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2016 Audi S4 Problems: 5 Known Issues

2016 model year · 107+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 107+ owner reports, the 2016 Audi S4 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode ($1,800-$7,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak with 107 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S4 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 107+ owner reports, the 2016 Audi S4 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode, Thermostat Housing Failure and Coolant Leak, Carbon Deposits Build Up on the Intake Valves of the Direct-Injected 3.0 TFSI. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S4 reliable?

The 2016 Audi S4 has 5 known issues documented across 107+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode. 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 $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode, typically costs $1,800-$7,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode?

S4s ordered with the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch use the 0B5 (DL501) gearbox, whose mechatronic control unit - the valve body with its integrated solenoids, pressure sensors and TCU - is a documented weak point in high-torque applications like the S4. Failures start as harsh or… Repairs typically run $1,800-$7,000. Severity: high.

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.

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 Carbon Deposits Build Up on the Intake Valves of the Direct-Injected 3.0 TFSI?

The B8/B8.5 S4's 3.0 TFSI is direct-injected: fuel is sprayed into the cylinder rather than over the back of the intake valve, so nothing washes the valve stems clean. Combined with oil vapor routed back through the crankcase ventilation system, hard carbon accumulates on the int… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 Supercharger Coupler (Isolator) Wears Out and Rattles Like a Bag of Marbles?

The B8/B8.5 S4's Eaton TVS roots supercharger drives its rotor pack through a plastic coupler disc between the drive snout and the driven rotor. Over time the drive holes in that plastic coupler elongate and wear, and the slop shows up as a distinct rattling / marbles-in-a-can no… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI PCV / Air-Oil Separator Diaphragm Ruptures, Causing Oil Consumption and a Crankcase Vacuum Leak?

The supercharged 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation module (PCV / air-oil separator) uses an internal diaphragm that hardens and tears. When it does, the engine pulls unmetered air through the crankcase, gives up its ability to control crankcase pressure, and starts drawing oil int… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

2016 Audi S4 Problems: 5 Known Issues

All 5 Known Issues

2010-2016 Audi S4: 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode#

Common Symptoms

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2010-2016 Audi S4: Carbon Deposits Build Up on the Intake Valves of the Direct-Injected 3.0 TFSI#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2010-2016 Audi S4: Supercharger Coupler (Isolator) Wears Out and Rattles Like a Bag of Marbles#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2010-2016 Audi S4: 3.0 TFSI PCV / Air-Oil Separator Diaphragm Ruptures, Causing Oil Consumption and a Crankcase Vacuum Leak#

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

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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 2010-2016 Audi S4 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - Harsh Shifts, Erratic Gear Selection and Limp Mode?

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

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 Carbon Deposits Build Up on the Intake Valves of the Direct-Injected 3.0 TFSI?

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 Supercharger Coupler (Isolator) Wears Out and Rattles Like a Bag of Marbles?

What is the 2010-2016 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI PCV / Air-Oil Separator Diaphragm Ruptures, Causing Oil Consumption and a Crankcase Vacuum Leak?