MODEL
Audi S4
NHTSA safety across every Audi S4 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Audi S4 we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 96. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi S4 is a performance-oriented compact luxury sedan that slots above the standard A4 in Audi's lineup, targeting enthusiasts who want spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Aimed at buyers who prioritize both prestige and performance, the S4 competes in a demanding segment against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
The Audi S4 presents a compelling safety picture across our 2019 to 2025 coverage window, headlined by a perfect NHTSA Safety Index score of 100 out of 100 for the 2023 model year, placing it in the Exceptional band. That is as good as this rating system gets, and it reflects well on Audi's structural engineering for this generation. Rollover resistance earns a full 5 out of 5 stars in the best year of testing, a reassuring result for a low-slung performance sedan. Frontal and side crash ratings are listed as not rated, so shoppers should note that NHTSA's star-based coverage is incomplete for this model, and the overall index carries more weight here than individual category stars. Across nine model years of coverage, the S4 has accumulated 9 recalls, a moderate figure for a vehicle with this much mechanical and electronic complexity. Owner complaints remain remarkably low at just 20 total across the entire covered range, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those filings. It bears repeating that complaints are unverified allegations, but the low volume is still notable. The honest bottom line: the S4's safety data is genuinely strong, particularly the 2023 model year. Shoppers should verify which model year carries full NHTSA star-test coverage before buying.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Audi S4 as one of the more satisfying choices in the compact luxury performance sedan segment, praising its composed ride, strong powertrain, and premium interior execution. Most find it a well-rounded package that balances everyday practicality with genuine driving engagement, though some note the segment is intensely competitive.
- The 2023 Audi S4 achieved a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is the highest rating available in this system.
- NHTSA frontal and side crash star ratings are listed as not rated for the best-tested year, meaning shoppers cannot rely on individual category stars and should weight the overall Safety Index score accordingly.
- Nine recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years, so prospective buyers should run any specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- Owner complaints across the entire covered range total just 20, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those filings, suggesting a relatively quiet complaint history, though all complaints remain unverified allegations.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi S4 with 4 recalls.