Makes›Audi›S4›2010

2010 Audi S4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Audi S4
Pictured: 2018 Audi S4 3.0T Premium Plus in Daytona Gray Pearl, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD
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
3,373 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 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 3,373 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2010

  • New body dimensions: 4.3 in longer, wheelbase +6.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 16 to 21

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 S4 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD185 in72 in56.3 in110.6 in61 / 60.6 in3,373 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S43.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S7)All-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 21-11%$3,900423
S43.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-11%$3,900423
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.6 MPG2010 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Audi S4 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Audi S4 (this car)21 MPGNot rated0
2010 BMW 3 Series27 MPGNot rated2
2010 BMW 5 Series22 MPGNot rated7
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class21 MPGNot rated0
2010 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated8
2010 Audi A426 MPGNot rated0
2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class21 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Audi S4.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Audi S4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

39Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
67,455 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train34
Electrical System5
Engine3
Unknown Or Other2
Service Brakes2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/10: 116/01: 116/03: 116/04: 116/06: 316/08: 316/09: 216/11: 117/01: 117/03: 117/04: 117/05: 117/09: 117/10: 117/12: 118/08: 118/09: 119/02: 119/05: 219/07: 219/08: 119/10: 120/04: 225/09: 115/1016/0416/0917/0317/0918/0819/0519/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Audi S4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Power Train — 34 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,455 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Audi S4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other S4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 S424187.8 inNot rated00
2024 S424187.8 inNot rated00
2023 S424187.8 inNot rated00
2022 S424187.8 inNot rated11
2021 S423187.8 inNot rated42
2020 S423187.8 inNot rated317
2019 S424186.2 inNot rated12
2018 S424186.2 inNot rated27
2016 S421185 inNot rated00
2015 S421185 inNot rated11
2014 S421185 inNot rated117
2013 S421185 inNot rated115

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →