2001 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2001 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Audi S4 has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Driver Airbag Inflator May Deploy Improperly (Recall 21V470 / 69CJ), 2.7T Timing Belt Service Is Mandatory - Interference Engine Destroys Itself if the Belt or Tensioner Lets Go ($1,100-$2,000 repair) and 2.7T Biturbo Turbocharger Failure from Undersized, Coking Oil Feed and Return Lines ($2,500-$7,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $800 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Audi S4 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Driver Airbag Inflator May Deploy Improperly (Recall 21V470 / 69CJ), 2.7T Timing Belt Service Is Mandatory - Interference Engine Destroys Itself if the Belt or Tensioner Lets Go, 2.7T Biturbo Turbocharger Failure from Undersized, Coking Oil Feed and Return Lines. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2001 Audi S4 has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Driver Airbag Inflator May Deploy Improperly (Recall 21V470 / 69CJ) and 2.7T Timing Belt Service Is Mandatory - Interference Engine Destroys Itself if the Belt or Tensioner Lets Go and 2.7T Biturbo Turbocharger Failure from Undersized, Coking Oil Feed and Return Lines. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi S4 issues range from $800 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Certain 2000-2002 S4 vehicles have a non-azide driver airbag inflator that can absorb moisture and deploy improperly, reducing occupant protection in a crash. Severity: high.
Unlike every later S4, the B5's 2.7T 30V V6 uses a TIMING BELT, and it is an interference design. A snapped belt, a seized tensioner/idler, or a water pump that fails and shreds the belt results in bent valves and, in some cases, cracked pistons - a total engine rebuild. The revi… Repairs typically run $1,100-$2,000. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
On the B5 S4's 2.7L twin-turbo V6 (APB/AGB), the turbocharger oil feed and return lines are too small in diameter to move enough oil through the turbo bearing housings. After a hot shutdown the residual oil bakes (cokes) inside the lines, progressively restricting flow until the… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
The B5 S4 uses a multi-link front suspension with four control arms per side, and both the rubber bushings and the integrated ball joints are known short-life items - a problem noted even on relatively fresh cars and now universal given the fleet's age. The rubber compound harden… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
