2007. I HAVE RECOMMENDED TO AUDI THAT ALL 1992-1997 S4 AND S6 MODELS BE RECALLED AND THAT ALL THROTTLE CAMS BE REPLACED WITH AN ALL STAINLESS STEEL CAM (FOR EXAMPLE, ONE FABRICATED BY 034 MOTORSPORT IN FREMONT, CA.) AT LEAST ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, DUE TO FAILURE OF THE OEM THROTTLE CAM, HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THE "WEB" -- IN FACT THAT REPORT LED ME TO 034 MOTORSPORT'S SOLUTION. I KNOW I NEVER RECEIVED, FROM AUDI, A NOTICE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. DATE SHOWN BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I WOULD HAVE TO FIND THE TOWING BILL TO BE PRECISE.
NHTSA complaint #10329785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Isanti, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I RUN A SMALL REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF AUDI VEHICLES FROM 1986 TO 1998 WHICH HAVE STEEL GASOLINE LINES THAT COLLECT ROAD SALT AND RUST IN THE RUBBER SUPPORT GROMMETS ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS. THE RUST CAUSES A PINHOLE LEAK WHICH THEN BEGINS TO SPRAY GASOLINE ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I HAVE SEEN 5 OR 6 VEHICLES LIKE THIS IN THE PAST 5 YEARS AND SAW ANOTHER ONE LAST WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #10325567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesMason City, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
PLASTIC THROTTLE CABLE PIECE BROKE RESULTING IN STUCK THROTTLE CONDITION. FOR AN ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT ALONG WITH PHOTOS SEE THE URL BELOW. *NM HTTP://WWW.S-CARS.ORG/POSTNUKE/MODULES.PHP?OP=MODLOAD&NAME=NEWS&FILE=ARTICLE&SID=183
NHTSA complaint #10182362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mason City, IA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
I HAD PREVIOUSLY CONTACTED NHSTA REGARDING FUEL LINE LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE EALRY S4 AND S6 MODELS. THIS RESULTED IN THE "KY" RECALL CAMPAIGN. MORE RECENTLY, SOME OWNERS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERING LEAKS IN THE FUEL LINES GOING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR TO THE FRONT. THESE LEAKS OCCUR AT THE POINT WHERE THE FUEL LINE GOES THROUGH RUBBER ISOLATION/MOUNTING BLOCKS. MOISTURE ACCUMULATES AT THESE POINTS AND CORRODES THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN LEAKS. I DISCOVERED THIS ON MY OWN CAR IN EARLY 2002 AND I KEEP HEARING FROM MORE AND MORE PEOPLE FINDING THE SAME THING. THESE CARS HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY GOOD IN OTHER AREAS BUT THE FUEL SYSTEM PLUMING LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED. DT
NHTSA complaint #770485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minnetonka, MN
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING DURING A RAINSTORM THE REAR END BROKE HARD TO THE RIGHT SENDING THE VEHICLE INTO A COUNTERCLOCKWISE SPIN, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE HIT A LAMPOST.NLM
NHTSA complaint #785469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LINE FAILED WHERE BRAIDED LINE MEETS SOLID BRASS LINE. HAS HAPPENED IN MANY OTHER CARS OF THIS MODEL RELATIVE TO THE TOTAL NUMBER SOLD.
NHTSA complaint #721260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palo Alto, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FAILURE IS WHERE HOSE FROM FILTER IS PRESS FIT TO METAL FUEL LINE
NHTSA complaint #713966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE FAILED FUEL LINE WAS CUT OFF AND REPLACED WITH FUEL INJECTION HOSE AND CLAMPS.BY MY AUDI TRAINED MECHANIC. THIS REPAIR WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL AND THE FUEL BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN ON APRIL 1, 1999. I CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICAN AT THE ADVISE OF THE AUDI S CAR INTERNET WEBSITE. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAD POSTED THE SAME PROBLEM. AOA INTERVENED AND THE REPAIR WAS MADE AT NO COST BY SCHAUMBURG AUDI IN ILLINOIS.
NHTSA complaint #713398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE FUEL LINE FAILURE OCCURS INCHES FROM THE TURBO, CREATING A DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD!
NHTSA complaint #712261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ferndale, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LINE LEAK...NOTICED FAINT FUEL SMELL ON MORNING OF 6/5/99 (COLD WEATHER THAT MORNING).. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND BY SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DEALER ABOUT IT, BUT I KNOW THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #712129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southampton, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
PLEASE SEE WEB SITE S-CARS.ORG F.A.Q RE LEAKING FUEL LINES.
NHTSA complaint #712161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #712115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclean, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
METAL FUEL LINE LEAKING ONTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF VEHICLE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #547760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinsdale, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOT OF VIBRATION IN FRONT END. ABS BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING/LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. ALSO, FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD SMOKE COMING FROM IT. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE ROTORS AND REAR CALIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #834585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinsdale, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BOUGHT THE CAR FROM MY MOTHER WHO BOUGHT IT NEW JANUARY 1993 FROM HIGHLAND PARK AUDI, HIGHLAND PARK IL. NO SPECIFIC DEFECT CITED IN THE SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #703049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinsdale, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOT OF VIBRATION IN FRONT END. ABS BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING/LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. ALSO, FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD SMOKE COMING FROM IT. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE ROTORS AND REAR CALIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #834585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.