2021 Audi S4 Safety Report
2021 Audi S4 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Audi S4
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Audi S4. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (2) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Audi S4 with 1 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Audi S4 before buying across this generation. |
Audi S4 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi S4 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi S4 | 16 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 2 | 1 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2018 Audi S4 | 7 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Audi S4 | 1 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Audi S4 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Audi S4, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi S4
Reliability Score
The 2021 Audi S4 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Audi S4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Audi S4
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi S4:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Issue Recalled due to potential loss of power, affecting vehicle performance. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Axle Assembly Recalled for non-powered axle assembly issues, which could affect vehicle stability. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belt Retractor Recalled for potential failure, posing a risk to rear passengers. |
Low | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Tire Recall Recalled for potential issues, affecting related models like the Audi A5 Sportback and RS5 Coupe. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Audi S4:
Issues with the electrical system have been reported, affecting vehicle performance.
Recall Details for the 2021 Audi S4
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi S4 by NHTSA:
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rear...
Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate ear...
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Audi S4
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Audi S4 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 hesitated to restart and shift into gear as intended. The contact stated that the failure had progre...
2021 AUDI S4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-742. THE CONSUMER IS DISGUSTED AND DISATISFIED WITH THE AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMING THE RECALLS.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi S4
Has the 2021 AUDI S4 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 AUDI S4 has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 AUDI S4 have?
The 2021 AUDI S4 has 2 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 AUDI S4?
The 2021 AUDI S4 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 AUDI S4?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 AUDI S4 involve electrical system (1 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2021 AUDI S4 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 AUDI S4 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 AUDI S4 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 AUDI S4 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 AUDI S4?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI S4.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 AUDI S4?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI S4.
Should I buy a 2021 AUDI S4?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 AUDI S4 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 2 complaints, 4 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 AUDI S4?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 AUDI S4 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 AUDI S4?
Be aware of recalls and ensure your 2021 Audi S4 is up to date with all necessary repairs and updates. The 2021 AUDI S4 has 2 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 AUDI S4?
The 2021 AUDI S4 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 2 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System Issue and Rear Axle Assembly.
What are the known issues with the 2021 AUDI S4?
Known issues with the 2021 AUDI S4 include: Electrical System Issue, Rear Axle Assembly, Seat Belt Retractor, Tire Recall. These are based on patterns found across 2 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the main safety concerns with the 2021 Audi S4?
Main concerns include electrical system issues, rear axle assembly problems, seat belt retractors, and tire recalls.
Has the 2021 Audi S4 experienced any power loss issues?
Yes, some owners have reported experiencing a loss of power, which could be related to the electrical system recall.
What should I do if I own a 2021 Audi S4?
Check for recalls and ensure your vehicle is up to date with all necessary repairs and updates.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls and ensure your 2021 Audi S4 is up to date with all necessary repairs and updates.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi S4
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi S4. The data includes 2 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13