Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ
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The worst 2010 Audi S4 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission42
- Engine15
- Electrical6
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Lights2
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Audi S4
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Audi S4 680
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Speed S-tronic, leaks from transmission
- This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
- This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the...
- This bulletin provides information when, after replacing the mechatronic unit/gearbox, the engine only...
- This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
- This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
2010 Audi S4 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 18 | 27-28 | 21 |
What 2010 Audi S4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Unknown
Once car is put into reverse it launches back ? Also in first one put in cost it wants to move practically forward .
Car slammed into different gear, wasn't able to shift into 2nd and threw gearbox malfunction and TPMS errors. Thankfully I was near home and able to make it there without an accident or being stranded, but my car is now immobile. I spoke with audi and they said it will likely be a $4k repair (mechatronics unit). After researching this more, it seems to be a common problem with these cars. It can happen at any time and can be extremely dangerous. There's also a pending class action lawsuit to get audi to do the right thing and recall these cars and fix them.
My car flashed gearbox malfunction while driving down interstate I-264 in louisville ky. Car seamed fine for about 2 miles and then suddenly went limp and I had no gears. Had to hit flashers and coast into median. Was almost hit by semi truck. Repair shop could not find anything wrong. Happened again 1 day after getting it back from shop. Taking it to audi now. I have read that this is a common problem.
Mechatronic issues.
The whole car jerked when going to 2nd gear and then thetpms, no reverse, and gear malfunction lights comes on. 2nd, 4th, 6th, and reverse gear are gone. Restarting the car cleared the warning and drove fine for 10 miles before it happens again. Try restarting again to clear the warning but light will come back on when going to 2nd or reverse.
Gearbox failure seems to be common issue on the 2010 model. Seems a replacement mechatronics unit or full transmission will need to be done to resolve the issue.
It happened again today driving down the highway going up to speed, at about 50 MPH I got a "gearbox malfunction" error message in the cluster and it would not let me accelerate anymore, it was like the car was in neutral and pressing the accelerator pedal would just rev up the engine. The mechatronics unit on these vehicles are faulty, I know 2 other s4 owners with the years of 2011 and 2012 who also had their mechatronics fail on their s4. Along with the gearbox malfunction error also comes "parking brake error" who knows what in the world can happen when that message comes up. Is it going to suddenly apply the electronic parking brake going 50-70 MPH down the highway and cause a possibility of a very bad accident? The repair is very pricey for the mechatronic unit that goes bad, it is no coincidence many of these s4 models have these go bad.
Vehicle was in motion, the mechatronics unit on my car is failing and just many many other vehicles of the same make, model, and year. The vehicle can stop engaging gears at any speed and can be very dangerous at any speed, especially on the highway
Transmission failure. Lurching from a stop and lurching during shift changes.
Compare the 2010 Audi S4
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Questions about the 2010 Audi S4
Is the 2010 Audi S4 reliable?
Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 2010 Audi S4, 3.5 times a typical S4 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2010 Audi S4 year score?
The 2010 Audi S4 scores 30 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi S4: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Audi S4?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 42 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles. Next is engine (15).
How many recalls does the 2010 Audi S4 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Audi S4 have bad transmission?
The Audi S4 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (42 complaints), 2011 (22 complaints) and 2012 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Audi S4 get?
Official estimates for the 2010 Audi S4 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 18 city and 27-28 highway.
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