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Audi · Mid-Size · 2016–2024

Audi S4 B9

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

354 PS

3.0L TFSI V6 Benzin

354 hp company car — objectively fast, subjectively empty

Fun to Drive!

Body Variants

The Audi S4 B9 is available as Limousine and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi S4 B9 is available with 4 engine variants — from 340 to 354 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner· 354 PS
2016 2018
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
S4 · Benziner· 354 PS
2016 2018
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 341–347 PS Engine Change
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2019 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
S4 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 341–347 PS Engine Change
2019 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2019 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Audi S4 (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 341–347 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DTPA (2019–2024, Be Careful) und DTNS (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The Audi S4 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 341–347 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DTPA (2019–2024, Be Careful) und DTNS (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S4!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: Rear Axle Stress Corrosion Cracking (42L1/42L5)

Recall 42L1/42L5: Stress corrosion cracking in the rear trailing arm can increase play. Affected: build years 2019–2021. Missing wheel alignment after the initial recall caused severe rear tyre wear.

Symptoms: Heavy uneven tyre wear at the rear, air loss from rear tyres in advanced cases
Low
Recall: Seat Heater Wiring — Front Passenger Airbag Deactivated (74E3)

Recall 74E3 for S4 B9 (build years 2018–2020): a seat heater wiring fault can cause an occupancy sensor error and deactivate the front passenger airbag.

Low
!AdBlue System: Injector Nozzle and Pump Failure (TDI)

On the S4 B9 TDI, AdBlue injector nozzles can block through crystallisation or the urea pump can fail. After a fault message, a countdown to engine lock-out begins.

Symptoms: 'AdBlue Fault' warning, countdown to engine lock-out after 1,000 km, fault code P202A or P204E
from 100,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
27 complaints · 2016–2024
Electrical
15
Backup Camera/Sensors
9
Other
6
Engine
5
Brakes
2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (15 complaints)
Backup Camera/Sensors (9 complaints)
Other (6 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S4 B9 (2016–2024) — 19 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Suspension, Brakes.

S4 (CWGD, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production), Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System, 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift). Power: 354 PS.

S4 (DTPA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Low oil pressure from variable oil pump, Camshaft breakage (material defect), Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system). Power: 341–347 PS.

S4 (DTNS, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear and tensioner failure, Camshaft fracture due to material defect, Coolant loss from defective control valves. Power: 341–347 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi S4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S4 B9 have? +
The Audi S4 B9 has 19 known engine weaknesses and 15 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S4 B9? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6), DTPA (3.0L TDI V6), DTNS (3.0L TDI V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6).
Which Audi S4 B9 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S4 B9 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Fast, quiet, completely sterile. Active Sound from the speakers instead of real V6 noise, steering that informs but never communicates, AWD that delivers traction without ever being noticed. Objectively better than the B7 at everything except making you feel something. The right car for a fast commute — the wrong car for a driving experience.
Is the Audi S4 B9 worth buying used? +
The Audi S4 B9 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S4 B9? +
The Audi S4 B9 is available with engine variants from 340 to 354 hp. Petrol: CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6). Diesel: DTPA (3.0L TDI V6), DTNS (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee