DecodedCars2013 Audi S4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quttro/Premium
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,847 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 19% below the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Audi S4 is a compact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,847 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 19% worse than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 S4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 S4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quttro/Premium | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,847 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -19% | $3,900 | 413 |
| S4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -23% | $4,100 | 439 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Audi S4.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi S4 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags · Oct 24, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V667000 · 101,938 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2013 Audi S4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Audi S4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 5 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Audi S4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 S4 | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 S4 | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
| 2019 S4 | 24 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 S4 | 24 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2016 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2012 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →