Vehicle Guide

2019 Audi S4 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2019 Audi S4, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2019 Audi S4 is a compact luxury sport sedan that blends everyday comfort with serious performance, making it ideal for drivers who want an all-weather daily driver that still feels quick and premium. It sits above the A4 in Audi’s lineup, adding a stronger engine, sport-tuned hardware, and more aggressive styling without giving up practicality. The 2019 model continues the B9-generation S4 (introduced for 2018 in the U.S. with the turbo V6), focusing on refined power delivery and upscale tech. In the segment, it’s a direct rival to the BMW M340i/340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and sporty trims of the Genesis G70.

Key Features

- 3.0L turbocharged V6 (TFSI) with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic; quick acceleration with strong midrange pull. - Standard quattro all-wheel drive for confident traction in rain and snow, plus composed handling for spirited driving. - Sport-focused chassis upgrades over the A4, including larger brakes and performance tuning; available adaptive damping (depending on package) to balance comfort and control. - Driver-focused interior with premium materials, supportive sport seats, and Audi tech features such as available Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. - Strong daily usability for a performance sedan: four doors, a usable rear seat for adults, and a practical trunk for commuting or weekend trips.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2019 Audi S4 reliability and 2019 Audi S4 common issues will find that many owners report a solid overall experience, but there are a few patterns worth knowing before purchase. 1) Water pump/thermostat housing coolant leaks: Some owners report coolant loss or a sweet smell from the engine bay, sometimes appearing in the 30,000–70,000 mile range. Leaks can come from plastic housings and seals, and ignoring it can lead to overheating risks. A pre-purchase inspection should include a careful check for dried coolant residue and pressure-test results. 2) Electronic glitches and sensor faults: Like many modern Audis, the S4 can see intermittent warnings from driver-assistance sensors, infotainment bugs, or electrical gremlins (parking sensors, camera errors, or sporadic warning lights). These may happen at relatively low mileage and can sometimes be resolved with software updates, recalibration, or module replacement depending on the fault. 3) Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection): The 3.0T uses direct injection, which can contribute to intake valve deposits over time. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced throttle response, or misfires, more commonly as mileage climbs (often 60,000+ miles, depending on driving habits). Walnut blasting or professional cleaning can restore performance when buildup becomes significant. 4) Suspension/steering wear and tire consumption: Performance alignment specs and spirited driving can accelerate tire wear, and some owners note clunks or wear from control arm bushings/links as mileage increases. It’s not unique to the S4, but it can add to running costs if maintenance is deferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

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