2002 Audi S4 Reliability ReportKeepScore 45/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2002 Audi S4
- Scores 17 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2004 Audi S4 earns a 62.
- The system most likely to surface first: turbocharger system (critical severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
2002 Audi S4: Buy or Avoid?
The 2002 Audi S4 is a high-performance, enthusiast-focused vehicle that carries significant risk due to its complex twin-turbocharged engine. While offering exhilarating performance and quattro AWD, owners must be prepared for substantial maintenance and repair costs, particularly around the critical turbocharger systems. This is not a vehicle for the faint of heart or those on a strict budget; expect to invest heavily in its upkeep.
Biggest Strengths
- Potent 2.7T V6 engine (when healthy)
- Excellent quattro all-wheel-drive system
- Robust 01E manual transmission (if equipped)
2002 Audi S4 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2002 Audi S4. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2002 Audi S4
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
What breaks on the 2002 Audi S4?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Audi S4 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Audi S4. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2002s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2002 Audi S4
Parts and accessories matched to your 2002 Audi S4
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Frequently Asked Questions
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