2001 Audi S4 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2001 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2001 Audi S4 has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are B5 S4 2.7T Timing Chain Guide Failure ($3,000-$6,000 repair) and B5 2.7T Turbocharger Failure ($2,000-$5,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $2,000 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2000-2002 Audi S4 2.7T, the B5 Audi S4 with the 2.7T twin-turbo V6 has timing chain guides that deteriorate, causing chain rattle and eventual timing chain skip. The engine must be removed from the car to replace the chains and guides, making this a very expensive repair.
Common Symptoms
- Timing chain rattle on cold start
- Rattle that fades after warmup
- Check engine light
- Rough running
- Metal debris in oil
How to Fix
Confirm the failure by listening for chain rattle at the rear of the 2.7T heads during cold start, scanning for cam/crank correlation faults, and inspecting the oil/filter for plastic guide fragments or metal debris. The proper repair is engine removal followed by replacement of the cam chain tensioner/guide assemblies, timing chains, chain pads/guides, valve cover and cam seals, and often related timing belt service items while access is available. If the chain has already skipped, cylinder leakdown/compression testing is needed to check for valve damage before reassembly. This is a labor-intensive job that commonly runs about $3,500-$6,500 depending on parts replaced and whether internal engine damage is found.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
- UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
On the 2000-2002 Audi S4 2.7T, the B5 S4 2.7L twin-turbo V6 is notorious for turbo failure due to oil starvation from coked oil feed lines. Both KO3 turbos can fail, with the rear turbo being particularly difficult to access for replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Blue/white smoke
- Loss of boost
- Whining from turbo
- Oil consumption increase
- Check engine light
How to Fix
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeTurbo gasket kit prevents boost leaks and oil seepage at the turbo flanges (Dorman Turbocharger Gasket Kit)
- UpgradeBoost gauge helps monitor turbo performance and catch problems early (AutoMeter Mechanical Boost Gauge)