2007 Audi S4 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2007 Audi S4
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 20 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2009 Audi S4 earns a 65.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine timing chain system (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2007 Audi S4?
The 2007 Audi S4 presents a compelling blend of luxury and performance for its price, but it comes with significant caveats. Its notorious timing chain guide issue elevates its risk profile considerably, making it a financial gamble for all but the most prepared enthusiasts. This isn't a purchase for the faint of heart or light of wallet; proceed only with extensive due diligence and a substantial repair fund.
The 2007 Audi S4, despite its intoxicating V8 engine and Quattro prowess, is an exceedingly risky proposition unless the timing chain service has been definitively performed. Its Achilles' heel, coupled with other expensive common issues like DRC failure and carbon buildup, means it demands a huge financial safety n…
Best Model Years
None in the B6/B7 (V8) generation are truly 'best' due to the consistent timing chain issue. Later B8+ S4 models with the supercharged V6 are significantly more reliable.
Years to Avoid
All 2004-2008 Audi S4 models (B6 and B7 generations) with the 4.2L V8 engine should be approached with extreme caution, unless proof of timing chain service is available.
Biggest Strengths
- Potent V8 engine performance and sound
- Sophisticated Quattro all-wheel drive system
- High-quality interior materials and finish
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2007 Audi S4, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The plastic timing chain guides, located at the rear of the engine, are prone to premature wear. When they fail, the chain can stretch, jump timing, or even break, leading to catastrophic engine damage (bent valves, piston damage) requir…
The hydraulic interconnected suspension system is prone to leaks from the shocks or hydraulic lines. This results in a compromised ride, poor handling, and requires expensive replacement of DRC components, often in pairs or the entire sy…
Like many direct-injection engines of this era, the 4.2L V8 is susceptible to carbon deposits on the intake valves. This reduces airflow, leading to misfires, rough idle, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy. Requires periodic manua…
2007 Audi S4 Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2007 Audi S4 most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Warning Zone
At this mileage, the car is still relatively new, but drivers might start noticing very early signs of carbon buildup affecting performance or rough idling. It's also a common interval for the first brake service.
Maintenance & Assessment Zone
This mileage often brings about the need for major service items like spark plugs and accessory belt changes. It's also where wear-and-tear items like control arm bushings begin to show their age, impacting ride quality and requiring att…
Elevated Risk Zone
At 90,000 miles, the dreaded timing chain guide wear becomes a much more serious concern, potentially manifesting as a faint rattle on cold startup. DRC suspension leaks are highly probable, and the frequency of electrical gremlins or fl…
High Risk & Project Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, a 2007 S4 without documented timing chain service is a highly risky proposition. Wear on all major components compounds, and the vehicle will likely require significant investment to remain reliable. Expect multiple…
2007 Audi S4 Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2007 Audi S4 on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$1,000-2,000 (excluding major repairs)
Moderate Repairs
$1,500-3,000 per year (for items like DRC, control arms, carbon cleaning)
How Long Does the 2007 Audi S4 Last?
Be extremely wary of any 2007 S4 approaching or exceeding 70,000 miles without documented timing chain service. Higher mileage examples are best considered 'project cars' for enthusiasts with deep mechanical knowledge and resources.
What 2007 Audi S4 Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Fantastic V8 exhaust note and engine character that is increasingly rare.
- Quattro AWD provides exceptional grip and all-weather confidence.
- Premium interior materials and solid build quality create a luxurious cabin.
- Strong performance makes it a surprisingly fast and engaging daily driver.
Common Frustrations
- Constant anxiety over the timing chain issue significantly detracts from ownership experience.
- Very high maintenance and repair costs, even for routine items.
- Poor fuel economy due to the V8 engine.
- DRC suspension failures are a common and expensive frustration.
Who Should Buy the 2007 Audi S4?
Best For
- Experienced Audi enthusiasts with a substantial dedicated repair budget.
- DIY mechanics comfortable with complex, engine-out Audi repairs.
- Collectors looking for a specific V8 era Audi and willing to mitigate known flaws.
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable luxury performance car.
- Anyone needing a highly reliable, low-maintenance daily driver.
How the 2007 Audi S4 Compares to Rivals
While offering similar performance and luxury to its German rivals, the 2007 S4 carries a significantly higher catastrophic failure risk than many peers, placing it in a category of its own for potential ownership headaches.
More Reliable Than
- Some early 2000s Maserati models (e.g., 4200 GT)
- Certain modified/tuned high-strung European sports sedans
Comparable To
- BMW E46 M3 (different issues, similar high maintenance/repair costs)
- Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG (less catastrophic engine risk, but still complex)
- Volvo S60R (different issues, but high complexity for its class)
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2007 Audi S4?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Audi S4 by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Audi S4. Click any year for its full report.
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