Transmission fail while driving and stationary at traffic light. Main DTC: P179F00 - Drive sensor position: malfunction Additional DTC: P179E00 - Drive sensor position: electrical malfunction ABS: 00473 Parking brake: U111300 TCM: 01315 This situation occurred 3 times in the past 3 weeks while driving or being stationary at a traffic light. Event triggers loud warning sounds, red flashing lights/icons in dashboard, total loss of power while engine still running. At this time, this problem creates highly dangerous driving conditions with random total loss of power. The situation is temporarily remedied if engine is shut off and restarted.
The worst 2013 Audi S4 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering19
- Transmission9
- Engine4
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering19
- Transmission9
- Engine4
- Electrical2
Recalls 1
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Audi A4 and S4 vehicles manufactured February 16, 2012, to October 21, 2014, and 2013-2015 Audi Allroad vehicles manufactured March 12, 2012, to October 21, 2014. Due to an improper algorithm in the air bag control module, if a crash necessitates deployment of the side air bags, a second impact to the front of the vehicle may not command the front air bags to also deploy.
- Risk
- If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑822‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69K5.
Recall number 14V667000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Audi S4 882
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 informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This bulletin provides information to aid in diagnosing the vehicle locking system.
- This bulletin provides information when the engine is not runing smoothly; all gas engines.
- This bulletin provides information on VIN plates, Safety Certification labels, and ordering procedures.
- This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has...
- This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
2013 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 | 17-18 | 26-28 | 20-21 |
What 2013 Audi S4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Engine mount failure at 60,000 miles
At times Vehicle suddenly loses power and displays “transmission malfunction:you may continue driving” but then fails to accelerate to or maintain highway speeds. Other times when vehicle is stopped in traffic the transmission delays engaging when pressing in the accelerator and thus causes an unexpected delay to movement or if on an incline will roll backwards.
My MMI 5F module went out right after an oil change service on Nov 12, 2022 I called them as soon as I got home to inform Leader automotive in Normal Il. I was told I would not be able to be seen until January 5 2023 at 1:pm. I then called back a few days later and was able to move that appointment to Dec 16 at 10:00am. I paid $179.11for them to inspect and locate the issue: according to leader automotive the 5f module is bad and needs replaced. In my print out it states it is no longer in production. This part # 8RI-035-746-C is my entire control module that controls all my safety sensors, fluid levels, tire pressure, suspension control, navigation, hands free technology etc... I contacted Audi USA via Facebook and asked why the part is no longer in production. Via Instant messenger on Dec 16 2022 I answered all their questions and was told by Audi USA they would get back to me on in 2-3 days. I have heard nothing from them. When you try and call the hold times are 3.5-5 hours. No warning signs that the unit was failing other than the radio would turn on and off. It would not stay on long enough to reset tire pressure etc... after they inspected it it no longer turns on at all. My car is a 2013 Audi S4 that has had all the required maintenance performed by Audi. It has 50K miles on it. Well taken care of. I was told by [XXX] that the part is no longer made. I could search a junk yard to find the part and they will put it in at a cost of $283.50. She also said it sucked that they no longer make the part. I asked if the entire system could be replaced I was told no as she kinda laughed at my question. I asked about the safety of my car now and again she just stated that it sucked for me. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Dsg issues. Clunking when downshifting into 1st / 2nd when stopping. Shift hesitation on upshift as well .
Transmission shifts strange when cold. Acts like it loosed power every shift. Strange clunking as well on slow speeds or number to number traffic. Sometimes it scared me that it will jump forward and hit the car on front of me.
Transmission error, at first says you can continue driving in limp mode but shortly after says put car into park. Got stuck on the road several times in a single 10 mile trip.
Transmission shifts harshly and makes noise during shifts. Was told the mechatronics need replacement. Sometimes when accelerating the car will jolt as if it it loses power momentarily. When merging into traffic in could be dangerous.
Transmission warning indicator on, shift hard
Serious steering issue going on. Entered highway in comfort mode, accelerated and switched lanes to passing lane when suddenly the steering had a tormented moment and decided to steer itself from the 12:00 o'clock to 3:00 o'clock position, while driving at highway speed. This is very dangerous as I had a car on the right of me and my car tried to drive itself into their lane. The steering also has notchiness going on, and has been confirmed by my local dealership, but only at low speeds. This issue is life-threatening and needs to be addressed by audi.
Compare the 2013 Audi S4
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Questions about the 2013 Audi S4
Is the 2013 Audi S4 reliable?
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2013 Audi S4, 1.9 times a typical S4 model year.
What is the 2013 Audi S4 year score?
The 2013 Audi S4 scores 51 out of 100 (below average). 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 2013 Audi S4?
Steering, with 19 complaints, typically around 4,500 miles. Next is transmission (9).
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S4 have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Audi S4 get?
Official estimates for the 2013 Audi S4 range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 17-18 city and 26-28 highway.
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