NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi S4 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi S4 scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For a vehicle in its class, the 2019 Audi S4 presents as a notably strong safety performer. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 places it firmly in the Exceptional band. This high assessment is supported by a remarkably clean defect record, with federal data showing only one recall issued and a mere two owner complaints reported to NHTSA.
The 2019 Audi S4 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi S4 ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi S4?
The 2019 Audi S4 achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100. This score is significantly influenced by a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70. This reflects the 5 out of 5-star rollover test result, and the absence of deductions for frontal and side crash categories that NHTSA did not test. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10 points. This is due to standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control; the optional status of lane departure warning accounts for the slight reduction from a perfect score in this area. The defect record sub-score stands at 19 out of 20, based on a single seat-related recall, part of a larger multi-model campaign, and only two owner complaints. This minimal recall and complaint history is notable for a vehicle seven years into the used market. The combination of a strong defect record and robust standard safety technology positions the 2019 Audi S4 favorably in the safety metrics MotorCaliber evaluates.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi S4 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA did not conduct frontal or side crash-test ratings for the 2019 Audi S4, leaving those protection levels unassessed. The only dimension for which data exists is rollover, where the S4 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This result was based on a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13697
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi S4 have any recalls?
The 2019 Audi S4 carries one recall campaign, covering seats. Volkswagen Group of America (Audi) issued this action encompassing certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, and 2019 RS5 Sportback vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the data on file. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
SEATS21V874000
Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Reported 2021-11-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi S4?
NHTSA has received two unverified owner complaints against the 2019 Audi S4. Alleged problem areas include the Engine, Service Brakes, and Lane Departure system, each cited once. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in those reports. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi S4?
Shoppers considering a used 2019 Audi S4 should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the seat recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a 7-year-old vehicle is the primary safety-documentation concern to resolve before purchase.
- The 2019 Audi S4 scored a perfect 70 out of 70 on crash protection within the MotorCaliber index, anchored by a 5-star NHTSA rollover rating and a 10 percent rollover risk figure.
- NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to this specific model year, meaning those protection dimensions remain untested rather than rated low.
- The one recall on record targets seats and spans a broad Volkswagen Group campaign covering multiple Audi models from 2017 through 2020, making VIN-level verification of remedy completion essential for used-market buyers.
- Forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard on the 2019 S4, while lane departure warning is listed as optional, a distinction that contributes to the avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi S4 places
The 2019 Audi S4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi S4 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi S4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi S4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi S4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi S4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi S4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Audi S4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi S4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi S4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other S4 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 75d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13697), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S4 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 5 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.