2011 Audi S4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2011 Audi S4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

157 owners

On the 2010-2017 Audi S4 EA837, the Eaton supercharger on the B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T develops worn nose cone bearings over time, causing a whining or grinding noise that increases with RPM. Failure can lead to supercharger seizure.

Common Symptoms

Whining noise from engine bay
Grinding at high RPM
Supercharger belt squealing
Reduced boost pressure
Metal shavings in oil
Loss of power

How to Fix

Replace supercharger nose cone bearing assembly. Aftermarket upgraded bearing kits are available and recommended.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 157+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeSupercharger Snout Rebuild Kit (JHM #JHM-SC-SNOUT)
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Typical repair cost:$600 - $2,500

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157+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence157 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

184 owners

On the 2010-2017 Audi S4 3.0T, the direct-injected 3.0T supercharged V6 in the S4 accumulates carbon deposits on intake valves. The six-cylinder layout means more surface area for deposits. Power loss and rough running develop gradually after 50,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Audi A5, Audi A6 allroad, Audi A7

Common Symptoms

Rough idle
Reduced power
Misfires on cold start
Hesitation
Check engine light
Uneven idle

How to Fix

Walnut blast intake valves. Consider a catch can installation to slow re-accumulation.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 184+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeCarbon Cleaning Walnut Blast Kit (CRC #05319)
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Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,000

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184+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence184 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

107 owners

On the 2010-2025 Audi S4 3.0T, the plastic thermostat housing on the S4 3.0T is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing sits at the rear of the engine making leaks hard to spot until coolant loss is significant.

This issue also affects: Audi A5, Audi A6 allroad, Audi A7

Common Symptoms

Coolant loss without visible leak
Overheating warning
Sweet smell from engine bay
Coolant puddle under rear of engine
Temperature gauge fluctuation
Low coolant warning

How to Fix

Replace thermostat housing assembly with updated part. Use OEM or quality aftermarket housing with metal reinforcement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 107+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeThermostat Assembly (Wahler #410671.103D)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

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107+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence107 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #22V80600026/10/2022

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V60600005/08/2021

TIRES

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Campaign #22V03400026/01/2022

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Campaign #21V29500026/04/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #22V74200005/10/2022

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S4 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 448+ owner reports, the 2011-2011 Audi S4 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure, 3.0T Intake Valve Carbon Buildup, Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S4 reliable?

The 2011-2011 Audi S4 has 3 known issues documented across 448+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure. 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S4 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi S4 issues range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure, typically costs $600-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S4 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure?

The Eaton supercharger on the B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T develops worn nose cone bearings over time, causing a whining or grinding noise that increases with RPM. Failure can lead to supercharger seizure. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S4 3.0T Intake Valve Carbon Buildup?

The direct-injected 3.0T supercharged V6 in the S4 accumulates carbon deposits on intake valves. The six-cylinder layout means more surface area for deposits. Power loss and rough running develop gradually after 50,000 miles. Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 Audi S4 Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak?

The plastic thermostat housing on the S4 3.0T is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing sits at the rear of the engine making leaks hard to spot until coolant loss is significant. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

2011 Audi S4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2010-2017 Audi S4: 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2010-2017 Audi S4: 3.0T Intake Valve Carbon Buildup#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2010-2025 Audi S4: Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Audi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S4 problems?

Is the Audi S4 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S4 problems?

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S4 3.0T Supercharger Nose Bearing Failure?

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S4 3.0T Intake Valve Carbon Buildup?

What is the 2010-2025 Audi S4 Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak?