Audi S4, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2018 Audi S4 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2018 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
2
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
7
Latest campaign
Nov 10, 2021

Recall summary by component2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Seats1Nov 10, 2021
21V874000
Air bags1Jul 24, 2019
19V547000

Safety recalls2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Nov 10, 2021Latest campaign
Nov 10, 202121V874000

Seats

A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V874000
What's wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V874000 · Nov 10, 2021
Jul 24, 201919V547000

Air bags: frontal passenger side

A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 19V547000
What's wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
Campaign
NHTSA 19V547000 · Jul 24, 2019
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Audi recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component7

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
7Complaints filed
0Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
0Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Engine457000
Suspension114000
Service brakes114000
Structure114000
Power train114000
Vehicle speed control114000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Engine

    “Water pump defect for the 3.0L ea839 turbo engine found across many Porsche and Audi models. Defect causes damage to vacuum lines, thermostat, and can eventually lead to engine failure if not resolved.”

    Filed 06/06/2025 · ODI 11665383
  • Engine

    “My 2018 Audi S4 has a catastrophic engine failure issue and this is common with the EA839 engine.”

    Filed 03/13/2025 · ODI 11648098
  • Engine

    “PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.”

    Filed 04/07/2024 · ODI 11581607

Other Audi S4 model years

All years: 2021 · 2020 · 2018 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2002 · 2001 · 2000

Other Audi models

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2018 Audi S4 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi S4 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi S4. The most recent, 21V874000 (reported November 10, 2021), concerns seats. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Audi S4?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 4 complaints out of 7 filed with NHTSA (57%). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2018 Audi S4?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Audi recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Audi dealer.

Check a specific Audi by VIN

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