2009 Audi S4 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2009 Audi S4
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2010 Audi S4 earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine timing chain system (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2009 Audi S4?
The 2009 Audi S4 is a potent performance sedan, delivering an intoxicating V8 soundtrack and quattro grip that few rivals can match. However, it carries a significant inherent risk with its 4.2L FSI engine's timing chain system, making it a high-stakes purchase for anyone not prepared for potentially catastrophic repair costs. This car demands a meticulous buyer with a substantial maintenance budget.
Biggest Strengths
- Engaging V8 performance and sound
- Sophisticated quattro all-wheel drive
- Premium interior quality and understated luxury
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2009 Audi S4. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
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 2009 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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Frequently Asked Questions
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